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Nuclear Science Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

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$18

$49

$73

How much do nuclear science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear science in Oak Ridge, TN is $49.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.45 and $59.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in nuclear science roles?

Professionals in nuclear science often face challenges related to strict regulatory compliance, ensuring safety protocols are meticulously followed, and managing the complexities of radioactive materials. The work environment typically involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, health physicists, and regulatory bodies, to ensure both scientific advancement and public safety. Additionally, staying updated with evolving technology and industry standards is vital, making continuous professional development an important aspect of the role.

What is a nuclear scientist?

Nuclear scientists are professionals who study the properties, behavior, and uses of atomic nuclei and nuclear energy. They conduct research in areas such as nuclear physics, nuclear engineering, and radiation safety, often working to develop new technologies, improve energy production, or advance medical treatments. Their work can involve operating particle accelerators, designing nuclear reactors, or analyzing the effects of radiation. Nuclear scientists may work in academic, government, or industry settings, contributing to fields like energy, healthcare, and national security.

What do you do with a nuclear science degree?

A nuclear science degree prepares individuals for careers in nuclear power plants, research laboratories, or government agencies, where they work as nuclear engineers, health physicists, or radiation safety specialists. These roles involve designing, operating, and maintaining nuclear systems, often requiring knowledge of radiation safety, nuclear physics, and regulatory compliance.

What are nuclear science jobs?

Nuclear science jobs involve working with nuclear materials, radiation, and related technologies in research, energy production, medical applications, or safety. Common roles include nuclear engineers, health physicists, radiochemists, and technicians, often requiring specialized training and certifications. These jobs are typically performed in laboratories, power plants, or research facilities and may require knowledge of safety protocols and radiation protection.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear scientist?

To thrive as a Nuclear Scientist, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and nuclear engineering, typically supported by an advanced degree such as a master's or Ph.D. in nuclear science or a related field. Familiarity with analytical software, radiation detection instruments, and regulatory compliance systems is crucial. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring safety, advancing nuclear technology, and adhering to strict industry regulations.

What is the difference between Nuclear Science vs Nuclear Engineering?

AspectNuclear ScienceNuclear Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Nuclear Science or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Nuclear Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, government agenciesPower plants, research facilities, industrial settings
Industry UsageResearch, academia, policy developmentDesign, operation, and maintenance of nuclear systems

Both Nuclear Science and Nuclear Engineering share foundational knowledge and credentials, often working in overlapping environments. Nuclear Science focuses on research, theory, and fundamental principles, while Nuclear Engineering emphasizes practical application, system design, and operational aspects of nuclear technology.

What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Science jobs in Oak Ridge, TN? For Nuclear Science jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Nuclear Science jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Nuclear Science jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:
Nuclear Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Science job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,218 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer

Edgewater Technical Associates

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Edgewater Technical Associates is seeking qualified candidates for Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer opportunities at various locations across the United States Department of Energy (DOE) complex in support of traditional environmental clean-up missions and in support of the advancement of first-in-kind commercial fuel capabilities at select sites across the United States.
Work Location: Varies from on-site full-time; hybrid with 1-2 weeks on-site at a time with business travel for on-site trips; and Edgewater regional office locations (i.e., remote).
Clearance Requirement: Ability to obtain DOE L or Q level clearance.
Citizenship: United States Citizenship required.
Edgewater Technical Associates, LLC (Edgewater) is a New Mexico-based small business headquartered in Los Alamos, NM, with five (5) regional offices across the United States to locally support their growing presence at project sites. Edgewater has a proven track record and is a trusted provider of fixed-price construction projects, engineering, and technical services for the DOE, DOD, National Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Canadian Commercial Nuclear Industry, and private sector commercial contractors involved in nuclear, high-hazard, or complex operations. Edgewater's experience and guidance ensure that its customers perform hazardous operations, comply with regulatory requirements, and maintain the highest quality and safety standards.
Candidate(s) will independently perform Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) analysis and design activities in support of DOE nuclear and commercial fuel cycle facilities, engineering programs, and projects. Utilizing basic and advanced engineering and NCS fundamentals, as assigned, perform criticality safety analyses to support new and existing design and licensing functions. Perform other engineering activities required to support facility design, configuration control, and operation. Candidate(s) will work in design safety basis organizations and depending on area of expertise will focus on criticality safety analyses, chemical dose consequence analyses, or shielding analyses.
Requirements:
  • Have a Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, or chemistry.
  • Have knowledge of nuclear science, physics of criticality, and chemistry.
  • Have knowledge of ANSI/ANS-8 series national standards.
  • Have familiarity with critical experiments and their purpose.
  • Have expertise in using MCNP and SCALE code systems (KENO, TSUNAMI, etc.) in performing sensitivity, uncertainty, and criticality safety calculations.
  • Have experience in performing criticality safety evaluations as a part of a nuclear facility safety basis.
  • Have knowledge of nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear fuel cycle facility accident scenarios.
  • Have knowledge of nuclear criticality safety codes, standards, regulatory requirements, and industry practices for DOE nuclear facilities and nuclear fuel cycle facilities.
  • Have experience with Documented Safety Analyses (10 CFR Part 830) or Integrated Safety Analysis (10 CFR Part 70).

Responsibilities:
  • Develop, revise, and review Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) documentation such as Criticality Safety Evaluations (CSEs), Criticality Safety Determinations (CSDs), Technical Deviations (TDs), and other NCS technical basis documentation.
  • Perform chemical dose consequence calculations.
  • Demonstrate compliance with the double-contingency principle.
  • Define, evaluate, and maintain criticality safety controls, limits, parameters, and requirements for fissile material processes, equipment, and facility layouts.
  • Develop criticality accident alarm systems and inadvertent criticality emergency response plans.
  • Develop criticality code validation reports.
  • Support radiation shielding analysis to demonstrate adequate radiation mitigation.
  • Support preparation and defense of Documented Safety Analysis (DSA) and Technical Safety Requirement (TSR) content related to criticality safety.
  • Support preparation and defense of Integrated Safety Analysis (ISA) and Technical Specification (TS) content related to criticality safety.
  • Conduct surveillances, inspections, walkthroughs, appraisals, or audits of fissile material operations to ensure compliance with approvals.
  • Identify and evaluate NCS hazards for DOE nuclear facilities and commercial fuel cycle facilities.
  • Support hazard analyses, control decision meetings, risk assessments, safety reviews for nuclear facilities and activities.
  • Perform nuclear criticality safety evaluations to ensure safe handling, storage, processing, and transportation of fissile materials.
  • Administer the NCS program, methodologies, policies, and management measures.
  • Ensure compliance with DOE, NRC, and ANSI/ANS criticality safety-standards and regulations.
  • Support preparation and submittal of criticality safety-related licensing documentation.
  • Support interactions with regulators, including technical reviews, licensing reviews, and readiness reviews.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and records to support regulatory audits and reviews.
  • Respond to findings, identify and implement corrective actions, and ensure continued compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Work with engineering, operations, quality assurance, and regulatory teams to integrate criticality safety early in facility design and modification processes.
  • Ensure effective safety measures are incorporated throughout the design process and facility lifecycle.
  • Provide technical guidance and training to personnel on criticality safety principles and procedures.

Qualifications (Preferred):
  • Previously qualified as a Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer (e.g., ANSI/ANS-8.26).
  • Professional Engineering (PE) License obtained by accredited examination.
  • 3+ years of experience performing criticality safety evaluations for a DOE nuclear facility and/or an NRC licensed fuel cycle facility.
  • Have 8 or more years of related work experience: of which 2 years' experience in a nuclear facility.
  • Have experience with commercial nuclear fuel cycle processes, including HALEU fuel manufacturing.
  • Have 2-3 Years of experience in supporting CFR Part 70 licensing functions.
  • Have familiarity with NUREG-1513, NUREG-1520, NUREG/CR-6410, NUREG/CR-6698, and NRC RG 3.71
  • Have knowledge of other modeling tools (e.g., Serpent) and proficiency in Python to improve workflow.

Other Job Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship

If you are interested in being considered for this position and your resume clearly outlines your relevant experience for this position, please follow the application steps via our website: www.edgewatertech.net/careers
Edgewater will not submit your resume without first having detailed discussions with you and obtaining your permission to do so.
We look forward to hearing from you!
WORKING WITH EDGEWATER
Founded in 2003, Edgewater is a professional and technical services firm supporting the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S., U.K., and Canadian Commercial Nuclear Industry, Department of Defense, and private sector businesses involved in high-hazard or complex operations. Edgewater proudly offers expertise in numerous technical disciplines necessary to support operational environments where Integrated Safety Management and formal, disciplined operations are essential to ensure safety, quality, security, and regulatory compliance.
Edgewater is committed to recruiting and maintaining a staff of highly skilled professionals to support our customers. In keeping with this objective, we offer highly competitive salaries and employee benefit packages structured to best suit your needs. We offer multiple individual and family benefit options including paid time off, medical, dental, life, vision, and disability insurance, and a pre-tax 401 (k) retirement account with Company matching contributions and 100% vesting for eligible participants beginning DAY 1.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Edgewater is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veterans, or individuals with disabilities in accordance with EO 14173.
View all Edgewater opportunities at www.edgewatertech.net/careers

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