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Nuclear Reactor Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Last Energy

Nuclear Engineer - Radiological

Austin, TX · On-site

$97K - $117K/yr

Last Energy seeks an experienced Radiological Engineer to support the safety and licensing analysis for the PWR-20 micro nuclear reactor. This person will work closely with the nuclear engineering ...

Last Energy

Nuclear Engineer - Radiological

Austin, TX · On-site

$97K - $117K/yr

Last Energy seeks an experienced Radiological Engineer to support the safety and licensing analysis for the PWR-20 micro nuclear reactor. This person will work closely with the nuclear engineering ...

Last Energy

Nuclear Engineer - Radiological

Austin, TX · On-site

$97K - $117K/yr

Last Energy seeks an experienced Radiological Engineer to support the safety and licensing analysis for the PWR-20 micro nuclear reactor. This person will work closely with the nuclear engineering ...

Vst

Sr. Reactor Operator - In Training

Oak Harbor, OH · On-site

As an SRO, you will be responsible for the safe and reliable operation of the Davis-Besse nuclear ... Bachelor's degree (BS) or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology or physical sciences ...

New

NextEra Energy

Reactor Operator - License Class

IA · On-site

... Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) RO license exam, The position requires employees to perform reactor operating duties, reactor engineering tasks, direction to field operators and assigned ...

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All JobsNuclear Reactor Engineer Jobs

Nuclear Reactor Engineer information

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$26K

$105.6K

$150K

How much do nuclear reactor engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 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.

Can you make $500,000 as a nuclear engineer?

Nuclear reactor engineers typically earn salaries ranging from $80,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Reaching a $500,000 salary usually requires advanced roles, management positions, or specialized expertise, often supplemented by bonuses or profit sharing. Such high compensation levels are uncommon for standard nuclear engineering roles.

How much do nuclear reactor engineers make?

Nuclear reactor engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $70,000 to over $130,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications. They often work in power plants or research facilities and require specialized knowledge of nuclear systems and safety protocols.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced nuclear reactor engineers with advanced certifications, specialized expertise, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in senior management or consulting positions within the energy industry. Such compensation often includes bonuses, profit sharing, or other incentives, and typically requires extensive experience and a strong track record in nuclear engineering projects.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior nuclear reactor engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles can earn salaries around $300,000 annually. High compensation is often associated with working in specialized environments, managing large projects, or holding executive-level responsibilities within the nuclear industry.

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:
What job categories do people searching Nuclear Reactor Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Nuclear Reactor Engineer jobs are:
Nuclear Reactor Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Reactor Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,594 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Senior Reactor Operator - Nuclear Operations

Senior Reactor Operator - Nuclear Operations

Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC

Etna, PA • On-site

$70 - $80/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Are you interested in being part of an innovative team that supports Westinghouse's mission to provide clean energy solutions? At WECTEC Staffing Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Westinghouse Electric Company LLC, we recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset and we seek to identify, attract and recruit the most qualified talent while recognizing and encouraging the value of diversity in the global workplace.

Opportunity Overview: We have a dynamic, diverse opportunity available for a formerly licensed Senior Reactor Operator - Nuclear Operations. This is a contract role based at Westinghouse World Headquarters in Cranberry Twp, PA but will consider remote candidates. You will report to the Sr. Manager, Engineering Nuclear Operations, Training, and Commissioning.

As a Senior Reactor Operator, you will use your knowledge in Emergency Operating Procedures (EOPs), for new plant design and the operating PWR fleet (including AP1000). You will work on the new generation of reactors like the AP300 SMR and eVinci microreactor, the new fleet of AP1000 and the operating fleet from all over the world.

The Nuclear Operations group is an innovative team that has supported the commissioning of PWRs since the beginning of the commercial nuclear power industry and plays an important role in plant operations today. We define and improve how nuclear power plants run worldwide with our experience, while we support utilities worldwide. Building your skills based on operating plant experience in the field, combined with new plant development, will be a major accelerator for your career in the nuclear industry.

Your Day-to-Day:

  • Apply knowledge about integrated plant operations to develop/update the way control room operators run plants with operating procedures in normal, abnormal and emergency conditions.
  • Validate various scenarios in control room simulators, before training reactor operators with them and implementing them in plants worldwide.
  • Scope of work will include the operating fleet (integrating operating experience and new scenarios) and the next generation of nuclear plants (SMR and microreactors), giving you learning and development opportunities in both worlds.
  • Develop test procedures supporting commissioning of new plants (like the AP1000) to demonstrate the functionality of components and systems from pre-op testing through the startup phases.
  • Develop plant operation and operating procedure for the Westinghouse eVinci Micro Reactor and AP300 Small Modular Reactor designs to ensure safe and efficient operation.
  • Work with existing customers and internal team to develop NOPs, AOPs, EOPs, FSGs, and other related documents for the operating fleet including the AP1000.
  • Collaboration with new plant designers and licensed reactor operators to define the best and safest way to operate nuclear plants.
  • As an author of operating and test procedures, you may support the commissioning of new plants worldwide.

Who You Are:

  • 20+ years of experience working as a licensed Reactor Operator or Senior Reactor Operator in a Commercial Nuclear Power Plant (PWR) or experience as a qualified SRO Instructor.
  • Held a Senior Reactor Operator License for a Power Reactor in the past 5 years OR has been an active Operating Procedure Writer for a Power Reactor in the past 5 years.
  • We require detailed knowledge of PWR operation, systems, components, and procedures.
  • U.S. Citizenship or permanent resident status required (sponsorship not available).

Our Safety Pledge to You:

If you are as committed to your success as we are committed to your safety, then this is the position for you! For us, our guiding principle has always been and will continue to be the safety of our people. It's that simple!

Why WECTEC Staffing Services?

WECTEC Staffing Services delivers customer-focused solutions, offering everything from high-volume, cost-effective staffing to specialized niche roles, while maintaining best-in-class service. Our employees bring expertise across technical and corporate functions, supporting international contracts in over five countries. We invite you to explore opportunities within our distinguished global talent network.

WECTEC Staffing Services offers competitive pay to all of our employees. Additionally, most positions qualify for benefits including the following:

  • Comprehensive Health and Income Protection Benefits
  • 401(k) Savings Plan
  • Paid Vacations for Qualifying Positions

We are committed to transparency and equity in all our people practices. The base salary range for this position, which is dependent upon experience, qualifications and skills, is estimated to be $70.00/hour to $80.00/hour.

WECTEC Staffing Services continues to successfully place professional and technical resources into key roles globally. You can learn more by visiting www.wectecstaffing.com

You can submit your completed application, and explore other available options, using the following link: careers.westinghousenuclear.com

Get connected with WECTEC Staffing Services on social media: LinkedIn

Equal Opportunity Employer including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities

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