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Nuclear Weapon Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

ARA

Nuclear Survivability Scientist

Nashua, NH · On-site

You will do this by conducting hands-on M&S analyses of technical R&D problems for the nuclear weapon effects, missile defense, communications and space vehicle communities. Strong candidates will ...

ARA

Nuclear Survivability Scientist

Nashua, NH · On-site

You will do this by conducting hands-on M&S analyses of technical R&D problems for the nuclear weapon effects, missile defense, communications and space vehicle communities. Strong candidates will ...

Leidos

Senior Nuclear Engineer

Reston, VA

$102K - $122K/yr

Responsibilities include conducting technical assessments of foreign nuclear weapons infrastructure to reverse-engineer protective hardening measures and identify facility, process, and supply chain ...

Leidos

Senior Nuclear Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$102K - $122K/yr

Responsibilities include conducting technical assessments of foreign nuclear weapons infrastructure to reverse-engineer protective hardening measures and identify facility, process, and supply chain ...

Arcfield

Nuclear Surety Engineer

Washington, DC · On-site

$111K - $133K/yr

Review strategic weapon system certification processes and activities to ensure objective quality ... Develop nuclear surety risk assessment methodologies, models, and probabilities of occurrence for ...

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Nuclear Weapon information

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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.

Nuclear Survivability Scientist

Berriehill Research

Niceville, FL • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA), Algorithms, Modeling, and Assessments (AMA) Division is seeking a Nuclear Survivability Scientist. In this role, you will support our initiatives in nuclear survivability and assessments and will be responsible for developing technology critical to the success of our projects as well as national security. You will do this by conducting hands-on M&S analyses of technical R&D problems for the nuclear weapon effects, missile defense, communications and space vehicle communities. Strong candidates will have a technical background in mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, and computer engineering. They will have a passion for exploring and learning the deeply technical aspects of nuclear weapon effects, high-altitude nuclear environments, nuclear survivability, modeling and simulation (M&S), nuclear physics, electromagnetic propagation, and system design and analysis. Successful candidates will need an active TS/SCI clearance. This will be a hybrid schedule with the expectation of working 3 days in either our Nashua, NH or Niceville, FL office.

What you’ll do as a Nuclear Survivability Scientist:

  • Perform M&S of high-altitude nuclear effects, radiation belts, command, control, and communication (NC3), and RF communication systems.
  • Use and support development of software applications and models in nuclear weapon effects, survivability, and ballistic missile defense systems.
  • Develop physics-based weapon effects models.
  • Conduct verification and validation (V&V) of models, algorithms, and results and prepare technical documentation.
  • Present technical briefings, findings, analysis, and recommendations.
  • Conduct analysis of systems, sensors, communications, and assets that must operate in nuclear environments.
  • Conduct studies and trade space analysis for sensor performance.
  • Mentor junior staff on technical tasks and track high level project timelines.
  • Contribute to peer review of team members’ findings and reports.
  • Communicate with customers to identify and suggest priorities and timelines.
  • Develop requirements and standards for system and personnel survivability.
  • Identify gaps in technology and nuclear weapon effects M&S and identify solutions to address those gaps.
  • Support software planning, development, testing, deployment, and usage. Conduct training of M&S software.

      Nuclear Survivability Scientist Requirements:

      • Bachelors Degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Computer Engineering.
      • 8-10 years of relevant work experience.
      • US Citizenship Required.
      • Active TS/SCI DoD security clearance.
      • Experience in M&S areas: RF propagation modeling and testing, NC3 platforms and systems.
      • Experience in software development or maintenance with C++, C#, Fortran, Python, or similar language.
      • Strong communication skills.
      • Demonstrated experience in nuclear weapon effects, RF communication systems, and/or relevant aspects of nuclear survivability.
      • Experience in RF system operation and analysis.
      • Experience with modeling software tools: LWPC, LMP, HiCIRF, PHaRLAP, and VOACAP.
      • Experience in a supervisory or mentoring role.

      Nuclear Survivability Scientist Preferences

      • Masters of Science in Mathematics (or related field) with 6-8 years of relevant experience.
      • PhD in Mathematics (or related field) with 3-5 years of relevant experience.

      Company & Division Information

      Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,223 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.

      At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging and innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please apply at careers.ara.com.

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