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Nuclear Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN ยท On-site

$94K - $112K/yr

Collaborate with operations and engineering teams to integrate criticality safety requirements into process design. Advanced Nuclear Systems Analysis * Support modeling and evaluation of advanced ...

Nuclear Engineer

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$84K - $101K/yr

This position will be responsible for executing assignments concerned with Nuclear Engineering. This position has technical responsibility for evaluating, selecting and interpreting standard ...

Nuclear Engineer

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$84K - $101K/yr

This position will be responsible for executing assignments concerned with Nuclear Engineering. This position has technical responsibility for evaluating, selecting and interpreting standard ...

Nuclear Engineer

Knoxville, TN ยท On-site

$94K - $112K/yr

This position will be responsible for executing assignments concerned with Nuclear Engineering. This position has technical responsibility for evaluating, selecting and interpreting standard ...

Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

This may include nuclear engineering areas such as radiation shielding, criticality safety, accident dose consequence, reactor physics modeling and design, transient analysis, and radiation detection.

Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

This may include nuclear engineering areas such as radiation shielding, criticality safety, accident dose consequence, reactor physics modeling and design, transient analysis, and radiation detection.

Nuclear Engineer

Lansing, MI ยท On-site

$89K - $107K/yr

Niowave is an engineering playground where you will be engaged in supporting processes across multiple major programs that have a direct impact on cancer patient survival. The Nuclear Engineer ...

Nuclear Engineer - Sr

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$104K - $124K/yr

Professional Engineering Description Nalley Consulting has an outstanding opportunity for a Nuclear Engineer to support on-going research and development efforts and develop new business in ...

Nuclear Engineer - Sr

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$104K - $124K/yr

Professional Engineering Description Nalley Consulting has an outstanding opportunity for a Nuclear Engineer to support on-going research and development efforts and develop new business in ...

Nuclear Engineer - Mid

Reston, VA ยท On-site

$102K - $122K/yr

Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, engineering technologies, or a physical science field. Qualifications: Supports defense analytical requirements with enhanced scientific / engineering ...

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Nuclear Engineering information

See salary details

$26K

$105.6K

$150K

How much do nuclear engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear engineering in the United States is $105,594.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $118,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Nuclear Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Nuclear Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Nuclear Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Nuclear Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,594 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Nuclear Engineer

Standard Nuclear, Inc.

Oak Ridge, TN โ€ข On-site

$94K - $112K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Location:ย Oak Ridge, TN ย 

Schedule:ย Full-Timeย 

Standard Nuclear is fueling America's nuclear renaissance at industrial scale. Our mission is to deliver the essential building blocks of nuclear power-enabling cost-effective, safe, and secure energy for the world.ย 

The Nuclear Engineer is responsible for identifying, engaging, and hiring high-quality talent to support Standard Nuclear's engineering, manufacturing, and operational growth. This role partners closely with hiring managers to understand technical requirements, develop sourcing strategies, and manage candidates through the full recruiting lifecycle.ย 

This is a hands-on recruiting role focused on building pipelines for specialized technical positions in a competitive market. The Technical Recruiter will proactively source candidates, assess qualifications, and drive hiring processes fromย initialย outreach through offer acceptance. The role requiresย strong communicationย skills, attention to detail, and the ability toย representย the company effectively to candidates.ย 

RESPONSIBILITIESย 

Radiation Transport & Reactor Physics Analysisย 

  • Develop, run, andย validateย radiation transport and reactor physics models using industry-standard tools such as SCALE, MCNP, Serpent, or equivalent software.ย 
  • Perform neutronics, shielding, dose, and activation analyses to support system design and safety evaluations.ย 
  • Interpret simulation results and provide engineering recommendations to inform design decisions.ย 

Criticality Safety & Fuel Manufacturing Supportย 

  • Conduct criticality safety calculations and analyses for advanced fuel manufacturing modules and material handling scenarios.ย 
  • Support development and review of safety analyses related to fissile material processing and fuel fabrication.ย 
  • Collaborate with operations and engineering teams to integrate criticality safety requirements into process design.ย 

Advanced Nuclear Systems Analysisย 

  • Support modeling and evaluation of advanced nuclear systems, including propulsion and power applications, through detailed simulation and analysis.ย 
  • Assess system performance, margins, and safety characteristics under nominal and off-nominal conditions.ย 
  • Contribute analytical support to early-stage design trades and technology development efforts.ย 

Technical Documentation & Communicationย 

  • Prepare clear, well-structured technical reports, analyses, and presentations to communicate results to internal and external stakeholders.ย 
  • Support preparation of safety documentation, design reviews, and technical briefings.ย 
  • Maintain organized records of models, assumptions, inputs, and results.ย 

Quality, Safety & Collaborationย 

  • Perform workย in accordance withย applicable quality assurance, configuration control, and procedural requirements.ย 
  • Support continuous improvement of modeling practices and analytical workflows.ย 
  • Work in compliance with radiological safety protocols and support operations in radiological environments asย required.ย 
  • Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, operations, and safety teams.ย 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSย 

Education & Technical Backgroundย 

  • Bachelor's orย Master'sย degree in Nuclear Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.ย 

Experience & Skillsย 

  • Demonstrated experience developing and executing radiation transport and reactor physics models using SCALE, MCNP, Serpent, or similar tools.ย 
  • Hands-on experience performing criticality safety calculations and analyses.ย 
  • Proficiencyย in Python or similar scripting languages for model automation, post-processing, or workflow support.ย 
  • Strong technical writing skills with experience producing engineering reports and presentations.ย 
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams.ย 

Additional Experience (Preferred)ย 

  • Advanced knowledge of nuclear fuels, materials, or fuel manufacturing processes.ย 
  • Experience supporting nuclear system design, fuel qualification, or reactor performance evaluations.ย 
  • Familiarity with quality assurance and continuous improvement methodologies in nuclear or regulated environments.ย 
  • Prior experience working in radiological facilities or controlled environments.ย 

BENEFITSย 

  • Health, Dental & Vision Insuranceย 
  • Health Savings Accountย 
  • Disability and Life Insuranceย 
  • 401(k) Planย 
  • Paid Time Off and Holidaysย 

ย WORK ENVIRONMENTย 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.ย 

This role is based at Standardย Nuclear'sย Pilot Fuel Manufacturing Facility in Oak Ridge, TN. The position involves office-based analytical work as well as interaction with laboratory, manufacturing, and radiological environments. Occasional travel may beย required. All work will be performedย in accordance withย applicable safety, radiological protection, and quality requirements. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for qualified individuals.ย 

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.ย 

. Department of State.ย