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Nuclear Reactor Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

$90K - $107K/yr

Reactor physics * Materials development * Component design such as steam generators, pumps and ... Two nuclear prototype/training sites * Nearly 100 nuclear-powered ships and submarines * Six ...

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Nuclear Reactor Physics information

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How much do nuclear reactor physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear reactor physics 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 is nuclear reactor physics?

Nuclear reactor physics is the branch of science that studies how nuclear reactors operate, focusing on the behavior of neutrons and how they interact with materials in a reactor core. This field encompasses the understanding of how nuclear fission reactions are initiated, sustained, and controlled to produce energy safely and efficiently. Reactor physicists use mathematical models and simulations to predict reactor performance, ensure safety, and optimize fuel usage. They also play a key role in the design, operation, and regulation of nuclear power plants.

What are some common challenges faced by nuclear reactor physicists in their daily work?

Nuclear reactor physicists often face the challenge of balancing safety with optimal reactor performance. Daily responsibilities include running complex simulations, analyzing reactor core behavior, and ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards. Collaborating closely with engineers, operators, and safety analysts is crucial to address unexpected issues and maintain the reactor's safe operation. Staying up to date with evolving nuclear technologies and adhering to precise procedures are also essential parts of the job.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Reactor Physicist, you need a strong background in nuclear engineering or physics, advanced mathematics, and typically a graduate degree in a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MCNP or SCALE), reactor core modeling tools, and relevant safety regulations is essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are pivotal soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and conveying complex technical concepts. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative operation and design of nuclear reactors.

What is the difference between Nuclear Reactor Physics vs Nuclear Engineering?

AspectNuclear Reactor PhysicsNuclear Engineering
Primary FocusUnderstanding neutron behavior, reactor core design, and fundamental nuclear processesDesign, operation, and safety of nuclear power plants and systems
Required CredentialsPhysics or nuclear engineering degrees, certifications in reactor physicsEngineering degrees, licenses, and safety certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, reactor facilities, academiaPower plants, engineering firms, regulatory agencies

While Nuclear Reactor Physics concentrates on the fundamental science of neutron interactions and reactor core behavior, Nuclear Engineering involves applying this knowledge to design, operate, and maintain nuclear systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their focus and daily tasks.

What cities are hiring for Nuclear Reactor Physics jobs?

Cities with the most Nuclear Reactor Physics job openings:

What other helpful pages are available for Nuclear Reactor Physics?

Other pages related to Nuclear Reactor Physics:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Reactor Physics job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,964 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) - AL, GA

Tuskegee Institute, AL • On-site

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

$90K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 50 rated military and defense

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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