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Nuclear Propulsion Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Coldwater, KS

$84K - $100K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Woodville, CA

$97K - $117K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Wyandotte, MI

$92K - $110K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Lapel, IN

$90K - $107K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Menlo, GA

$88K - $106K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Hazleton, PA

$97K - $117K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Tehachapi, CA

$104K - $124K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Leland, IL

$99K - $119K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Mount Vernon, KY

$75K - $90K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Mechanicsburg, PA

$93K - $111K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear ...

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Nuclear Propulsion information

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How much do nuclear propulsion jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear propulsion in the United States is $51.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.18 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities for someone working in Nuclear Propulsion?

Professionals in Nuclear Propulsion oversee the operation and maintenance of nuclear reactors used for powering vessels or facilities, monitor system performance, and ensure compliance with strict safety protocols. Daily tasks often involve conducting inspections, troubleshooting technical issues, performing preventative maintenance, and documenting system statuses. You may also participate in drills, collaborate closely with engineering teams, and assist in training new staff to maintain operational standards. The role is highly collaborative and requires constant vigilance to ensure both safety and efficiency.

What engineering jobs pay 500,000?

In the field of nuclear propulsion, senior engineering roles such as nuclear engineers, systems engineers, and project managers with extensive experience and advanced certifications can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially in leadership positions or specialized consulting. These roles often require advanced degrees, security clearances, and expertise in nuclear systems, safety protocols, and project management. Compensation varies based on industry, location, and level of responsibility.

What is a Nuclear Propulsion job?

A Nuclear Propulsion job involves operating, maintaining, and overseeing nuclear reactors used for propulsion in submarines and aircraft carriers. These roles are typically found in the Navy and involve extensive training in reactor systems, thermodynamics, and radiation safety. Personnel ensure the safe and efficient operation of nuclear reactors to provide energy for propulsion and onboard electrical systems.

What is the highest paying job in the nuclear field?

The highest paying jobs in the nuclear field are often senior engineering roles such as Nuclear Engineering Managers or Nuclear Project Directors, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licenses.

How much does a nuclear propulsion officer make?

A nuclear propulsion officer typically earns between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and years of service. They often work in highly specialized environments such as naval submarines or aircraft carriers and require security clearances and specialized training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Nuclear Propulsion position, and why are they important?

To excel in Nuclear Propulsion, you need a solid background in nuclear engineering, physics, and mechanical systems, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and specialized military or industry training. Experience with reactor operations, control systems, and certifications such as U.S. Navy Nuclear Power Program or NRC licensure are highly valuable. Outstanding problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to work in high-pressure environments set top performers apart. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operation of nuclear propulsion systems in maritime or power generation contexts.

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

Getting a job as a nuclear propulsion technician or engineer at a nuclear power plant can be competitive and requires specialized education, such as a degree in nuclear engineering or related fields. Candidates typically need to pass background checks, obtain security clearances, and complete extensive training and certifications, including licensing exams. Experience with safety protocols and technical skills are also important for employment in this highly regulated industry.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Propulsion jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear Propulsion jobs are:
What states have the most Nuclear Propulsion jobs? States with the most job openings for Nuclear Propulsion jobs include:
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Nuclear Propulsion jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Propulsion job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,964 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Associate Nuclear Engineer and Physicist

Naval Nuclear Laboratory

Niskayuna, NY

$63K - $97K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

About Us

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today!

Job Description

Are you interested in learning about the nuclear power propulsion systems on the US Navy's aircraft carriers and submarines? The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is seeking an entry level engineer to join the Fleet Reactor Engineering department to lead evaluations of a wide range of nuclear reactor operations and transients. This is an excellent opportunity to gain an integrated understanding of how many different reactor designs operate while developing analytical skills that support our important mission and keep our sailors, the public, and the environment safe. There are multiple openings in several units associated with this posting. The successful candidate's duties could include, but are not limited to: thermal hydraulic model development and analysis, researching and developing probabilistic models for reactor plant safety, understanding and communicating nuclear plant accident progression, developing scripts to run our models and post-process results, working productively and efficiently with a team of knowledgeable professionals to document different analyses, and understanding and communicating results to coworkers, managers, and Naval Reactors.


NNL develops and supports the world's safest and most advanced reactor plants and as an engineer in the Fleet Reactor Engineering department, your contributions will be directly tied to this important mission!

Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill

Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related engineering or science field; or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a related engineering or science field.

Preferred Skills
  • Experience with thermal-hydraulic analysis, scripting, and coding preferably with reactor safety computer codes such as RELAP5-3D or MELCOR or post-processing in MATLAB or Python;
  • Strong interest in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and other related subjects;
  • Ability to understand large/complex systems including fluids, heat transfer, instrumentation and control systems, and electrical components;
  • Strong written and verbal communications skills with an ability to articulate technical ideas in a clear and concise manner
Compensation and Benefits
  • Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits
  • Disability, Life & Accident Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan
  • Personal & Medical Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees
  • Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Wellness Program
  • Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!
Pay Range
$63,900.00 - $97,800.00 annually
Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S. Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana.

Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.

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