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Nuclear Engineering Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer - Senior

Reston, VA · On-site

$108K - $149K/yr

Overview SOSi is seeking a Senior level Nuclear Engineer (Scientific Support). to be part of a ... well as reverse engineering analysis. * You will also conduct facility and vulnerability ...

Nuclear Engineer - Senior

Reston, VA

$108K - $149K/yr

Overview SOSi is seeking a Senior level Nuclear Engineer (Scientific Support). to be part of a ... well as reverse engineering analysis. * You will also conduct facility and vulnerability ...

-- Nuclear Weapon Effects SME (T)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$113K - $135K/yr

MINIMUM SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS:  DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility (TS/SCI)  Masters of Science degree in physics, nuclear engineering, or related discipline from an accredited ...

-- Nuclear Weapon Effects SME (T)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$113K - $135K/yr

MINIMUM SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS: • DoD Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility (TS/SCI) • Masters of Science degree in physics, nuclear engineering, or related discipline from an accredited ...

ENGINEER NUCLEAR 3

Newport News, VA · On-site

$89K - $107K/yr

The position also requires interface with Nuclear Engineering Design and Construction Depts., SUPSHIP-NN, Supply Chain Procurement, as well as NNS Inspection Representatives to resolve issues ...

ENGINEER NUCLEAR 3

Newport News, VA

$89K - $107K/yr

The position also requires interface with Nuclear Engineering Design and Construction Depts., SUPSHIP-NN, Supply Chain Procurement, as well as NNS Inspection Representatives to resolve issues ...

Senior Nuclear Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Supports defense analytical requirements with enhanced scientific engineering research, reverse engineering analysis/ characterizations, facility and vulnerability assessments on foreign nuclear ...

ENGINEER NUCLEAR 3

Newport News, VA

$89K - $107K/yr

The position also requires interface with Nuclear Engineering Design and Construction Depts., SUPSHIP-NN, Supply Chain Procurement, as well as NNS Inspection Representatives to resolve issues ...

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Nuclear Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$25.8K

$104.7K

$148.7K

How much do nuclear engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear engineering in Virginia is $104,689.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,700.00 and $117,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do nuclear engineers get paid well?

Nuclear engineers typically earn competitive salaries, with median annual wages above the national average for engineering occupations. Salaries can vary based on experience, education, location, and industry, with those working in specialized roles or advanced facilities often earning higher pay. Certification and expertise in areas like reactor design or radiation safety can also influence compensation.

Can you make $500,000 as a nuclear engineer?

Nuclear engineers typically earn a median annual salary around $120,000, with top earners in specialized roles or with extensive experience reaching salaries close to $200,000. Earning $500,000 annually is uncommon and usually requires advanced positions, management roles, or working in high-paying industries or locations. Certifications, advanced degrees, and experience can influence earning potential but reaching $500,000 is rare in this field.

What jobs can a nuclear engineer get?

A nuclear engineer can work in power plant design and operation, nuclear safety analysis, radiation protection, research and development, and regulatory agencies. They often work with specialized tools and require knowledge of nuclear physics, engineering principles, and safety protocols. Employment settings include energy production, government laboratories, and manufacturing industries.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In nuclear engineering, salaries of $500,000 or more annually are typically achieved by senior-level professionals with extensive experience, leadership roles, or those working in specialized sectors such as nuclear power plant management, research, or consulting. These positions often require advanced certifications, security clearances, and a strong track record in the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Nuclear Engineering position, and why are they important?

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 is a Nuclear Engineering job?

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 most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineering jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Nuclear Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Nuclear Engineering jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Nuclear Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Engineering job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 18% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,689 per year, or $50.3 per hour.
SUPERVISORY NUCLEAR ENGINEER

$108K/yr

Other

Posted yesterday


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 519 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

You will serve as a SUPERVISORY NUCLEAR ENGINEER in the NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND PLANNING DEPARTMENT, REACTOR ENGINEERING DIVISION (2310) of NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD.Qualifications:Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
  • Extensive experience as a Nuclear Engineer with a broad technical understanding of other branches of engineering and technologies applied to ship construction such as in the areas of mechanical, electrical and structural.
  • Experience in nuclear engineering to provide expert advice and guidance in the functional areas of the branch to include but not limited to shipyard supports systems and temporary services.
  • Experience leading a specialized team of engineers, the incumbent comprehensively manages project execution and personnel administration, including performance evaluations, employee development, and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) compliance.

Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series AND https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Applicants must meet the following basic education requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual:
Successful completion of a professional engineering degree. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree (or higher) in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.
OR
Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration For more information about EI and EIT registration requirements, please visit the National Society of Professional Engineers website at: http://www.nspe.org
OR
Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico The FE examination is not administered by the U. S. Office of Personnel Management. For more information, please visit: http://www.nspe.org/Licensure/HowtoGetLicensed/index.html.
OR
Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and in engineering that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A (above). The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A (above)
OR
Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least one year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily, there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions.
Employment Type: OTHER

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