1

Nuclear Physicist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ACR accreditation programs (CT, mammography, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine/PET, as applicable ... Medical physics residents (as applicable) * Technologists and other clinical staff (e.g., modality ...

Junior Proton Physicist- days

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$158K - $252K/yr

Supports clinical radiological physics needs across Diagnostic Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiation Oncology. * Participates in departmental development initiatives, research, and quality ...

Nuclear Analyst

Langley, VA · On-site

$61K - $141K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Nuclear Physics, Chemistry, or Engineering Nice If You Have: * Experience supporting the USAF, STRATCOM, NC3, or nuclear C2 * Knowledge of nuclear ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Nuclear Physicist information

See Virginia salary details

$39.2K

$94K

$224.6K

How much do nuclear physicist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear physicist in Virginia is $93,991.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a nuclear physicist do?

A Nuclear Physicist studies atomic nuclei, their interactions, and the fundamental forces governing them. They conduct research in areas like nuclear energy, radiation, and particle physics. Their work can be applied in medical imaging, nuclear power, defense, and scientific advancements. Nuclear Physicists often use particle accelerators, nuclear reactors, and advanced mathematical models to analyze atomic behavior. Many work in academic, government, or private research institutions.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Physicist, you typically need an advanced degree in physics or nuclear engineering, a solid grasp of nuclear theory, mathematics, and experimental design. Competency in using particle accelerators, radiation detectors, specialized simulation software (such as MCNP or GEANT4), and adherence to safety certifications is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are standout soft skills for this role. These qualifications ensure safety, accuracy, and successful collaboration on complex scientific research and practical applications in the field.

What are some common challenges faced by nuclear physicists and how can I prepare for them?

Nuclear Physicists often tackle complex experimental or theoretical problems requiring both advanced technical knowledge and creative problem-solving. A primary challenge is ensuring strict safety compliance while working with radioactive materials or high-energy equipment, which requires ongoing training and attention to detail. Collaborative research environments may also demand strong teamwork and the ability to communicate findings to both technical and non-technical colleagues. Preparing through hands-on laboratory experience, staying up to date with safety protocols, and developing strong analytical and communication skills will help you navigate the unique demands of the role.

Is there a demand for nuclear physicists?

Nuclear physicists are in demand in research institutions, government agencies, and the energy sector, particularly for roles involving nuclear energy, safety, and medical applications. Employment opportunities depend on government funding, technological advancements, and industry needs, with strong demand in areas requiring specialized knowledge of nuclear reactions and radiation safety.

What jobs can a nuclear physicist do?

A nuclear physicist can work in research and development, nuclear energy production, medical physics, or government agencies, often utilizing skills in data analysis, modeling, and laboratory techniques. They may work in laboratories, power plants, hospitals, or regulatory bodies, sometimes requiring security clearances or specialized certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Physicist jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Nuclear Physicist jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Physicist jobs in Virginia?

For Nuclear Physicist jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Nuclear Physicist jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Nuclear Physicist job openings:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Physicist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,991 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

SUPERVISORY INTERDISCIPLINARY NUCLEAR ENGINEER/HEALTH PHYSICIST

Portsmouth, VA


U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$108K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

You will serve as an INTERDISCIPLINARY SUPERVISORY NUCLEAR ENGINEER or SUPERVISORY HEALTH PHYSICIST in the Operations Branch (105.62), Radiological Emergency Planning Division (105.6) of the Manager, Radiological Control Support (105.1S), Radiological Control Office (105) of NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD.Qualifications:In addition to the Basic Requirements for this position, your resume must also 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:
  • Experience leading a technical or professional team, to include assignment and coordination of work, resolving conflicts and project management.
  • Experience applying radiological controls, nuclear engineering, or health physics knowledge as applied to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.
  • Experience planning, executing, and/or evaluating radiological drills and/or exercises.
  • Experience managing complex technical programs while coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
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
Nuclear Engineering Series 0840 (opm.gov)
Health Physics Series 1306 (opm.gov)
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 positive education qualifications requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual: Applicants must posses:
0840:
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)ORSuccessful 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.

1306:
Degree: natural science or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in health physics, engineering, radiological science, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and/or calculus.

OR

Combination of education and experience -- courses as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or other education; or certification as a health physicist by the American Board of Health Physics, plus appropriate experience and other education that provided an understanding of sciences applicable to health physics comparable to that described in paragraph A.


Employment Type: OTHER


What U.S. Department Of Defense employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom