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Nuclear Mechanic Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$89K - $106K/yr

HII meets clients' toughest nuclear and environmental challenges. Leadership Mindset at HII ... We are seeking a Nuclear Mechanical Engineer to provide technical support across structural ...

$89K - $106K/yr

HII meets clients' toughest nuclear and environmental challenges. Leadership Mindset at HII ... We are seeking a Nuclear Mechanical Engineer to provide technical support across structural ...

As a nuclear engineer, you bring the expertise needed to review reactor designs, mechanical and electrical drawings, and the supporting systems required for safe and feasible deployment. That ...

Nuclear Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$77K - $176K/yr

As a nuclear engineer, you bring the expertise needed to review reactor designs, mechanical and electrical drawings, and the supporting systems required for safe and feasible deployment. That ...

Nuclear Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site +1

$77K - $176K/yr

As a nuclear engineer, you bring the expertise needed to review reactor designs, mechanical and electrical drawings, and the supporting systems required for safe and feasible deployment. That ...

Nuclear Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$106 - $176/hr

As a nuclear engineer, you bring the expertise needed to review reactor designs, mechanical and electrical drawings, and the supporting systems required for safe and feasible deployment. That ...

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Showing results 1-20

Nuclear Mechanic information

See Virginia salary details

$49.6K

$87K

$142.3K

How much do nuclear mechanic jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear mechanic in Virginia is $86,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,900.00 and $99,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nuclear mechanic?

A Nuclear Mechanic is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and inspecting mechanical systems in nuclear power plants, submarines, or other facilities using nuclear technology. They work on pumps, valves, turbines, and other critical equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations. Their duties may include troubleshooting mechanical failures, performing preventive maintenance, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Nuclear Mechanics typically receive specialized training, often through military service or technical programs, due to the sensitive nature of their work.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a nuclear mechanic?

As a Nuclear Mechanic, your daily responsibilities often include performing inspections, routine maintenance, and repairs on mechanical systems and components within nuclear facilities. You may work closely with engineers, operators, and safety personnel to ensure all equipment operates safely and efficiently, while strictly adhering to safety protocols and regulatory standards. Tasks can range from troubleshooting pumps and valves to calibrating instruments and documenting all work for compliance purposes. You'll typically work as part of a specialized team, ensuring clear communication and coordination to maintain a safe and reliable plant operation. The role offers a dynamic work environment with ongoing learning opportunities due to the complexity and critical nature of nuclear power systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear mechanic?

A successful Nuclear Mechanic possesses a solid background in mechanical systems, troubleshooting, and repair, often supported by vocational training or an associate's degree in a technical field. Experience using diagnostic tools, precision measuring instruments, and familiarity with procedures for working in regulated environments, such as nuclear power plants, are typically required, with industry certifications like NCCER or nuclear plant-specific training preferred. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively under high-stress conditions are valuable soft skills in this role. These qualifications are crucial to ensure the safety, reliability, and compliance of complex nuclear systems in demanding operational settings.

Do nuclear mechanics make good money?

Nuclear mechanics typically earn higher-than-average salaries due to the specialized skills, certifications, and safety requirements involved in working with nuclear systems. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and employer, but they generally offer competitive compensation within the industrial and technical fields.

How do you become a nuclear mechanic?

To become a nuclear mechanic, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by technical training or an apprenticeship in nuclear systems. Many positions require certification or licensing, such as a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license, and familiarity with safety protocols, tools, and equipment used in nuclear facilities.

How much do nuclear mechanics make?

Nuclear mechanics typically earn between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. They often work in specialized environments such as nuclear power plants or military facilities and may require security clearances and technical training.
Infographic showing various Nuclear Mechanic job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,954 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

Nuclear Mechanical Engineer (Engineer Mechanical 3) - 29817

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Newport News, VA • On-site

$89K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,264 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Requisition Number: 29817
Required Travel: 11 - 25%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $89,325.00 - $106,013.00
Security Clearance: None
Level of Experience: Mid
This opportunity resides with Global Security (GS). Mission Technologies' Global Security (GS) group comprises live, virtual, constructive (LVC) solutions; fleet sustainment; nuclear and environmental; and Australia business.
As a trusted partner to our military customers, HII designs, develops and operates the largest LVC enterprise that prepares warfighters for cross-domain battle. With advanced technologies to enable mission readiness, HII understands that preparation requires full coordination-not readiness in piece-parts.
For more than 40 years, the U.S. Navy has entrusted HII to maintain and modernize the vast majority of its fleet. With a holistic approach to life-cycle maritime defense systems-from small watercraft to submarines, surface combatants and aircraft carriers-HII ensures a high state of readiness.
HII supports the Department of Energy's national security mission through the management and operation of its sites, as well as the safe cleanup of legacy waste across the country. HII meets clients' toughest nuclear and environmental challenges.
Leadership Mindset at HII - Mission Technologies
Leadership at HII is a mindset, not a title. Through our Leadership Capability Framework, we define how every employee grows, leads, and contributes-regardless of role. It sets the standard for how you can develop yourself and what you can expect from leaders across our organization. We look for candidates who want to grow in alignment with these capabilities:
  • Know & Grow Your People - Commit to learning and supporting team success.
  • Build Relationships - Communicate openly, collaborate well, and build trust.
  • Take Ownership - Deliver on commitments and take pride in your work.
  • Customer First - Focus on the mission and those we serve.
  • Shape the Future - Bring ideas, curiosity, and continuous improvement.
  • Act with Urgency - Take initiative and follow through with purpose.

These capabilities guide how all employees contribute to our shared success across Mission Technologies.
Job Description
HII Mission Technologies New Nuclear Group delivers advanced engineering, manufacturing, and program support solutions that enable the next generation of U.S. nuclear capability. Our work supports high-consequence, highly regulated environments where precision, technical rigor, and disciplined engineering practices are essential. We are seeking a Nuclear Mechanical Engineer to provide technical support across structural engineering activities and to coordinate closely with project and quality teams to ensure alignment in design, fabrication, and execution.
**This position is contingent upon contract award**
Essential Job Responsibilities
  • Serves as structural SME for the projects resolving technical issues, NCRs, etc.
  • Performing technical requirements reviews, developing BOMs, working to develop and maintain 3D models, resolve NCRs and corrective actions.
  • Analyzes, researches and develops structural engineering specifications involving metals, non-metallic or composite structural materials for product design, or operation of product to include structures, mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and electronics, power plant, armament, heating and ventilating, equipment and maintenance designs.
  • Analyzes damage tolerance, durability, producibility, cost, safety, design allowable and structural modeling.
  • Specific structural engineering specialties may include dynamics and loads, stability and stress fatigue and thermal analysis.
  • Utilizes and validates 3-D and digital modeling to communicate and support production.
  • Tools utilized such as CATIA, IDEAS, Siemens PLM Software NX, ProEngineer and a variety of analytical software applications.

Minimum Qualifications
  • 5 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 3 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; 0 years experience with PhD or Juris Doctorate in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 9 years relevant experience.
  • Candidate must have nuclear industry and manufacturing experience.
  • Candidate must have experience with commercial nuclear structural components.
  • Candidate must have the ability to travel as needed to the supplier site.
  • Candidate must have strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Candidate must have leadership and collaboration skills.
  • Candidate must possess effective problem-solving skills and sound decision-making capabilities.

Preferred Requirements
  • Experience in nuclear, heavy industrial, shipbuilding, or highly regulated environments.
  • Familiarity with nuclear quality standards, configuration management, and document control processes.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or progress toward licensure.
  • Experience supporting structural fabrication, manufacturing, or installation activities.
  • Experience with Tekla software.

Physical Requirements
May require working in an office, industrial, shipboard, or laboratory environment. Capable of climbing ladders and tolerating confined spaces and extreme temperature variances.
The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Meet HII's Mission Technologies Division
Our team of more than 7,000 professionals worldwide delivers all-domain expertise and advanced technologies in service of mission partners across the globe. Mission Technologies is leading the next evolution of national defense - the data evolution - by accelerating a breadth of national security solutions for government and commercial customers. Our capabilities range from C5ISR, AI and Big Data, cyber operations and synthetic training environments to fleet sustainment, environmental remediation and the largest family of unmanned underwater vehicles in every class. Find the role that's right for you. Apply today. We look forward to meeting you.
To learn more about Mission Technologies, click here for a short video: https://vimeo.com/732533072
HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a new future. We offer competitive benefits such as best-in-class medical, dental and vision plan choices; wellness resources; employee assistance programs; Savings Plan Options (401(k)); financial planning tools, life insurance; employee discounts; paid holidays and paid time off; tuition reimbursement; as well as early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships. Bonus/other non-recurrent compensation is occasionally offered for qualified positions, and if applicable to this role will be addressed by the recruiter at the screening phase of application.
Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. Our workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.

Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.


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