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How much do nuclear security jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear security in Oak Ridge, TN is $24.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.17 and $34.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is nuclear security?

Nuclear security refers to the measures taken to prevent, detect, and respond to theft, sabotage, unauthorized access, or illegal transfer of nuclear materials and facilities. These measures are essential to protect people and the environment from the dangers associated with nuclear materials, including potential use in weapons or radiological attacks. Nuclear security involves physical protection systems, cyber security, regulatory controls, and international cooperation to ensure nuclear materials remain secure at all times.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in nuclear security?

To thrive in Nuclear Security, you need a solid background in security operations, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a relevant degree and security clearance. Familiarity with surveillance systems, access control technologies, and incident response protocols is typically required, as well as certifications such as CPP (Certified Protection Professional). Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for identifying risks and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safe, secure management of nuclear facilities and protect against potential threats.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by professionals working in nuclear security roles?

Professionals in nuclear security often encounter challenges such as maintaining high vigilance during long or repetitive monitoring shifts, staying updated on evolving security threats and protocols, and ensuring strict compliance with regulatory standards. They must also be able to respond quickly and effectively to potential breaches or emergencies, often collaborating closely with law enforcement and emergency response teams. Continuous training and clear communication within multidisciplinary teams are vital for maintaining a secure environment at nuclear facilities.

What is the difference between Nuclear Security vs Nuclear Security Guard?

AspectNuclear SecurityNuclear Security Guard
CertificationsSecurity clearances, nuclear security trainingBasic security training, site-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment facilities, nuclear plants, security agenciesNuclear facilities, security posts, restricted areas
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, nuclear industryPrivate security firms, nuclear sites

Nuclear Security involves developing policies, managing security programs, and overseeing nuclear safety at high-level facilities. In contrast, a Nuclear Security Guard primarily performs physical security duties, patrols, and access control at nuclear sites. Both roles require security training, but Nuclear Security professionals focus on strategic security management, while guards focus on on-the-ground security operations.

How much do nuclear security officers make?

Nuclear security officers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often require specialized training and security clearances, and may work in shifts to ensure 24/7 security at nuclear facilities.

How to become a nuclear security guard?

To become a nuclear security guard, 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 security clearances or certifications such as the Nuclear Security Officer Certification. Physical fitness and good judgment are also important for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Security jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

The most popular types of Nuclear Security jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Security jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

For Nuclear Security jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Nuclear Security jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Nuclear Security jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Nuclear Security jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Nuclear Security job openings:

Nuclear Security jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Security job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,353 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Nuclear Security Engagement Associate

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Scientific Research and Development Services • 5 - 10K employees

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 120 rated laboratories

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Oak Ridge National Laboratoryexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Requisition Id 16976 

Level: TP02

Overview:

The Transportation Security Engineering and Analysis Group within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division (NND) at ORNL seeks applications for a Nuclear Security Engagement Associate who will support U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) missions related to the safe and secure transportation of nuclear and radioactive materials. As part of our team, you will apply critical thinking, technical analysis, program coordination, and project management skills to address complex transportation security challenges.

The Nuclear Nonproliferation Division (NND) performs a wide range of scientific, technical, and programmatic activities in all facets of the global nuclear enterprise from nonproliferation project support and management to research and development (R&D) pertaining to nuclear materials processing, nuclear safeguards and security, security program management, and transportation security of radioactive materials.

The successful candidate will support domestic and international transportation security activities involving nuclear and radioactive materials. The position will contribute to transportation planning, security analysis, program implementation, technical coordination, and the development of solutions that strengthen the safe and secure movement of these materials.

ORNL’s NND drives technical scope for federal sponsors related to reducing the risk of nuclear and radiological terrorism globally. ORNL implements its mission through the development of technologies and operational expertise that promote nuclear security objectives to protect the US and its national security interests. As a national laboratory, we provide solutions to domestic and international partners involved in nuclear and radiological material operations to protect assets from theft and sabotage. Work is completed with interactions and engagements with international organizations, government organizations, associations, industry, and academia. To successfully implement this scope, ORNL collaborates with other DOE laboratories and government agencies.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Support planning and program implementation activities that advance the safe and secure transportation of nuclear and radioactive materials for DOE and NNSA missions.
  • Support technical and programmatic analyses related to nuclear and radioactive material transportation security, including transportation operations, safety, security, risk, and applicable federal requirements.
  • Coordinate transportation security activities with DOE, NNSA, other federal agencies, national laboratories, State and Tribal organizations, industry, academia, and other domestic and international partners.
  • Support the development and implementation of transportation security strategies, plans, procedures, and technical approaches.
  • Assist with the planning and execution of transportation security exercises, workshops, technical exchanges, meetings, and other program activities.
  • Evaluate transportation security challenges and develop practical approaches that integrate technical, operational, policy, safety, and security considerations.
  • Support technical assessments associated with the transportation of nuclear and radioactive materials.
  • Collaborate with colleagues across ORNL scientific directorates and service organizations to support transportation security program objectives.
  • Support DOE and NNSA domestic and international transportation security missions through technical planning, analysis, coordination, and project execution.
  • Provide direct support for project milestones, deliverables, and DOE- and NNSA-required reporting using ORNL and sponsor-specific management systems.
  • Manage small projects, including scope, schedule, budget, deliverables, and coordination with project team members.
  • Support vendor activities, including development of statements of work and monitoring contractor performance in accordance with project requirements and ORNL policies.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and monitor progress toward project goals, deliverables, and milestones.
  • Develop high-quality technical reports, assessments, project documentation, briefings, decision-support materials, and other technical products supporting transportation security programs.
  • Prepare and deliver technical briefings and presentations to DOE, NNSA, ORNL, and partner organizations.
  • Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

  • BS in environmental science, public policy, security studies, transportation or logistics, engineering, physical science, or a related technical or policy discipline and two (2) years of relevant experience supporting nuclear or radioactive material transportation, nuclear security, transportation security, or related programs.
  • Experience applying interdisciplinary technical, operational, policy, and programmatic approaches to nuclear security, transportation security, nuclear or radioactive material transportation, or related national security missions
  • Familiarity with DOE Orders and Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations related to nuclear materials storage and transportation and Tribal policy.
  • Experience planning or supporting nuclear or radioactive material transportation activities involving federal, State, Tribal, national laboratory, industry, or other partner organizations.
  • Demonstrated project management experience, including the ability to coordinate scope, schedule, milestones, deliverables, and multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Excellent time-management, interpersonal, communication, presentation, organization, and planning skills applied to multi-stakeholder initiatives.
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively across governmental, national laboratory, academic, Tribal, industry, and other partner organizations
  • Must be reliable; self-motivated; focused on innovative, high-quality work products and processes; and able to prioritize goals and meet milestones independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research team environment.
  • Must be proficient with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook).

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability to build positive working relationships that position ORNL to expand transportation security and nuclear security activities for sponsors within the National Security Sciences Directorate.
  • Experience communicating complex technical concepts, particularly controversial ones, to multiple audiences with different abilities and motivations to understand the material.
  • Project Management training or certifications.
  • Ability to identify the underlying motivations/goals of diverse partners and experience connecting those diverse groups to support common goals.

Special Requirements: 

  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation. 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience. 

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts. 

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.


If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.


ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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