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Nuclear Reactor Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

$90K - $107K/yr

As a Nuclear Reactors Engineer, you'll be responsible for researching, designing, maintaining ... Reactor and fluid systems design * Reactor physics * Materials development * Component design such ...

System One

System Design Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

System One is seeking a System Design Engineer to support advanced nuclear reactor development. This role will support the Sodium Processing Systems team , focusing on system design, vendor ...

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Nuclear Reactor Design Engineer information

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How much do nuclear reactor design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear reactor design engineer in the United States is $85.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82.69 and $93.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a nuclear reactor design engineer do?

A Nuclear Reactor Design Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and improving nuclear reactors and their components to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards. They work on developing reactor systems, fuel cycles, cooling systems, and safety protocols. Their work involves using advanced computer modeling, conducting simulations, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to address technical challenges in nuclear power generation. These engineers play a crucial role in advancing nuclear technology and supporting the safe operation of nuclear facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear reactor design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Reactor Design Engineer, you need a solid background in nuclear engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and often a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with industry-standard simulation software (such as MCNP or RELAP), CAD systems, and regulatory codes is essential. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and address complex design challenges. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant reactor designs in a highly technical and safety-critical environment.

What are some common challenges faced by nuclear reactor design engineers when working on new reactor projects?

Nuclear Reactor Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compliance with strict safety regulations, integrating cutting-edge technology within established frameworks, and managing interdisciplinary coordination with teams like structural, thermal, and safety engineers. Balancing innovation with regulatory requirements can be demanding, as every design decision must consider long-term reliability and public safety. Additionally, adapting designs to meet evolving industry standards and addressing feedback from regulatory bodies are integral parts of the role.

What is the difference between Nuclear Reactor Design Engineer vs Nuclear Safety Engineer?

AspectNuclear Reactor Design EngineerNuclear Safety Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing nuclear reactor systems and componentsEnsuring safety protocols and risk assessments for nuclear facilities
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, possibly PE license, specialized training in reactor designEngineering or science degree, certifications in safety standards, risk management
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, research facilities, nuclear power plantsRegulatory agencies, nuclear plants, safety analysis labs
Industry UsageUsed during reactor development and construction phasesUsed in safety evaluations, compliance, and incident prevention

While both roles require engineering expertise and knowledge of nuclear systems, Nuclear Reactor Design Engineers focus on creating and improving reactor designs, whereas Nuclear Safety Engineers prioritize safety protocols and risk mitigation to ensure safe operation of nuclear facilities.

How much do nuclear reactor design engineers make?

Nuclear reactor design engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000 to $130,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

How much does a nuclear reactor design engineer make?

A nuclear reactor design engineer typically earns between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000. The role often requires knowledge of nuclear physics, reactor systems, and safety regulations.

What cities are hiring for Nuclear Reactor Design Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Nuclear Reactor Design Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Nuclear Reactor Design Engineer jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Reactor Design Engineer jobs?

For Nuclear Reactor Design Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Nuclear Reactor Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Reactor Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,000 per year, or $85.1 per hour.

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) - AL, GA

Athens, GA • On-site

U.S. Navy
National Security • 10K+ employees
Learn more about U.S. Navyexternal

$95K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 381 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The most powerful energy sources in the world need the most powerful minds behind them. As a Nuclear Reactors Engineer, you’ll be responsible for researching, designing, maintaining, operating and regulating the nuclear reactors and power plants that drive the most advanced fleet of submarines and aircraft carriers on Earth. Here, you can fuel a passion for problem-solving by defining and redefining the cutting-edge of nuclear propulsion while setting the standard in nuclear reactor research and regulation. Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America’s Navy.

The wide array of technical areas involved in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion program include:

  • Reactor and fluid systems design
  • Reactor physics
  • Materials development
  • Component design such as steam generators, pumps and valves
  • Instrumentation and control of reactor, steam and electric plants
  • Testing and quality control
  • Shielding
  • Chemistry and radiological controls

As a Navy Reactors Engineer stationed at Naval Reactors Headquarters in Washington, D.C., you will provide technical oversight while managing projects ranging from reactor design to fleet operations to de-fueling and decommissioning warships.

Preliminary training and eventual staff assignments center around Naval Reactors Headquarters at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. At Headquarters, you will be a part of an elite, streamlined staff of roughly 500 people who oversee the entire Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program from cradle to grave.​

Even junior-level Naval Reactors Engineers assume responsibility for key technical work in a variety of state-of-the-art facilities, including:

  • Two Department of Energy laboratories
  • Two nuclear prototype/training sites
  • Nearly 100 nuclear-powered ships and submarines
  • Six shipyards
  • More than 1,000 firms that support the Naval Reactors Program
  • U.S. citizen between the ages of 19 and 29. Exceptions may be possible up to age 40.
  • Graduate or a current student pursuing a B.A., B.S., or M.S. (preferably major in mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry, or other technical areas).
  • Those still in school may apply as early as 18 months from completion of an undergraduate degree for Naval Reactors Engineers.
  • Applicants may also join the NUPOC program as early as 12 months from completion of a master's degree.
  • Completed one academic year of calculus (minimum calculus I/II).
  • Completed one academic year of calculus-based physics (minimum physics I/II).
  • A competitive GPA of 3.0 or higher and a minimum grade of "B" in all technical courses.

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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