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Nuclear Plant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Socket.dev

Nuclear Electrical Design Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

Develop the electrical power system design for the nuclear plant from functional requirements through detailed one-line diagrams, schematics, elementary and connection diagrams, cable schedules, and ...

New

Ocean Atomics

Nuclear Systems Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

About Ocean Atomics (OA) Ocean Atomics is an American company designing, licensing, and assembling a standardized nuclear electric power plant and the surrounding support systems for maritime ...

Ocean Atomics LLC

Nuclear Systems Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$110K - $240K/yr

About Ocean Atomics (OA) Ocean Atomics is an American company designing, licensing, and assembling a standardized nuclear electric power plant and the surrounding support systems for maritime ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Scaggsville, MD

$96K - $115K/yr

... nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Damascus, MD

$104K - $124K/yr

... nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Darnestown, MD

$98K - $117K/yr

... nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Pasadena, MD

$100K - $119K/yr

... nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Annandale, VA

$97K - $117K/yr

... nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Fairfax, VA

$97K - $117K/yr

... nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Cloverly, MD

$96K - $116K/yr

... nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Cheverly, MD

$98K - $118K/yr

... nuclear plant operation. What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role ...

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All JobsNuclear Plant JobsNuclear Plant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Nuclear Plant information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$19

$34

$63

How much do nuclear plant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear plant in Silver Spring, MD is $34.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.09 and $62.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nuclear plant worker?

Nuclear plant workers are professionals responsible for operating, maintaining, and overseeing the safe functioning of nuclear power plants. Their roles include monitoring reactor systems, handling nuclear fuel, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and performing routine maintenance. They play a critical role in generating electricity while minimizing environmental and safety risks. Nuclear plant workers often need specialized training and must adhere to strict regulations to ensure the safety of both the workers and the surrounding community.

What are jobs at a nuclear plant?

A nuclear plant needs hundreds of workers to ensure all operations run smoothly. Your responsibilities and duties in this field differ significantly depending on the position, but engineers, technicians, and those with trade skills can find ample opportunities. For example, you can work as a carpenter, an electrician, a mason, a pipefitter, a mechanic, or a welder and provide maintenance and repairs. There are also available jobs as an accountant, a civil engineer, a lawyer, a financial manager, an entrepreneur, a lab technician, a reactor operator, or a heavy equipment operator. Chemists, scientists, and radiation protection specialists are also in demand in the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear plant operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of physics, engineering principles, and power plant operations, typically supported by a degree in a relevant field and completion of operator licensing requirements. Familiarity with control room systems, simulation software, and regulatory compliance tools is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for managing plant safety and responding to emergencies. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operation of nuclear facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working at a nuclear power plant?

Employees at nuclear power plants often face the challenge of maintaining strict safety protocols while working in highly regulated environments. Adhering to detailed procedures and regular training is essential to ensure both personal and public safety. Additionally, shift work and responding to unexpected technical issues can be demanding, requiring strong teamwork and clear communication among staff. The role can be rewarding, as employees play a vital part in providing reliable energy, but it also demands continuous learning and adaptability to evolving industry standards.

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

AspectNuclear PlantNuclear Reactor Operator
CertificationsPlant-specific licenses, safety trainingReactor operator license from NRC
Work EnvironmentPower plant facilities, control rooms, maintenance areasReactor control rooms, operational zones
Employer & Industry UsagePower generation companies, energy industryPower plants, nuclear facilities

The main difference is that a Nuclear Plant refers to the entire facility involved in nuclear power generation, including various roles and departments. A Nuclear Reactor Operator specifically controls and monitors the reactor itself, requiring specialized licensing. While both work in nuclear energy, the plant encompasses broader operations, whereas the reactor operator focuses on reactor-specific tasks.

Is it hard to get a job at a nuclear power plant?

Getting a job at a nuclear power plant can be competitive and requires relevant education, such as a degree in engineering, nuclear science, or related fields. Candidates typically need specialized training, security clearances, and certifications like NRC licenses, along with experience in the energy or technical sectors. The hiring process often involves rigorous background checks and technical assessments.
More about Nuclear Plant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Plant jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Nuclear Plant jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

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For Nuclear Plant jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Nuclear Plant job openings:

Nuclear Plant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Plant job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,828 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Nuclear Systems Integration Engineer

Ocean Atomics LLC

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$95K - $220K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

The ocean is the largest undeveloped frontier on earth - and the next chapter of abundant energy will be written at sea. We're building the infrastructure to power it.
About Ocean Atomics (OA)
Ocean Atomics is an American company designing, licensing, and assembling a standardized nuclear electric power plant and the surrounding support systems for maritime applications. We will install these plants on any vessel built to our nuclear-ready standards, and will provide end-to-end sustainment in our planned nuclear lifecycle dockyard. We will help develop the licensed operators to unlock this new capability for your energy intensive application at sea. To move fast and to lead the creation of this new market, we are leveraging the compact, proven systems enabled by water-cooled reactors.
Our mission
Scale nuclear energy. Power generations.
Our vision
A maritime commons thriving with abundant, economical, modern, and safe nuclear-powered activity - built, serviced, and staffed by re-industrialized American shipyards and people.
Role Summary
We are seeking a Nuclear Systems Integration Engineer to perform mechanical design and management of systems that span the nuclear power plant, ship, and shipyard interfaces of civil nuclear-powered maritime applications. This role ensures that integrated systems are performant, economical, safe, manufacturable, maintainable, and compliant with maritime and nuclear regulatory frameworks.
What You'll Do
  • Perform mechanical design and integration of cross-boundary systems including reactor/fuel handling equipment, plant-to-hull structural interfaces, shielding integration, and supporting auxiliary systems.
  • Define and manage interface requirements between the reactor, ship systems (structure, propulsion, HVAC, electrical, fluid systems), and shipyard construction/maintenance processes.
  • Assess and design for ship-specific hazards affecting the nuclear plant, including collision, grounding, flooding, fire, motion/sea-state loads, and shock/vibration.
  • Develop and maintain interface control documents, system specifications, and integration plans.
  • Coordinate across naval architecture, reactor engineering, safety/licensing, and shipyard production teams to resolve cross-discipline conflicts.
  • Support safety case development and hazard analyses for integrated systems.
  • Review designs for constructability, installation sequencing, and in-service maintenance and refueling access.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable classification society rules, IMO/maritime regulations, and nuclear regulatory requirements.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop teams of engineers responsible for mechanical, structural, civil, and nuclear system design and operation.
  • Establish and maintain a high-performance culture centered on nuclear safety, technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Recruit, onboard, and develop engineering talent to support organizational growth and long-term engineering expertise.
  • Conduct performance evaluations, career development planning, and technical mentoring for engineering staff.
  • Support the expansion of Ocean Atomics through effective knowledge transfer, agile prioritization of critical business needs, and collaboration across functional company areas to build a scalable organization.
  • Ensure engineering products meet rigorous nuclear industry standards and quality requirements.
  • Provide technical leadership during emergent operational events and high-consequence engineering challenges.

What You Bring
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Marine, Naval, Nuclear, or related engineering discipline.
  • 5+ years of experience in mechanical design and systems integration for complex engineered systems.
  • Demonstrated experience managing technical interfaces across multiple engineering disciplines.
  • Working knowledge of structural and mechanical design principles, including dynamic and accident loading.
  • Familiarity with safety analysis methods and regulated-industry design controls.
  • Strong written technical documentation skills (specifications, interface control documents).
  • A hustle mindset: bias toward action, comfort with ambiguity, and relentless follow-through.

Preferred
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or chartered engineer status.
  • Experience in nuclear plant systems, marine propulsion, and/or shipbuilding.
  • Knowledge of classification society rules (e.g., ABS, Lloyd's Register) and IMO requirements relevant to nuclear-powered ships.
  • Familiarity with fuel handling systems, shielding design, or reactor auxiliary systems.
  • Experience with collision/grounding analysis or ship survivability engineering.
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD and structural/thermal analysis tools.

Don't meet every bullet? We'd still like to hear from you. If you're excited by the mission and most of this resonates, apply.
Export control notice
This role involves access to information subject to U.S. export control laws, including unclassified nuclear technology governed by the U.S. Department of Energy under 10 CFR Part 810. Depending on a candidate's status, access may require DOE authorization, which Ocean Atomics may apply for. Any offer is contingent on your ability to work in compliance with these requirements. We evaluate all applicants regardless of citizenship or national origin, except where required by law.
Why this matters
Every industry on Earth needs scalable, clean energy, and the ocean is the ideal place to unlock it. Joining Ocean Atomics means building real, lasting infrastructure - the kind that powers generations. The world needs abundant energy. Let's make it happen.
Ocean Atomics LLC is an equal opportunity employer.
We are committed to a workplace free of discrimination and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations; if you need an accommodation during the application process, contact info@oceanatomics.com.

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