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Nuclear Reactor Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Reactor Engineer

Berwick, PA

$94K - $113K/yr

Susquehanna Nuclear is a member in good standing with the Utilities Service Alliance. Located less ... Previous experience in Reactor Engineering / Nuclear Engineering preferred Requirements for Support ...

Reactor Engineer

Berwick, PA · On-site

$94K - $113K/yr

Susquehanna Nuclear is a member in good standing with the Utilities Service Alliance. Located less ... Previous experience in Reactor Engineering / Nuclear Engineering preferred Requirements for Support ...

Susquehanna Nuclear is a member in good standing with the Utilities Service Alliance. Located less ... Previous experience in Reactor Engineering / Nuclear Engineering preferred Requirements for Support ...

Reactor Engineer - Vogtle 1&2

Waynesboro, GA · On-site

$77K - $93K/yr

Reactor Engineer - Vogtle 1&2 Southern Nuclear Operating Company's Plant Vogtle Engineering organization is seeking an experienced, high performing Reactor Engineer with an analytical mindset. This ...

Micro Reactor Lead Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

Nuclear Fuel * * Reactor Internals * * Reactor Vessel * * Reactivity Control System * * Software V&V * * Integration of Design, Testing, and Safety Case Activities * * Development of Design Basis ...

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Nuclear Reactor Engineer information

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$26K

$105.6K

$150K

How much do nuclear reactor engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear reactor engineer in the United States is $105,594.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the most common challenges faced by Nuclear Reactor Engineers during routine operations and how are they addressed?

Nuclear Reactor Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining reactor safety, ensuring regulatory compliance, and troubleshooting unexpected equipment issues. Addressing these challenges typically involves rigorous adherence to safety protocols, continuous monitoring of reactor parameters, and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams including operators, safety specialists, and maintenance crews. Regular training, drills, and communication are essential in preparing for and effectively managing both routine and emergency situations, helping to ensure safe and efficient plant operations.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Reactor Engineer, you need a strong background in nuclear engineering, physics, and mathematics, usually supported by at least a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software, reactor control systems, and certifications such as the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) or a Professional Engineer (PE) license are often required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and strong teamwork and communication skills are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of nuclear reactors, which is critical for both energy production and public safety.

What does a Nuclear Reactor Engineer do?

A Nuclear Reactor Engineer is responsible for designing, operating, and maintaining nuclear reactors to ensure their safe and efficient performance. They analyze reactor systems, oversee safety protocols, and work on improving reactor technology. Their duties often include conducting simulations, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. In addition to technical work, they may also coordinate with other engineers, scientists, and regulatory bodies to support safe nuclear energy production.

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

AspectNuclear Reactor EngineerNuclear Power Plant Operator
CredentialsEngineering degree, possibly PE licenseHigh school diploma, specialized training
Work EnvironmentDesign, analyze, and develop reactor systemsOperate and monitor reactors on-site
Industry UsageEngineering firms, research, and designPower plants, operational facilities

Nuclear Reactor Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and improving nuclear reactor systems, often working in labs or offices. Nuclear Power Plant Operators are responsible for the day-to-day operation and safety of reactors at power plants. Both roles are essential in the nuclear industry but differ in responsibilities, credentials, and work settings.

More about Nuclear Reactor Engineer jobs
What states have the most Nuclear Reactor Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Nuclear Reactor Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Reactor Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Locum Tenens, 11% As Needed, 32% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,594 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Reactor Engineer

$94K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Talen Energy rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description

Talen Energy is soliciting candidates interested in filling the position of Reactor Engineer at the Susquehanna Steam Electric Station located near Berwick, Pennsylvania.This role is open to recent college graduates with a degree in Nuclear, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering from a college or university accredited by ABET orrecognized by ABET as substantially equivalent!

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station, one of the largest dual-unit, Boiling Water Reactor sites in the U.S., delivers approximately 2700 MW of electricity to the grid in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Susquehanna Nuclear is a member in good standing with the Utilities Service Alliance. Located less than 30 miles south of Wilkes-Barre at the western edge of the picturesque Pocono Mountains vacation region, we are conveniently located near the arteries which connect all the major East Coast cities.

Susquehanna Station represents the nuclear portion of Talen Energy, one of the largest competitive energy and power generation companies in North America. Talen Energy offers its employees a generous and progressive array of compensation, benefits and growth opportunities. Apply today and become part of the team which is helping to shape the future of electricity generation

Reactor Engineering is responsible for all on-site nuclear fuel management including the maintenance, administration and implementation of the site's reactivity management program. This includes the planning, preparation and modeling of plant power maneuvers, ensuring that fuel thermal limits and preconditioning requirements are maintained in accordance with the plant's Technical Specifications and vendor recommendations.The position includes shiftwork during refueling outages, unit de-rates, power maneuvers and startups.

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Work with limited direction on tasks related to Reactor Engineering, including but not limited to providing technical guidance and recommendations to Operations regarding reactivity changes and power maneuvers

2. Responsible for preparation of power maneuvering schedules based on fuel performance, Technical Specification thermal limit margins and fuel vendor preconditioning guidelines

3. Responsible for operation of the Traversing In-core Probe system for the calibration of in-core neutron detectors

4. Responsible for the coordination and technical support of new fuel receipt and inspection activities

5. Responsible for planning core refueling activities, including fuel, neutron instrumentation and control blade replacements

6. Ensure NRC requirements for the receipt, transfer, inventory and reporting associated with Special Nuclear Materials are met

7. Perform startup physics testing

8. Administration and operation of the Powerplex core monitoring system

9. Review future fuel and core design changes for plant operational impacts and safety

10. Serve as subject matter experts in the field of reactivity management, fuel and core operation

11. Apply sound engineering principles to provide technically correct, timely and cost-effective recommendations

12. Perform duties of the Core Thermal Hydraulics Engineer during station emergencies

13. Interface effectively with other groups, both internal and external to Talen Energy's Susquehanna Nuclear, LLC facility. Work effectively in a team environment, both as a team leader and as a team member

14. Understand and practice Company safety and industrial hygiene policies. Incumbents must be aware of safety rules and environmental hazards and take appropriate action to ensure safety of personnel, the public, and the environment

15. Continually expand and improve technical and business skills set under own initiative with instruction, guidance and direction from others

16. Must obtain and maintain SSES plant security clearance

Candidate Qualifications

Candidates must meet the basic qualifications to receive consideration.

Basic Qualifications

  • Effective work management and communication skills

  • Strong interpersonal skills required

  • Strong verbal and written skills required

  • Strong customer service focus

  • General computer skills and abilities with Microsoft Office products

  • Ability to work shift work, particularly during refueling outages, power maneuvers and plant start-up activities

  • Ability to perform on-call responsibilities on a rotating schedule.

  • Previous experience in Reactor Engineering / Nuclear Engineering preferred

Requirements for Support Engineer level:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Nuclear Engineering, or other related engineering discipline from a college or university accredited by ABET orrecognized by ABET as substantially equivalent

  • Minimum 2 years related engineering experience

  • Engineer in Training Certificate or minimum 5 years of experience specifically related to Reactor Engineering

Requirements for Senior Engineer level:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Nuclear Engineering or other related engineering discipline from a college or university accredited by ABET orrecognized by ABET as substantially equivalent or PA Professional Engineer license in the specific position discipline

  • Minimum 5 years related engineering experience

  • Working knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards specifically related to Reactor Engineering

  • Professional Engineer registered in Pennsylvania or a minimum of 7 years of engineering experience related to Reactor Engineering

Requirements for Principal Engineer Level

  • Bachelor's Degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Nuclear Engineering or other related engineering discipline from a college or university accredited by ABET orrecognized by ABET as substantially equivalent or PA Professional Engineer license in the specific position discipline

  • Minimum 10 years related engineering experience

  • Working knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards specifically related to Reactor Engineering

  • Professional Engineer registered in Pennsylvania or a minimum of 7 years of engineering experience related to Reactor Engineering

  • Is recognized as an expert in own area within the organization; Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise; Interprets internal or external business issues and recommends solutions/best practices; Solves complex problems; takes a broad perspective to identify solutions; Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations; Progression to this level is typically restricted on the basis of business requirement

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous experience working in Reactor Engineering or Nuclear Fuels Engineering at a commercial Nuclear Power Plant.

  • Previous qualification as a QRE

  • Completion of Station Nuclear Engineering Training or equivalent

  • Knowledge of LINUX programming language.

  • Knowledge of Visual Basic programming language

Note:You will have an opportunity to add attachments to your application. Please use this opportunity toupload your resume, cover letter, and any relevant documents .


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