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Nuclear Systems Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Sentar is looking for a Systems Engineer to support U.S. Air Forces Ground Based Strategic ... Experience with safety critical and nuclear critical software development. Familiarity with a ...

Sentar is looking for a Systems Engineer to support U.S. Air Force's Ground Based Strategic ... Experience with safety critical and nuclear critical software development. Familiarity with a ...

Sentar is looking for a Systems Engineer to support U.S. Air Force's Ground Based Strategic ... Experience with safety critical and nuclear critical software development. * Familiarity with a ...

Senior Sustainment Systems Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$103K - $140K/yr

Senior Sustainment Systems Engineer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security ... SATCOM) and Nuclear Command, Control and Communications (NC3) systems, providing global secure ...

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Nuclear Systems Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$27.3K

$111K

$157.7K

How much do nuclear systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear systems engineer in Colorado is $111,034.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,600.00 and $124,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a nuclear systems engineer do?

A Nuclear Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, operating, and maintaining nuclear systems and equipment, such as reactors, power plants, and nuclear fuel cycles. They ensure that these systems operate safely, efficiently, and within regulatory standards. Their work often involves analyzing system performance, troubleshooting issues, implementing safety protocols, and working closely with other engineers and regulatory agencies. Nuclear Systems Engineers play a critical role in both energy production and the safe management of nuclear materials.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in nuclear engineering principles, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard simulation software, safety analysis tools, and certifications like Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) or Professional Engineer (PE) are often required. Exceptional problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and ensure regulatory compliance. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and reliability in complex nuclear systems.

What are some common collaboration points between nuclear systems engineers and other departments within a nuclear facility?

Nuclear Systems Engineers frequently work alongside operations, maintenance, and safety teams to ensure the reliable and safe performance of nuclear systems. They often collaborate with reactor operators to troubleshoot system anomalies, coordinate with safety analysts to verify compliance with regulations, and work with maintenance staff during planned outages or upgrades. This cross-functional teamwork is essential for optimizing plant performance, addressing technical challenges, and ensuring all systems adhere to strict safety standards. Strong communication and documentation skills are therefore highly valued in this role.

What is the difference between Nuclear Systems Engineer vs Nuclear Reactor Operator?

AspectNuclear Systems EngineerNuclear Reactor Operator
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in nuclear engineeringReactor operator license, training certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and maintain nuclear systems in labs or plantsOperate and monitor nuclear reactors in power plants
Industry UsageUsed in engineering firms, research facilities, and power plantsPrimarily employed in nuclear power plants

While both roles work within the nuclear industry, Nuclear Systems Engineers focus on designing and maintaining nuclear systems, whereas Nuclear Reactor Operators are responsible for the day-to-day operation and safety of nuclear reactors. Their credentials, work environments, and industry applications differ, but both are essential for nuclear plant safety and efficiency.

What job categories do people searching Nuclear Systems Engineer jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Nuclear Systems Engineer jobs in Colorado are:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Systems Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,034 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Aurora, CO • Hybrid

$84K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 450 rated engineering


Job description

Description

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days. 

This is a senior level mechanical engineering position that will provide you with a variety of interesting and challenging responsibilities.

We are looking for candidates with experience in the analysis, design, and licensing requirements of mechanical and nuclear systems and components for nuclear power plants.

You will be involved in nuclear power plant systems design, including preparation or review of:

  • Modification packages for operating nuclear power plants
  • System and Component Performance specifications
  • Functional mechanical drawings and/or drawings for nuclear power plant systems
  • Engineering analyses and evaluations to support modifications and operation of plant systems
  • Technical specifications and procurement documents for plant equipment
  • Vendor bid evaluations for plant equipment
  • Studies and options evaluations for modifications to operating nuclear power plants
Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience: 

  • BS or MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in the nuclear power industry
  • Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants
  • PE license is beneficial, but not required 
AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.
Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range$84,762 - $129,498Transparency StatementSargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.About This Business Unit

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we've been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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