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Nuclear Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GEM Technologies, Inc

CSU Test Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

ABOUT THE ROLE We are seeking a CSU Test Engineer to join our team supporting the DOE's Y-12 ... Y-12 supports efforts to reduce nuclear proliferation risk and performs work for other government ...

System One

Test Engineer and Test Technicians

Everett, WA · On-site

$52 - $85/hr

Contract Position Overview System One is seeking a Test Engineer to support cutting-edge testing and research activities for advanced nuclear energy technology. This position is responsible for ...

System One

Test Engineer and Test Technicians

Everett, WA · On-site

$52 - $85/hr

Contract Position Overview System One is seeking a Test Engineer to support cutting-edge testing and research activities for advanced nuclear energy technology. This position is responsible for ...

General Matter

Test Engineer (Electrical)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K - $170K/yr

Our mission is to make nuclear not only the cleanest and safest source of baseload power, but also ... As a Test Engineer, you will design, develop, and maintain custom testing solutions for our in ...

Radiant Industries

Senior Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$133K - $184K/yr

Portable nuclear power with rapid-deploy capability can replace similar-sized diesel generators and ... About the Role We are seeking a Senior Test Engineer to design and implement mission-critical ...

Radiant

Senior Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$133K - $184K/yr

Portable nuclear power with rapid-deploy capability can replace similar-sized diesel generators and ... About the Role We are seeking a Senior Test Engineer to design and implement mission-critical ...

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Nuclear Test Engineer information

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How much do nuclear test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear test engineer in the United States is $44.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.41 and $52.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior nuclear test engineers, especially those with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in nuclear safety and testing, can earn salaries around or above $300,000 annually. High-level engineers in the nuclear industry often work in government or defense sectors, where compensation reflects the complexity and security requirements of their work.

What is the difference between Nuclear Test Engineer vs Nuclear Safety Engineer?

AspectNuclear Test EngineerNuclear Safety Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in nuclear testingEngineering or science degree, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentTesting facilities, laboratories, nuclear plantsRegulatory agencies, nuclear facilities, safety offices
Industry UsageDesigning and conducting nuclear testsEnsuring safety protocols and compliance
Common Search IntentDifferences, roles, responsibilitiesSafety standards, job duties

While both roles operate within the nuclear industry, a Nuclear Test Engineer focuses on designing and executing nuclear tests to evaluate performance, whereas a Nuclear Safety Engineer concentrates on developing safety protocols and ensuring regulatory compliance. Both positions require specialized knowledge of nuclear systems, but their primary objectives differ: testing versus safety assurance.

Can you make $500,000 as a nuclear engineer?

Nuclear test engineers typically earn salaries ranging from $80,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and security clearance levels. Reaching a $500,000 salary is uncommon and would generally require senior roles, specialized expertise, or management positions within the nuclear industry. High earnings are more likely in executive or consulting roles with extensive experience and advanced certifications.

What are Nuclear Test Engineers?

Nuclear Test Engineers are specialized professionals who design, conduct, and analyze tests on nuclear systems, components, or materials. Their primary goal is to ensure the safety, efficiency, and compliance of nuclear technologies in power plants, military applications, or research facilities. They develop testing protocols, monitor experiments, interpret data, and troubleshoot issues related to nuclear equipment. This role often requires a strong background in engineering, physics, and adherence to strict safety and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Nuclear Test Engineers during testing phases, and how are they typically addressed?

Nuclear Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as stringent safety regulations, complex testing protocols, and the need for precise data analysis. They must meticulously plan and execute tests to comply with regulatory standards and ensure the safety of personnel and equipment. Collaborative problem-solving with multidisciplinary teams, thorough documentation, and rigorous quality control measures are essential strategies for addressing these challenges. Continuous training and adherence to best practices in safety and testing help engineers adapt to evolving technologies and maintain high standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nuclear Test Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Test Engineer, you need a solid background in nuclear engineering principles, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. Familiarity with testing protocols, radiation detection equipment, simulation software, and relevant safety certifications such as HAZMAT or NRC certifications is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail, along with effective teamwork and communication skills, make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safe, accurate, and efficient testing processes in environments where precision and safety are paramount.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as nuclear test engineering, petroleum engineering, or aerospace engineering can reach salaries of $500,000 or more, often through a combination of base pay, bonuses, and profit sharing. These roles typically require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience, and may involve working in high-stakes or government-related environments.

What does a nuclear test engineer do?

A nuclear test engineer designs, plans, and oversees nuclear testing procedures to evaluate the safety, performance, and reliability of nuclear weapons or related systems. They analyze test data, ensure compliance with safety protocols, and often work with specialized equipment and safety standards in controlled environments. Strong technical knowledge in nuclear physics, engineering, and safety regulations is essential for this role.
More about Nuclear Test Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Nuclear Test Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Nuclear Test Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Nuclear Test Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Nuclear Test Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Nuclear Test Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Nuclear Test Engineer jobs are:
Nuclear Test Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,027 per year, or $44.2 per hour.
CSU Test Engineer

CSU Test Engineer

GEM Technologies, Inc

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a CSU Test Engineer to join our team supporting the DOE's Y-12 National Security Complex! This position is full-time and will be based out of Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Responsibilities
  • Provide knowledge, expertise, input training, and consultative support for CSU project related activities.
  • Participate in testing, planning, turnover coordination, material management, quantities, quality control, and environment safely and health.
  • Ensure support of Commissioning and Start-Up (CSU) duties of installation configuration validation and test planning and document development.
  • Schedule and assist planning of CSU execution activities including sequence and resource requirements for assigned projects.
  • Prepare equipment test records and pre-op testing binders.
  • Participate in construction to CSU turnover walkdowns.
  • Coordinate with the construction field engineer as required to support component/system turnover.
  • Initiate and track punch list development during testing.
  • Perform and monitor testing of equipment to assure conformance with requirements and compliance with test procedures.
  • Ensure work is undertaken safely and activities are supported to meet schedule and cost.
  • Support overtime and days/night shift.

Requirements
  • Education & Years of Experience - Bachelor's Degree in engineering from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited program. [Chemistry, Physics, or related]and 5+ years of relevant experience.
  • Citizenship - To be considered, you MUST be a United States (U.S.) citizen due to the federal nature of the work.
  • Clearance - To be considered, you MUST be able to obtain and maintain a government issued clearance.
  • Previous experience of Y-12 procedure, programs and processes.
  • Previous experience as a CSU test engineer.
  • In depth knowledge of NFPA-70e
  • Previous commercial/Department of energy experience, with NQA-1 requirements supporting an operational readiness reviews.

About the Site
The NNSA's Y-12 National Security Complex, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is the nation's only source of enriched uranium nuclear weapon components and provides enriched uranium for the U.S. Navy as well as excels in materials science, precision manufacturing, and stores enriched uranium. Y-12 supports efforts to reduce nuclear proliferation risk and performs work for other government agencies (energy.gov).
ABOUT GEM
GEM Technologies, Inc. (GEM) is an award-winning federal contractor with more than 30 years of experience providing environmental, construction, facility management, and technical services to federal agencies, state and local governments, and commercial organizations. Founded in 1994 as a nuclear engineering firm to support federal operations in East Tennessee, GEM has since expanded into a nationwide, multi-disciplinary provider with over 270 employees and a diverse portfolio of contracts in the environmental, nuclear, and defense sectors. Some reasons to join GEM are:
  • Our philosophy - We believe in the power of effective collaboration and recognize that good partnerships are the building blocks to success.
  • Our relationships - Partnering with federal clients, we solve complex problems, exceed expectations, and advance critical missions.
  • Our team - We are committed to managing a cohesive workforce and cultivating a supportive workplace for our employees on contracts and in-office.
  • Our community involvement - Supporting our communities, we invest time and money in local schools and non-profit organizations.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
GEM's offered compensation is dependent on candidates' education, qualifications, and relevant years of experience. To recruit and retain our exceptional staff, we offer the opportunity to elect benefit packages that best suit our employee's needs; this includes, but is not limited to, a competitive Salary, Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (including HSA & PPO options), Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, and a matching 401(k) Retirement Plan.
Please Note: With the exception of mandated state requirements, GEM does not publish salary information on external job boards; as such, most ranges listed are estimates made by vendors and not actual salary ranges.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
GEM Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.

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