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

Specific experience and training in the operation and/or testing of nuclear power plants. Experience and training related to integrated facility operations during normal and accident conditions.

Nuclear Engineer

Darnestown, MD

$98K - $117K/yr

... nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards. Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as ...

Nuclear Engineer

Damascus, MD

$104K - $124K/yr

... nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards. Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as ...

Nuclear Engineer

Scaggsville, MD

$96K - $115K/yr

... nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards. Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as ...

Nuclear Engineer

Cloverly, MD

$96K - $116K/yr

... nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards. Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as ...

Nuclear Engineer

Cheverly, MD

$98K - $118K/yr

... nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards. Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as ...

Nuclear Engineer

Fairfax, VA

$97K - $117K/yr

... nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards. Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as ...

Nuclear Engineer

Pasadena, MD

$100K - $119K/yr

... nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards. Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as ...

Nuclear Engineer

Annandale, VA

$97K - $117K/yr

... nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards. Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as ...

Nuclear Engineer

Oakton, VA

$99K - $119K/yr

... nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards. Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as ...

Showing results 21-40

Nuclear Power information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$40.3K

$119K

$159.7K

How much do nuclear power jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear power in Silver Spring, MD is $118,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,200.00 and $135,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectNuclear PowerNuclear Reactor Operator
Primary RoleOversees nuclear power plant operations, manages safety protocols, and ensures efficient electricity generation.Controls and monitors nuclear reactor systems during operation, following safety procedures and operational guidelines.
Required CertificationsEngineering degrees, nuclear safety training, and licensing.Nuclear reactor operator license, specialized training, and certification.
Work EnvironmentPower plants, control rooms, and safety facilities.Reactor control rooms and operational areas within nuclear facilities.
Industry UsageUsed by utility companies managing nuclear power plants.Employed directly within nuclear power plants to operate reactors.

While both roles are integral to nuclear energy production, Nuclear Power refers to the broader industry and plant management, whereas Nuclear Reactor Operator focuses specifically on controlling reactor systems during operation. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job responsibilities within the nuclear industry.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Power Plant Operator, you need a strong background in engineering or physical sciences, typically supported by specialized training and licensure from regulatory authorities. Familiarity with control room systems, reactor monitoring technology, and safety protocols is essential, often requiring certification from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are crucial for coordinating with team members and maintaining safety. These capabilities are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of nuclear facilities, minimizing risks to personnel and the environment.

What is a nuclear power worker?

Nuclear power workers are professionals who operate, maintain, and oversee nuclear power plants and related facilities. Their roles can include reactor operators, engineers, safety inspectors, and technicians who ensure the safe and efficient production of electricity using nuclear energy. They monitor equipment, enforce safety protocols, and respond to emergencies to protect people and the environment. These workers require specialized training and must adhere to strict regulatory standards to minimize risks associated with nuclear power generation.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in nuclear power operations?

Professionals in nuclear power operations often face challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, responding swiftly to unexpected equipment issues, and keeping up with evolving regulations. The role demands continuous learning and collaboration with highly specialized teams, including engineers, technicians, and regulatory personnel. Additionally, managing stress during emergency drills or actual incidents is crucial, as is communicating technical information clearly to both colleagues and external stakeholders.

What jobs are there in nuclear power?

Jobs in nuclear power include nuclear engineers, reactor operators, health physicists, nuclear technicians, and safety specialists. These roles typically require technical skills, relevant certifications, and knowledge of radiation safety protocols, often working in power plants, research facilities, or regulatory agencies.
What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Power jobs in Silver Spring, MD? For Nuclear Power jobs in Silver Spring, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Nuclear Power jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Nuclear Power jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Nuclear Power jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Nuclear Power job openings:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Power job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,994 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

Lead Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Elkridge, MD

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 446 rated engineering


Job description

Description

Nuclear Power is a carbon-free energy source. Our electric power generation clients are digitizing their existing power plants and building new nuclear power plants, small modular reactors (SMR). This is expanding work in the Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group.  You will work on major process controls engineering projects in the following areas:

  • Develop and market high level, complex programs for nuclear power projects associated with design, operational excellence, safety, maintenance, and project management.
  • This position will offer you the opportunity to direct technical decision making, in a project team environment with other engineers and designers involved in the design, modification, and analysis of new and existing power plant controls systems, specifically digital upgrades
  • You will work on challenging assignments that include investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of instrumentation & controls engineering issues,
  • Coordinate systems design activities to ensure installation and operations will comply with specifications, codes, and client requirements,
  • Perform Digital Systems Design Development -- PLC, DCS, HSI, networked computer systems, and digital instrumentation & control systems functional requirements for nuclear plant systems.  Work collaboratively on quality assessments and critical digital reviews,
  • Perform consulting level work for digital IOT, innovation, and strategic first of a kind (FOAK) projects for the nuclear industry,
  • Prepare and review detailed calculations, including scaling, uncertainty, and setpoint calculations for analog and digital controls applications,
  • Prepare documentation for design input for drawing production including master diagrams and schematics,
  • Interface with vendors to prepare and review materials and equipment purchase specifications,
  • Prepare reports and studies that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements,
  • Perform independent reviews of work performed by others including calculations and drawing preparation,
  • Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction
  • Support station outage activities as required
Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential Skills & Experience:

  • A BS or MS in Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program required
  • 10 or more years of experience in the design of instrumentations and controls engineering systems in a project team environment for non-commercial, heavy industrial plants, with a focus on integrated, detailed system design for new plants, or modifications or replacements for existing plants.
  • Experience with controls system design including applications for low and medium voltage distribution systems and controls for equipment including but not limited to turbines, pumps, feedwater control, and data displays.
  • Experience with power plant instrumentation and controls systems design for either BWR of PWR reactors, including DCS for turbine, control, feedwater control, and data display.
  • Technically knowledgeable of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute systems design
  • Experience with serving as firm/client liaison in a support or lead engineering role is desirable.
  • Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

  • PE license preferred
  • Construction and start-up experience a plus
  • Commissioning experience a plus
  • Broad background in providing technical support to nuclear plant projects - from design, project planning, providing technical expertise associated with testing and operations, contract specifications, project oversight, successful project execution, and overall direction of complex nuclear projects. Licensing strategies associated with Digital I&C Modernization projects
AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.
Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range$118,023 - $180,313Transparency StatementSargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.About This Business Unit

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we've been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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