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Nuclear Weapon Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amyx, Inc.

Nuclear Weapons SME

Washington, DC · On-site +1

The Nuclear Weapons SME will advise CWMD leadership, intelligence analysts, and interagency partners on nuclear weapons design, development, employment concepts, proliferation risks, and threat ...

Noblis

Air Force Nuclear Weapons SME

Arlington, VA · On-site

Candidates must possess demonstrated experience in nuclear weapon effects, targeting capabilities, and the development of Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) systems. Responsibilities:

Amyx, Inc.

Nuclear Weapons SME

Washington, DC · On-site

Amyx is seeking a highly experienced Nuclear Weapons Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Advisory ...

Analytic Services Inc

Support the annual Nuclear Weapons Stockpile Memorandum (NWSM) process and contribute to the development of the Stockpile Stewardship and Management Plan (SSMP). * Assess nuclear weapon system ...

Leidos

Principal Nuclear Engineer SME

Reston, VA · On-site

$102K - $122K/yr

The successful candidate will lead technical assessments of foreign nuclear weapons infrastructure, reverse engineer protective hardening measures, and identify vulnerabilities across facilities ...

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How much do nuclear weapon jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear weapon in the United States is $51.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.18 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Nuclear Weapon job?

A Nuclear Weapon job involves working with the research, development, maintenance, security, or policy aspects of nuclear weapons. Roles can range from scientists and engineers to military personnel and policy advisors. These jobs often require advanced security clearances and specialized training. They play a crucial role in national defense, arms control, and nonproliferation efforts.

What are nuclear weapons?

Nuclear weapons are highly destructive explosive devices that derive their power from nuclear reactions, either fission or a combination of fission and fusion. They are designed to cause massive destruction and loss of life through the release of immense energy, heat, and radiation. Nuclear weapons have only been used in warfare twice, during World War II, but remain a significant element in international security and deterrence strategies. Their production, proliferation, and disarmament are subject to strict global treaties and regulations due to their devastating potential.

How much do nukes get paid?

Nuclear weapons-related roles, such as nuclear technicians or military personnel involved in nuclear arsenals, typically have salaries that vary based on rank, experience, and location. In the military, pay can range from around $30,000 to over $100,000 annually, with additional benefits and allowances. Civilian experts working in nuclear security or research may earn similar or higher salaries depending on their qualifications and government or contractor employment terms.

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

Nuclear engineers can earn salaries close to or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in specialized roles such as nuclear power plant management or defense. However, such high salaries are typically achieved through senior positions, overtime, or in high-cost-of-living areas, and are not common for entry-level roles.

What is the highest paying nuclear job?

The highest paying nuclear jobs are typically senior roles such as nuclear engineers, nuclear physicists, or nuclear project managers, especially those with advanced security clearances and specialized expertise. These positions often require extensive education, certifications, and experience, and they can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually, depending on the employer and location.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist, you need a solid background in physics, engineering, or a related technical field, often supported by a relevant degree and specialized military or governmental training. Familiarity with nuclear weapons systems, safety protocols, and secure communication tools is essential, along with certifications such as Department of Energy (DOE) Q clearance. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong ethical judgment are critical soft skills for managing sensitive and high-stakes responsibilities. These competencies ensure the safe handling, maintenance, and security of nuclear assets, directly impacting national and global safety.

What is the difference between Nuclear Weapon vs Nuclear Engineer?

AspectNuclear WeaponNuclear Engineer
Required CredentialsSecurity clearance, military or specialized trainingEngineering degree in nuclear or related field, certifications
Work EnvironmentMilitary facilities, government labs, classified sitesResearch labs, power plants, industrial settings
Industry UsageDefense, military, government agenciesEnergy, research, medical, industrial sectors

Nuclear weapons and nuclear engineers both work within the nuclear industry but serve different roles. Nuclear weapons involve the development and management of military-grade nuclear arsenals, requiring security clearances and specialized military training. Nuclear engineers focus on designing, operating, and maintaining nuclear systems in civilian applications like energy production and research. While their work environments and credentials differ, both are integral to the nuclear industry.

Is it hard to get a job at a nuclear power plant?

Getting a job at a nuclear power plant as a nuclear technician or engineer typically requires specialized education, such as a degree in nuclear engineering or a related field, along with relevant certifications and training. The hiring process is competitive and involves background checks, security clearances, and passing exams to ensure safety and compliance with industry standards.

What are some unique challenges faced by nuclear weapons engineers in ensuring safety and compliance?

Nuclear weapons engineers face the critical challenge of maintaining the highest safety and security standards due to the sensitive and hazardous nature of their work. They must regularly update their knowledge to comply with evolving governmental regulations and international treaties. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including physicists, safety inspectors, and security personnel—is essential to conduct rigorous testing, maintenance, and risk assessments. Staying vigilant and detail-oriented is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure all protocols are met.
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Nuclear Weapon jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Weapon job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,964 per year, or $51.9 per hour.
Scientist / Nuclear Weapons SME

Scientist / Nuclear Weapons SME

Global Engineering & Technology, Inc. (GET)

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

$175K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

THIS POSITION IS 100% ON-SITE IN GERMANTOWN, MARYLAND.

Relocation Support to the Germantown area may be provided.

Global Engineering & Technology (GET) is seeking a Nuclear Weapons Subject Matter Expert (SME) with expertise in nuclear weapon science to support the Department of Energy's Office of Classification in Germantown, Maryland.

This is a highly compensated full-time position with benefits, with work performed primarily at the DOE facility in Germantown, Maryland. This long-term position may provide relocation support to the Germantown area for those who live outside of the DMV (region encompassing the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia).

Salary Range: Compensation for this position will range from $175,000 to $190,000 per year, depending on qualifications.

Duties:
  • This position requires expert-level knowledge to advise senior DOE management on current technical issues related to the SME's area of expertise in nuclear weapons research (e.g., nuclear weapon design, materials science research, stockpile management, special nuclear materials production, developments relating to improvised nuclear devices, or other areas of expertise)
  • This leadership and policy guidance position requires the ability to lead working groups and develop white papers and presentations
  • This senior professional prepares classification guidance and classification/declassification policy documents and guides in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, DOE Orders, and DOE Office of Classification procedures for Restricted Data (RD), Formerly Restricted Data (FRD), National Security Information (NSI), and Unclassified Controlled Nuclear Information (UCNI), including but not limited to the technical areas described below

Requirements

Security Clearance:

Candidate MUST be a United States citizen and have a current DoD Top Secret security clearance or DOE Q security clearance

Education and Experience:

  • Applicant MUST have earned an advanced degree in nuclear engineering or a physical science
  • Applicant MUST have hands-on nuclear weapon science experience
  • This position requires excellent writing and verbal communication skills. The individual must demonstrate the ability to read and understand written English at or above academic grade 15 (Nelson Denny reading assessment).

Minimum of ten (10) years' total field experience in the subject area of nuclear weapons is required. Hands-on experience with nuclear weapons-related matters such as any of the following is highly valued:

  • Computer Codes and Simulation Tools
  • Nuclear Weapon Design
  • Weapon Science
  • Use Control and other surety aspects of nuclear weapons
  • Knowledge of Improvised Nuclear Devices (INDs)
  • Advanced understanding of Radiation Exposure Devices and Radiological Dispersal Devices, including their basic science and technological principles
  • Expert knowledge of programs such as Second Line of Defense to interdict nuclear materials
  • Hands-on knowledge of computer code development to support the nuclear weapon complex is desirable, as is experience with XML computer language
  • Experience working with DOE / NNSA / DoD / DHS / NRC and the national nuclear weapon laboratories

The following are also highly valued:

  • Expertise in Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF)
  • Experience teaching and developing testing and educational materials for subjects such as IND or ICF is highly desirable

Benefits

We provide exceptional benefits to our full-time employees (spouse/family coverage option is available at a company-subsidized rate).

Benefits include:

  • Medical Plan Options With UnitedHealthcare
  • Dental Insurance
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Generous 401(k) Match

All benefits are effective on day one of employment.

Global Engineering & Technology, Inc. (GET) does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.