1

Nuclear Engineering Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer

Lakeland, TN

$86K - $103K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Plainview, TN

$82K - $98K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Riceville, TN

$79K - $95K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Niota, TN

$85K - $102K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Lewisburg, TN

$90K - $108K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Puryear, TN

$78K - $94K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field; advanced degree preferred * 3+ years of experience in ...

Nuclear Engineer

Midtown, TN

$86K - $103K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Sharon, TN

$82K - $98K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Lafayette, TN

$88K - $106K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Ripley, TN

$86K - $103K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Columbia, TN

$89K - $107K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Moscow, TN

$88K - $106K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Arlington, TN

$87K - $105K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Baxter, TN

$83K - $100K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Nuclear Engineer

Franklin, TN

$97K - $116K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely ...

Showing results 41-60

Nuclear Engineering information

See Tennessee salary details

$23.6K

$95.8K

$136.1K

How much do nuclear engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear engineering in Tennessee is $95,839.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,400.00 and $107,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is nuclear engineering?

A Nuclear Engineering job involves the research, design, development, and maintenance of nuclear systems, including reactors, power plants, and radiation applications. Nuclear engineers ensure the safe and efficient use of nuclear energy and radiation in power generation, medical treatments, and industrial applications. They work on reactor safety, radiation shielding, nuclear fuel management, and compliance with regulatory standards. Many nuclear engineers are employed in energy production, while others contribute to medicine, space exploration, and national defense.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in nuclear engineering?

Nuclear engineers typically require a degree in nuclear engineering or a related field, with strong knowledge of physics, mathematics, and safety protocols. Proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) software, reactor simulation tools, and familiarity with NRC regulations or a Professional Engineering (PE) license are often needed. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help individuals excel in multidisciplinary project environments. These abilities are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation and development of nuclear systems.

What are the common career advancement opportunities for nuclear engineers?

Nuclear engineers typically start their careers in entry-level engineering roles focused on system analysis, reactor operation, or project design. With experience, they may advance to supervisory positions, project management, or specialized roles such as reactor licensing and safety analysis. Many nuclear engineers also pursue advanced certifications or graduate degrees to move into research, policy, or senior technical leadership positions. Career progression often depends on technical expertise, leadership abilities, and staying current with industry regulations and advancements.

What jobs can a nuclear engineer get?

A nuclear engineer can work in power plant design and operation, nuclear safety analysis, radiation protection, and research and development. They often work in environments such as nuclear facilities, government agencies, or private industry, utilizing skills in reactor physics, thermodynamics, and regulatory compliance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineering jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Nuclear Engineering jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Nuclear Engineering jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Nuclear Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Engineering job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,839 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Facility Safety Engineer (Nuclear)

GEM Technologies, Inc

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a Facility Safety Engineer (Nuclear) to join our team supporting the Uranium Processing Facility! This position is full-time and will be based out of Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct hazard evaluation studies and accident analyses.
  • Identify safety controls that ensure adequate protection of workers and the public.
  • Perform Unreviewed Safety Question Determinations to determine if federal approval is needed before making changes to operating procedures or facility equipment.
  • Evaluate operational events and new technical information to identify potential nuclear safety issues.
  • Maintain safety basis documentation for nuclear operations via development of document change notices and annual updates.
  • Support projects to design, install, and start up new capabilities and technologies.
  • Develop major modification determinations to identify requirements when making substantial changes to nuclear operations or nuclear facilities.
  • Brief federal counterparts on the safety posture of nuclear operations to include both the scope of hazards analyzed and the safety controls identified.

Requirements
  • Education & Years of Experience - Bachelor's Degree in engineering, mathematics, chemistry, or physics and 5+ years of relevant experience.
  • Citizenship - To be considered, you must be a United States (U.S.) citizen due to the federal nature of the work.
  • Clearance - To be considered, you MUST be able to obtain and maintain a government issued clearance.
  • Candidate MUST have demonstrated an ability in developing, implementing, and maintaining safety basis documentation in accordance with 10 CFR 830, Nuclear Safety Management, and applicable DOE directives and standards.
  • Candidates must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Desired Skills
  • Active DOE "Q" clearance is highly preferred.

About the Site
The Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) is a construction project at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee that is intended to modernize and replace aging facilities for uranium operations. Once complete, UPF will support the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile, naval reactors, and defense nuclear nonproliferation while ensuring the long-term safety, security, and viability of enriched uranium capabilities in the United States. (energy.gov).
ABOUT GEM
GEM Technologies, Inc. (GEM) is an award-winning federal contractor with more than 30 years of experience providing environmental, construction, facility management, and technical services to federal agencies, state and local governments, and commercial organizations. Founded in 1994 as a nuclear engineering firm to support federal operations in East Tennessee, GEM has since expanded into a nationwide, multi-disciplinary provider with over 270 employees and a diverse portfolio of contracts in the environmental, nuclear, and defense sectors. Some reasons to join GEM are:
  • Our philosophy - We believe in the power of effective collaboration and recognize that good partnerships are the building blocks to success.
  • Our relationships - Partnering with federal clients, we solve complex problems, exceed expectations, and advance critical missions.
  • Our team - We are committed to managing a cohesive workforce and cultivating a supportive workplace for our employees on contracts and in-office.
  • Our community involvement - Supporting our communities, we invest time and money in local schools and non-profit organizations.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
GEM's offered compensation is dependent on candidates' education, qualifications, and relevant years of experience. To recruit and retain our exceptional staff, we offer the opportunity to elect benefit packages that best suit our employee's needs; this includes, but is not limited to, a competitive Salary, Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (including HSA & PPO options), Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, and a matching 401(k) Retirement Plan.
Please Note: With the exception of mandated state requirements, GEM does not publish salary information on external job boards; as such, most ranges listed are estimates made by vendors and not actual salary ranges.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
GEM Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.