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Nuclear Process Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BWXT

Nuclear Process Operator (PIPELINE 2026)

Erwin, TN · On-site

$36.56/hr

S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering ... Nuclear Process Operator - Nuclear Fuel Services (BWXT) Location: Onsite in Erwin, TN Your Day to ...

BWX Technologies

Process Engineer

Lynchburg, VA

BWXT's Nuclear Operations Group - Lynchburg is currently seeking a Process Engineer for its Lynchburg, VA location! Essential Functions/Responsibilities: * Interprets technical contract requirements ...

BWX Technologies

Process Engineer

Lynchburg, VA

BWXT's Nuclear Operations Group - Lynchburg is currently seeking a Process Engineer for its Lynchburg, VA location! Essential Functions/Responsibilities: * Interprets technical contract requirements ...

Oklo

Process Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$80K - $155K/yr

Experience performing design or modification engineering on process equipment, such as that used in the petroleum, nuclear, petrochemical, or pharmaceutical industries * Broad familiarity with ...

UDR Consulting Inc

Process Engineer

Greenville, SC · On-site

Greenville, SC Process Engineer The purpose of this position is to provide essential technical ... Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical or Nuclear Engineering and minimum five (5) years of work ...

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Nuclear Process Engineer information

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$97K

$135.7K

$176.5K

How much do nuclear process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear process 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.

What are some common challenges faced by Nuclear Process Engineers when working on plant optimization projects?

Nuclear Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing safety regulations with process efficiency, ensuring compliance with strict environmental standards, and integrating new technologies into existing systems. These projects require close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including operations, safety, and regulatory specialists. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to address unexpected issues and to implement improvements without disrupting plant operations.

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

AspectNuclear Process EngineerNuclear Reactor Operator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or related field; certifications varyHigh school diploma or equivalent; licensing required
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and optimize nuclear processes in labs or plantsOperate and monitor nuclear reactors in power plants
Industry UsageUsed in nuclear plant design, safety analysis, and process improvement

The main difference is that Nuclear Process Engineers focus on designing and improving nuclear processes, while Nuclear Reactor Operators are responsible for the day-to-day operation and safety of nuclear reactors. Both roles require specialized knowledge, but they serve different functions within the nuclear industry.

What does a Nuclear Process Engineer do?

A Nuclear Process Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing processes used in the nuclear industry, such as fuel production, waste management, and reactor operations. They ensure that systems operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with strict regulatory standards. Their work often involves process simulation, safety assessments, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of nuclear plant operations. Additionally, they collaborate with other specialists to implement new technologies and improve plant performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nuclear Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Process Engineer, you need a strong background in nuclear engineering, process design, and safety analysis, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nuclear or chemical engineering. Familiarity with simulation software (e.g., MATLAB, AutoCAD, or process modeling tools) and knowledge of regulatory standards like NRC or DOE guidelines are essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills help you effectively manage complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial to ensuring safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant operation of nuclear processes.
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Nuclear Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Process Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,726 per year, or $65.3 per hour.
Nuclear Process and Facility Engineer

Nuclear Process and Facility Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 103 rated laboratories

Job description

Requisition Id 16524
About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
Overview:
The Advanced Engineering Technologies (AET) Group is seeking a dedicated individual to support our organization. The position will involve design and process engineering in a research and development atmosphere. Projects range from new equipment detailed design and tooling, to large consulting tasks.
The successful candidate will be involved in supporting the following:
  • Lead or aid in leading large projects to assure internal and external customers' needs are met;
  • Lead engineering deliverable development such as drawings, reports, specifications, and studies for facilities, processes, or equipment;
  • Lead complex design reviews with multiple contributors;
  • Lead routine research and develop recommendations for equipment and/or materials selection;
  • Lead the preparation of engineering calculations following standard methods and principles used in similar engineering analysis;
  • Assure compliance with and understanding of industry codes and standard practices;

AET resides within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division (NND) at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL). The NND is a division operating within the National Security Sciences Directorate at ORNL. NND staff contributes world class research, technology development, risk assessment, and systems analysis related to nonproliferation and counterproliferation. The division activities play a vital role in implementation of national policy issues that strive to ensure global nuclear security.
One of the major focus areas of the AET group is the development of advanced approaches to operation, characterization, and analysis of nuclear fuel cycle processes. The group specializes in the application of engineering principles supporting the characterization of processes and related materials. The AET group collaborates and works with staff from other groups within NND and ORNL to assure the full expertise of fuel cycle processes are applied to meet sponsor needs.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
You will, in collaboration with other principal investigators and project management at ORNL, participate in the design, fabrication, assembly, and operation of dynamic test stands. In this position the candidate will be expected to effectively interact with various ORNL staff as well as internal and external sponsors. The candidate is expected to work in a team environment with co-workers and management as well as independently; to fully document work performed in the forms of technical reports, papers and presentations; and to participate in the development of research proposals.
The successful candidate will interface with principal investigators, management, engineers, fabricators, modelers and test campaign personnel.
Basic Qualifications:
  • BS in Electrical, Systems, or Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 8 years (MS+7) of related experience, or equivalent, is required with demonstrated experience in the design, fabrication, and operation of test stands and/or complex mechanical systems
  • Experience leading projects of $10M/year or more in support of USG missions
  • Understanding of project management principles and philosophies
  • Experience in use of earned value metrics
  • Experience in the development of risk matrices and risk management plans
  • Experience balance loading schedules to account for funding and/or personnel balancing considerations
  • Experience presenting to major national level customers in support of project updates, crisis response, and future business development
  • Experience in designing, building, and operating Radiological and Hazard Category 2 and 3 facilities.
  • Experience in project sales and execution in DOE Office of Science and DOENNSA
  • Experience in the machine design, fabrication, or operation of complex process related systems including vacuum, electrical, HVAC, structural, process, etc.
  • Proven communication skills
  • Experience in an R&D and/or testing environment
  • Expert level experience with solid modeling and design software packages
  • The ability to work flexible hours and travel is required.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstration of design and process team experience as well as experience in process development
  • Manufacturing environment quality experience
  • Experience in maintaining high levels of process documentation and quality assurance
  • TS/SCI Clearance

Special Requirements:
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due to the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

This position is a full-time staff position.
Remarks:
Technical questions should be directed to Preston Cloud, 865-341-8208.
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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