Nuclear Security Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Requisition ID19724-Posted07/30/2026-Engineering- Level of Experience (3) -Travel - 30% or less- Job Location Options (1)

As a senior nuclear safety engineer, you will work to fulfill an important regulatory function in a dynamic environment. Our nuclear safety engineers are responsible for obtaining federal authorization to conduct nuclear operations at the Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12). These operations, which support the manufacture of nuclear weapon components and naval reactor fuel stock, involve a wide range of activities including chemical processing, metal production, casting, machining, assembly and disassembly, transportation, and storage.

Senior nuclear safety engineers are responsible for evaluating accidents that could occur during operations (events ranging from process upsets and equipment failures to fires, earthquakes, and floods). Senior nuclear safety engineers also are responsible for identifying the safety measures that need to be implemented to ensure the workers and public are adequately protected. Those measures range from administrative controls, such as material inventory limits, to engineered controls, such as fire suppression systems. To fulfill those responsibilities, senior nuclear safety engineers must develop a working knowledge of Y-12 operations and federal nuclear safety requirements and work closely with subject matter experts representing Operations, Engineering, and numerous other Y-12 organizations.

Senior Nuclear safety engineers routinely perform the following tasks:

• Lead hazard evaluation studies and accident analyses
• Identify safety controls that ensure adequate protection of workers and the public
• Perform Unreviewed Safety Question Determinations to determine if federal approval is needed before making changes to operating procedures or facility equipment
• Evaluate operational events and new technical information to identify potential nuclear safety issues
• Maintain safety basis documentation for nuclear operations via development of document change notices and annual updates
• Support projects to design, install, and start up new capabilities and technologies
• Develop major modification determinations to identify requirements when making substantial changes to nuclear operations or nuclear facilities
• Review work products produced by colleagues including draft safety basis documents and Unreviewed Safety Question Determinations
• Brief federal counterparts on the safety posture of nuclear operations at Y-12 to include both the scope of hazards analyzed and the safety controls identified
• Mentor less experienced members of the Nuclear Safety team

• Meaningful work and unique opportunities to support missions vital to national and global security
• Top-notch, dedicated colleagues
• Generous pay and benefits with a stable organization
• Career advancement and professional development programs
• Work-life balance fostered through flexible work options and wellness initiatives
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering/Physical Science [Chemistry, Physics, or related] from an Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited program in the United States or designated equivalents from Canada or Mexico, the Washington Accord, or the list of substantially equivalent as documented by ABET AND 4 years of relevant experience. OR MS in Engineering /Physical science and 2 years of relevant experience. OR PhD in Engineering /Physical science.
• The position requires a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Top Secret Q security clearance; however, all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of their current clearance status. The ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance is required. All employees with a security clearance are subject to being randomly selected for drug testing without advance notification.
• The position requires U.S. citizenship.
• The position may require entry into material access areas and participation in the Human Reliability Program (HRP). If HRP participation is determined to be mandatory, a candidate may be required to complete a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination, pursuant to 10 CFR 709, Counterintelligence Evaluation Program. Medical testing and screening requirements may also apply.

In addition, the applicant must meet the requirements of DOE O 426.2A (i.e., Baccalaureate in engineering or related scientific major 2 years job-related, and 1-year nuclear experience; or a DOE O 426.2A alternative). DOE 426.2A experience requirements can be satisfied following employment. In the interim, newly hired personnel will not be assigned duties that could impact the safety basis of nuclear facilities. (Ref. DOE O 426.2A)

• Preferred candidates must demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Preferred candidates have demonstrated the ability to solve highly diverse and complex problems and possess a proven record of leadership.
• Preferred candidates typically have six years or more experience in developing, implementing, and maintaining safety basis documentation in accordance with 10 CFR 830,Nuclear Safety Management, and applicable DOE directives and standards.

You get #morethanajob. We encourage employees to achieve a healthy personal balance among home, work and the community. One of the ways we embrace work-life balance is by offering flexible work arrangements that provide alternatives to the traditional workweek, while still meeting business needs. Top talent and personal commitment mean more to our success than any other factors, so we reward our people with the kinds of benefits that make a positive difference in the quality of their lives. Benefits such as: medical plan, prescription drug plan, vision plan, dental plan, employer matched 401(k) savings plan, disability coverage, education reimbursement and many more. Want to stay healthy and fit but hate the cost of a gym membership? Take advantage of one of our onsite workout facilities and eat healthy in our onsite cafeterias. Much more than a workplace, at Y-12, you can build a career that lasts a lifetime.

The minimum education and experience for the lowest career level in the job posting range are listed under Minimum Job Requirements. Successful candidates hired into a higher career level than the minimum in the range must meet the requirements listed in the job leveling charts for the career level into which they are being hired.

If a range of Career Levels is posted, i.e., Senior Associate to Senior Specialist, internal applicants already in one of the Career Levels would come across at their current Career Level. Internal applicants currently in a lower level Career Level would move to the lowest posted Career Level.

Requires a Q clearance; however all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of their current clearance status. The ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance is required.

This position may require entry into the Material Access Areas (MAA) and participation in the Human Reliability Program (10 C.F.R. Part 712), which requires successful competition of a DOE counterintelligence evaluation and may include a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination.

This position may be categorized as a “designated position” identified by 10 C.F.R. Part 709, requiring successful completion of a DOE counterintelligence evaluation that may include a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination.

CNS is a drug-free workplace. Candidates accepting a job offer will be required to pass a pre-placement physical, drug screening and background investigation. As an employee, you may be required to receive and maintain a security clearance from the United States Department of Energy in order to meet eligibility requirements for access to sensitive information or matter. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for security clearance applicants. All employees are subject to being randomly selected for drug testing without advance notification.

CNS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, disability or veteran status.