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Nuclear Security Officers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Energy Northwest

Nuclear Security Officer

Richland, WA · On-site

$52.15/hr

Energy Northwest Nuclear Security Officers are required to carry weapons; therefore, we will conduct a thorough background investigation, which will include fingerprinting sent to the FBI. If you ...

Allied Universal

Nuclear Security Officer - Armed

CT · On-site

$58K - $74K/yr

The Nuclear Security Professional provides physical protection of nuclear power generating facilities against intrusion and acts of sabotage. The Security Professional conducts stationary guarding as ...

United States Army

Nuclear Medicine Officer

Mesa, AZ

Nuclear Medicine OfficerJob Overview As a Nuclear Medicine Officer, you will supervise nuclear ... Be eligible for a Secret Security Clearance * Meet medical and physical fitness standards * Be in ...

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How much do nuclear security officers jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear security officers in the United States is $25.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do you become a nuclear security officer?

To become a nuclear security officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, pass background checks and drug screenings, and complete specialized training in security procedures and emergency response. Some positions may require a security clearance or certification, such as the Nuclear Security and Safety Certification, and physical fitness is often tested. On-the-job training is usually provided, and a clean criminal record is essential for employment in this field.

What is the difference between Nuclear Security Officers vs Security Guards?

AspectNuclear Security OfficersSecurity Guards
CredentialsOften require specialized training, security clearances, and certifications related to nuclear facilitiesGenerally require basic security or guard licenses, with minimal specialized training
Work EnvironmentOperate in nuclear power plants, nuclear material storage sites, or other sensitive facilitiesWork in various settings like malls, offices, or events
Employer & IndustryPrimarily employed by nuclear facilities, government agencies, or security contractorsEmployed across diverse industries including retail, commercial, and event security

While both roles focus on security, Nuclear Security Officers have specialized training, clearances, and work in highly sensitive nuclear environments, whereas Security Guards typically serve in general security roles across various industries.

How much does a nuclear security officer make?

The average salary for a nuclear security officer is around $45,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and security clearance levels. Many positions also offer shift differentials and benefits, and require specialized training and certifications such as the Nuclear Security Training Program.

What is a nuclear security officer?

A nuclear security officer is responsible for protecting nuclear facilities, materials, and equipment from theft, sabotage, or unauthorized access. They monitor security systems, conduct patrols, and enforce safety protocols, often requiring specialized training and security clearances. Their role is critical in ensuring the safety and security of nuclear assets.
More about Nuclear Security Officers jobs
What job categories do people searching Nuclear Security Officers jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Nuclear Security Officers jobs are:
Nuclear Security Officers jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Security Officers job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,714 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Nuclear Security Officer

Energy Northwest

Richland, WA • On-site

$52.15/hr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY
An armed, uniformed individual, whose primary duties are the protection of special nuclear material from theft, and protection of a nuclear plant against radiological sabotage. The ability to demonstrate physical fitness for assigned security duties as required by the 10CFR Part 73, Appendix B.I.C.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
The Nuclear Security Officer (NSO) is responsible to ensure physically checking buildings and rooms to determine if they are secure and in order. Responsibilities include tactical armed responder duties and alarm assessment. Act as a surveillance sentry and vital door guard. Operate reader and communication equipment. Perform armed escort and response duties. Conduct vehicle, personnel, and material searches for the detection of firearms, explosives, and incendiary devices. The individual must be able to perform and demonstrate the ability to complete physical training qualifications to maintain access. May be required to withstand occasions of extreme physical exertion when responding to alarms and during drills. Must be able to work any shift and overtime as required.
Will work with the following equipment, tools, machinery, and material: X-ray machines, 2-way radios, firearms, capstun, ammunition, handcuffs, response equipment (body armor, body bunkers, gas mask, tactical vest, mobile defensive barrier, gas canister, and other pertinent security equipment), alarm panels, hand-held metal detectors, badges, dosimeters, vehicle search mirror, flashlights, cameras, monitors, intrusion detection system, and other standard security and office equipment.
REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

  • A high school diploma or GED is required.

  • Must be 21 years of age.

  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

  • Must be able to meet requirements to lawfully possess or receive firearms and ammunition in performance of Nuclear Security Officer duties.


Continuing Qualifications to maintain position:

  • Successful completion of Plant Access, Safeguards, and Respiratory Protection training.

  • Must successfully pass initial and subsequent medical, physical fitness, psychological, cognitive, personality, and security training imposed by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and/or Energy Northwest.

PAY RATE:

This a bargaining unit position starting at $33.77 per hour with a step progression every 6 months until you reach the top pay rate of $52.15 per hour at24 months.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

  • Must have high school diploma or GED

  • Must be 21 years of age

  • Possess a valid driver'slicense

  • Pass a drug and alcohol test

  • Pass all physical requirements including a psychological examination

  • Be able to obtain and maintain unescorted access

Mandatory Job Requirements:

The following are representative examples of mandatory Nuclear Security Officer employment requirements:

  • Work 12-hour rotating shifts, days and nights, including weekends and holidays.

  • Carry weapons and are required to complete and pass periodic firearm testing.

  • Maintain stringent fitness requirements and are required to complete and pass an annual fitness agility test.

  • Complete and pass a yearly medical qualification examination.

  • Obtain and maintain unescorted access.

  • Be clean-shaven and meet grooming standards.

  • Wear the uniform issued by Energy Northwest.

  • Subject to random alcohol and drug testing.

  • Subject to periodic background and credit screening.

  • Must successfully complete ongoing classroom training, weapons training, and on-the-job training.

The following qualifications are desirable for the Nuclear Security Officer position:

Military or Security-related Work Experience

Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement Degree or Work Experience

Employment Background Investigation:

Energy Northwest Nuclear Security Officers are required to carry weapons; therefore, we will conduct a thorough background investigation, which will include fingerprinting sent to the FBI.

If you have been convicted of the misdemeanor crime of Domestic Violence, you will not be able to lawfully possess or receive firearms or ammunition for any purpose.

You must provide a 10-year work history with no gaps (must explain what you have been doing for the last 10 years).

This position is represented by United Steel Workers (USW Local 12-369).

No relocation assistance.

BENEFITS

Energy Northwest (EN) offers a highly competitive and substantial benefits package which allows employees (and their families) to enroll in medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Other voluntary benefits include flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, supplemental life insurances, credit monitoring, and identity theft insurance. EN offers three retirement programs to qualifying employees including a matching 401(k) deferred compensation plan, the Washington State Pension Plan (PERS), a company-provided contribution into an HRA VEBA account each pay period, and a 457(b) savings plan. Employees will also accrue 160 hours of personal time per year and receive nine paid holidays throughout the calendar year.

Other available compensation includes our annual At-Risk Compensation program and various monetary recognition programs, when approved. Stipends are available to qualifying positions, after incumbent successfully completes required training.

Posting closes at 11:59PM the day before the listedenddate.

The application process is completed in stages. Once you have applied, please watch your email and your Workday account notifications for required next steps in order to move forward in the process.

See below for approximate dates and locations for the application process. Candidates who move from one stage to the next will be specifically notified.

7/7 - 7/29APPLICATION AND SUBSEQUENT QUESTIONNAIRE COMPLETION.Once you have applied in Workday, selected candidates will receive a series of questionnaires to complete prior to moving to the next stage. Please watch your email and your Workday account notifications for these.

8/17 - 8/20COGNITIVE/PHYSICAL AGILITY TESTING AND INTERVIEWSwill be conducted.You will need to be available all day on one of these days for cognitive and physical agility testing, which will be conductedin personin Richland, WA. Interviews will be conducted directly aftersuccessful completion of the cognitive and physical agility tests.

The agility test is a Physical Performance Test, which consists of: 1. Sit Up--complete 22 sit-ups in 60 seconds; 2. Arm Lift--must achieve an average score of 50 lbs of force on 3 tries; 3. Leg Endurance--minimum standard is 88 revolutions within 60 seconds pedaling a preset bicycle; 4. Horizontal ladder coordination test. (Wear running shoes and comfortable clothing when participating in this test.)

8/24 - 8/28 CONTINGENT OFFERScontingent on your ability to successfully complete the remaining items of the pre-employment testing, which include medical evaluations.

NOTE:Please be aware that more candidates are receiving conditional offers of employment than there are positions available, since it is anticipated that some candidates may be unsuccessful in the final pre-employment testing and/or may choose to withdraw. If more candidates successfully complete the final pre-employment testing than there are positions available, final offers will be based upon an assessment of the candidates' performance throughout all phases of the selection process.

9/7 - 9/18 PHYSICALS

Medical Testing and Physicalsconsist of: 1. Fasting blood test; 2. Vision test to include intraocular eye pressure; 3. Hearing test; 4. EKG; 5. Pulmonary Function Test; 6. Urinalysis;7. Physical examination will be completed by a physician at Lourdes Occupational Health Center in Pasco, WA, unless a candidate is from out-of-area which will result in this being conducted near your residence if at all possible.

Due to the tight schedule,there is no flexibilityfor rescheduling physicals in the event of a "no-show." It is your responsibility to ensure you are available on the dates mentioned above. You will need to be available approximately 1.5 hours one of these days for this process.

9/21 - 9/24 TEMPORARY HIRE & PRE-EMPLOYMENT TESTING

NOTE:You will be paid during this period. Expect to be available 4-6 days during this timeframe.

Pre-employment testing will include Fitness for Duty (drug and alcohol testing), MMPI (Psychological evaluation and interview) and General Employee Training (computer-based testing).

9/24 - 9/28 FINAL OFFERS MADE

Final offers will be based upon an assessment of the candidates' performance throughout all phases of the selection process. A probationary period of 6 months will be conducted; this will determine your continued full-time employment.

10/12 EXPECTED FULL-TIME START DATE

Congratulations! You successfully completed all phases of the application/employment process. This will be your official start date of training. Benefits will be effective January 1, 2026.

If you have any questions, you may contact Energy Northwest:

  • Megan Mittleider (509) 377-4763
  • Anne Younes at (509) 372-5198

This is a bargaining unit position and the hourly pay rate is:

$33.77

Pay In Lieu of Benefits Amount:

$0.50

We are an Equal OpportunityEmployer and do not discriminate due to race, color, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, national origin, veteran status or on the basis of disability.

Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal

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