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Nuclear Plant Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer III / Sr Nuclear Engineer

York, SC · On-site

$91K - $109K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Electrical/I&C Engineer at a nuclear power plant (Nuclear Engineer III or Senior Nuclear Engineer) - Operations Support Engineering - Electrical - Catawba Nuclear Station Depending upon the ...

Nuclear Engineer III / Sr Nuclear Engineer

York, SC · Hybrid

$91K - $109K/yr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Electrical/I&C Engineer at a nuclear power plant (Nuclear Engineer III or Senior Nuclear Engineer) - Operations Support Engineering - Electrical - Catawba Nuclear Station Depending upon the ...

Engineer V I&C - Nuclear

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$92K - $110K/yr

Define plant control system interfaces and I/O requirements. * Support digital modernization ... Mechanical Engineering * Nuclear Engineering * Chemical Engineering * Computer Engineering

Engineer V I&C - Nuclear

Charlotte, NC · On-site +1

$92K - $110K/yr

Experience with plant licensing and regulatory processes. * Hands-on field engineering experience supporting nuclear projects. Technical Expertise Experience in one or more of the following:

Engineer III I&C - Nuclear

Stonington, CT · On-site

$98K - $118K/yr

Ability to pass security and drug screening, and maintain unescorted nuclear plant access is ... Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) registration or Professional Engineering registration (PE) are ...

Engineer III I&C - Nuclear

Stonington, CT · On-site

$98K - $118K/yr

... engineering program that includes course work in analog and digital control systems. Experience ... Ability to pass security and drug screening, and maintain unescorted nuclear plant access is ...

NY · On-site

$134.55 - $205.56/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead and mentor junior engineering staff on power plant engineering technical tasks. * Perform ... Experience with nuclear power uprates and/or turbine retrofit projects. * Experience and practical ...

Showing results 41-60

Nuclear Plant Engineer information

See salary details

$97K

$135.7K

$176.5K

How much do nuclear plant engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear plant engineer in the United States is $135,726.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,000.00 and $158,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do nuclear plant engineers make?

Nuclear plant engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, location, and level of certification. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or supervisory roles can earn higher salaries. Certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) can also influence earning potential.

What is a nuclear plant engineer?

Nuclear Plant Engineers are professionals who design, operate, maintain, and ensure the safety of nuclear power plants. They are responsible for managing the systems that generate electricity from nuclear energy, addressing safety protocols, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Their work is crucial in providing reliable and safe energy while minimizing environmental risks and maintaining strict safety guidelines.

What is the difference between Nuclear Plant Engineer vs Nuclear Reactor Operator?

AspectNuclear Plant EngineerNuclear Reactor Operator
CredentialsBachelor's in Nuclear Engineering or related field; licensing often requiredHigh school diploma or equivalent; specialized training and licensing required
Work EnvironmentDesign, maintenance, and safety analysis within nuclear power plantsOperate and monitor reactor systems directly during shifts
Employer & Industry UsagePower plants, engineering firms, regulatory agenciesNuclear power plants, energy sector

The main difference is that Nuclear Plant Engineers focus on designing, maintaining, and ensuring safety protocols for nuclear facilities, often working behind the scenes. In contrast, Nuclear Reactor Operators are responsible for the real-time operation and control of reactor systems during shifts. Both roles require specialized training and licensing but differ in daily responsibilities and focus areas.

What are some common challenges faced by nuclear plant engineers during daily operations?

Nuclear Plant Engineers often encounter challenges related to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of complex reactor systems. They must remain vigilant about regulatory compliance, swiftly address unexpected technical issues, and coordinate closely with multidisciplinary teams including safety, operations, and maintenance staff. Balancing routine monitoring with periodic system upgrades and rigorous safety drills is key, and adapting quickly to evolving technology and safety protocols is essential for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Plant Engineer, you need a solid background in nuclear or mechanical engineering, a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and often a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with nuclear reactor systems, safety analysis tools, and regulatory compliance frameworks such as NRC guidelines is essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and communication skills help engineers excel in high-stakes, team-oriented environments. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of nuclear power facilities.
More about Nuclear Plant Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Nuclear Plant Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Nuclear Plant Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Nuclear Plant Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Nuclear Plant Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Plant Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,726 per year, or $65.3 per hour.

Nuclear Engineer III / Sr Nuclear Engineer

Duke Energy

York, SC • On-site

$91K - $109K/yr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Duke Energy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 167 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 86 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Important Application Submission Information
In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 16, 2026
More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.
Build an exciting, rewarding career with us - help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.
Electrical/I&C Engineer at a nuclear power plant (Nuclear Engineer III or Senior Nuclear Engineer) - Operations Support Engineering - Electrical - Catawba Nuclear Station
Depending upon the qualifications of the successful applicant, the hiring manager may elect to fill this position as Engineer III or Senior Engineer
Summary
Catawba Nuclear Plant is seeking an Electrical/I&C System Engineer to join the Plant Engineering - Operations Support Engineering - Electrical (OSE-Electrical) team. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the long-term reliability and performance of critical plant systems and infrastructure within a highly regulated and technically rigorous environment.
As part of the OSE - Electrical team, the candidate will interface with Instrumentation and Controls for Analog control systems, Digital Process systems, and network infrastructure equipment including servers, firewalls, and other defensive architecture equipment. The team directly supports the preventive maintenance program; monitors and trends equipment performance; provide technical oversight and engineering support to Operations and Maintenance organizations; and help establish the long-term strategic direction for plant to ensure optimum reliability.
This is the Career/Senior level of the Engineering classification hierarchy. Employees at this level manage work in engineering areas of specialization, with minimal supervision. Incumbents are expected to develop advanced skills and to have the ability to work independently, with guidance limited to unusual or complex projects or issues. They are fully competent in use of concepts and procedures. They identify problems, develop solutions, and take actions to resolve. Senior Nuclear Engineer represents a level at which career may stabilize for many years.
If you're looking for an exciting career or something new, this position offers a wide variety of work and overtime requirements are infrequent. You will also work inside an operating power plant offering fieldwork experience, inspections, and walkdowns while the nuclear station provides life-essential electricity to the surrounding community and power grid.
This position offers a 4-day 10h workweek (Mon-Thurs) with a hybrid work schedule (at least 2 of 4 days are in the office, the others may be taken at home). As a Duke Energy employee, you are offered a package of Paid Time Off / Vacation in addition to Holidays, Sick Time, and Dependent Care. Applicants are also eligible for Duke Energy's 401K program, including matching contributions.
Responsibilities
  • Provides engineering/technical expertise and guidance in the identification, analysis and resolution of problems of increasing scope and complexity in both inside as well as outside the scope of typical responsibility.
  • Prepares thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation, calculations and sketches related to defined problems and analysis of increasing scope and complexity.
  • Conducts engineering and related studies; completes non-routine engineering projects with minimal oversight with the ability to independently manage project schedules and interfaces; competent to design, operate and maintain systems with moderate impact on existing systems.
  • Possesses and applies the fundamental concepts, practices and procedures; proficient in technical and analytical competencies necessary to handle assignments of increasing complexity.
  • Develops positive working relationships to effectively coordinate work activities. Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills. Maintains accurate records and files.
  • Supports the company's goals and represents the company positively and professionally.

Basic / Required Qualifications - Nuclear Engineer III
Note: This posting is for one open position. Dependent on relevant experience, the level to which a candidate is aligned is outlined below.
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program. A Master 's degree in engineering will be considered in lieu of a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
  • Minimum of 4 years of engineering experience.

Basic / Required Qualifications - Senior Nuclear Engineer
Note: This posting is for one open position. Dependent on relevant experience, the level to which a candidate is aligned is outlined below.
  • Graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program. A Master's degree in engineering will be considered in lieu of the B. S. engineering degree.
  • Minimum of 6 years of engineering experience or 5 years of engineering experience with state registration as a Professional Engineer.

Additional Preferred Qualifications
  • Passing grade on the Engineering Fundamentals Exam.
  • Experience in the utility industry.
  • Proficient in practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations.
  • Good written and oral communication skills.

Specific Requirements
  • Able to achieve nuclear site Unescorted Access.
  • This position may be required to have Emergency Response Organization (ERO) responsibilities which could include callouts with a defined response time to the site and an on-call duty rotation requiring the employee to be Fit for Duty.

Working Conditions
  • An office environment with some routine work in the plant to conduct inspections and/or walkdowns.
  • Hybrid work posture: At least 2 days per week are supported on-site at the Catawba Nuclear Station after the onboarding period.

Travel Requirements
5-15%
Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)
Yes
Represented/Union Position
No
Visa Sponsored Position
No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.
Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.
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About Duke Energy

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Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Our electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Our natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Our company employs 28,000 people.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1904