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Nuclear Weapons Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Noblis

Air Force Nuclear Weapons SME

Arlington, VA · On-site

Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear Operational Conditions Research and Development. Required ... We bring together leading scientific, engineering, and management expertise in a culture grounded ...

SimIS Inc.

-- Nuclear Weapon Effects SME (T)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$113K - $135K/yr

... nuclear engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university • Must have at least 8 ... weapon effects (NWE); space radiation; ground; and flight test infrastructure investments ...

SimIS Inc.

-- Nuclear Weapon Effects SME (T)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$113K - $135K/yr

... nuclear engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university  Must have at least 8 ... weapon effects (NWE); space radiation; ground; and flight test infrastructure investments ...

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Nuclear Weapons Engineer information

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How much do nuclear weapons engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear weapons engineer in Virginia is $84.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81.97 and $92.93 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 Virginia?

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

What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Weapons Engineer jobs in Virginia?

For Nuclear Weapons Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Nuclear Weapons Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Nuclear Weapons Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Nuclear Weapons Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Weapons Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $175,481 per year, or $84.4 per hour.

Nuclear Weapons Analyst

Reston, VA • On-site

Base-2 Solutions, LLC
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Base-2 Solutions, LLCexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

  • Requisition ID: 3822
  • Standard Title:
  • Required Security Clearance: Top Secret/SCI with CI Polygraph
  • Location: Reston, VA
  • Work Type: On-Site
  • Shift: First
  • Referral Eligibility: Eligible
  • U.S. Citizenship Required? Yes

Position Summary
Base-2 Solutions is seeking a Nuclear Weapons Analyst to conduct all-source technical analytic production on foreign nuclear weapons programs. This role analyzes foreign nuclear weapons production, inventory, doctrine, testing, evaluation, transfer mechanisms, and proliferation activities, and assesses modernization efforts and vulnerabilities. The analyst works with engineers, scientists, and other analysts to support comprehensive assessments of foreign nuclear weapons capabilities and associated technologies in support of defense intelligence missions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Conduct all-source technical analytic production on foreign nuclear weapons programs.
  • Analyze foreign nuclear weapons production, inventory, doctrine, testing, evaluation, transfer mechanisms, and proliferation activities.
  • Assess modernization efforts and vulnerabilities of foreign nuclear weapons.
  • Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and other analysts to support comprehensive assessments of foreign nuclear weapons capabilities and associated technologies.
Required Qualifications
  • Experience conducting technical or strategic intelligence analysis.
  • Experience integrating scientific or technical information into analytic products.
  • Strong analytic writing and briefing skills.
  • At least eight (8) years of experience conducting analysis relevant to the labor category, with at least a portion of the experience within the last two (2) years.
  • Bachelor's degree in an area related to the labor category from an accredited college or university.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Not specified.
Required Education and Experience Equivalency
  • None specified.
Required Certifications
  • None specified.
Required Security Clearance
  • Active Top Secret/SCI with CI Polygraph

Pay & Benefit Highlights
Compensation
  • Competitive fixed salary or hourly pay (based on experience, skills, location, and internal equity).
  • Employee referral bonuses up to $10,000 per hired referral.
  • Additional bonus opportunities for exceptional performance and contributions to business development and company growth (role-dependent).
Health
  • 100% company-paid medical premiums for employees and eligible dependents.
  • Choose from multiple plan options with CareFirst, Kaiser, and UnitedHealthcare, including PPO, POS, HMO, and HSA-compatible plans.
  • 100% company-paid dental premiums for employees and eligible dependents.
  • 100% company-paid vision premiums for employees and eligible dependents.
Income Protection
  • 100% company-paid premiums for short-term disability.
  • 100% company-paid premiums for long-term disability.
  • 100% company-paid premiums for accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D).
  • 100% company-paid premiums for life insurance up to $200,000.
Retirement
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting: 4% company match plus a 4% non-elective company contribution (8% total).
  • 401(k) pre-tax and Roth options.
Leave
  • Up to 20 days of flexible paid time off (PTO).
  • 11 paid floating holidays.
Work-Life Balance
  • Flexible work schedules, including flex time and compressed work periods (contract and project-dependent).

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