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Nuclear Weapons Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

... nuclear weapon components and provides enriched uranium for the U.S. Navy as well as excels in ... Founded in 1994 as a nuclear engineering firm to support federal operations in East Tennessee, GEM ...

... nuclear weapon components and provides enriched uranium for the U.S. Navy as well as excels in ... Founded in 1994 as a nuclear engineering firm to support federal operations in East Tennessee, GEM ...

... nuclear weapon components and provides enriched uranium for the U.S. Navy as well as excels in ... Founded in 1994 as a nuclear engineering firm to support federal operations in East Tennessee, GEM ...

Reliability Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN ยท On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

... nuclear weapon components and provides enriched uranium for the U.S. Navy as well as excels in ... Founded in 1994 as a nuclear engineering firm to support federal operations in East Tennessee, GEM ...

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Nuclear Weapons Engineer information

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$56

$77

$92

How much do nuclear weapons engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear weapons engineer in Tennessee is $77.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75.05 and $85.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nuclear weapons engineer?

A Nuclear Weapons Engineer designs, develops, maintains, and evaluates nuclear weapons and related systems. They work to ensure the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of nuclear arsenals while adhering to national security protocols and international treaties. These engineers may specialize in areas such as weapon physics, materials science, or explosives engineering. Their work often involves simulations, laboratory experiments, and collaboration with government agencies. Due to the sensitive nature of their work, they must obtain security clearances and follow strict regulations.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a nuclear weapons engineer?

As a Nuclear Weapons Engineer, your daily tasks often include designing, testing, and maintaining components or systems related to nuclear armaments, ensuring compliance with strict safety and regulatory standards. You may analyze technical data, conduct simulations, and collaborate closely with interdisciplinary teams such as physicists, materials scientists, and safety specialists. Regular responsibilities also involve detailed documentation, troubleshooting complex issues, and participating in security and quality assurance processes. The work is highly structured and demands meticulous attention to detail due to the sensitive nature of the materials and information involved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the nuclear weapons engineer position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Nuclear Weapons Engineer, you need a deep understanding of nuclear physics, mechanical or electrical engineering, and materials science, usually supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field and relevant security clearance. Familiarity with modeling and simulation software, radiation detection instruments, and compliance standards such as Department of Energy (DOE) regulations is crucial. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills set top candidates apart, as does the ability to work discreetly on sensitive projects. These skills ensure safe, precise work with complex systems while maintaining the strict confidentiality required in national defense environments.

Do nuclear weapons engineers get paid well?

Nuclear weapons engineers typically earn high salaries due to the specialized skills, security clearances, and technical expertise required for the role. Compensation often includes competitive base pay, benefits, and opportunities for advancement within government or defense contractors. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and level of security clearance.

How much do nuclear weapons engineers make?

Nuclear weapons engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and security clearance levels. Senior engineers or those working for government agencies may earn higher salaries, often supplemented with benefits related to security and specialized skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Weapons Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Nuclear Weapons Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Weapons Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $160,648 per year, or $77.2 per hour.

Nuclear Weapons Science SME

Global Engineering & Technology, Inc. (GET)

Knoxville, TN โ€ข On-site

$175K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


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 provides 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.