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Nuclear Weapons Engineer 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 ...

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 weapons engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear weapons engineer in the United States is $85.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82.69 and $93.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 with specialized skills in nuclear physics or weapons design can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $180,000. The role often requires security clearances and work in secure government or defense facilities.

What is a Nuclear Weapons Engineer job?

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 jobs can a nuclear engineer get?

A nuclear engineer can work in roles such as nuclear power plant engineer, radiation safety officer, nuclear research scientist, or nuclear systems analyst. These positions often require knowledge of nuclear physics, safety protocols, and specialized tools or software, and may involve working in regulated environments or with government agencies.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior nuclear weapons engineers or specialists with extensive experience, advanced security clearances, and expertise in nuclear technology can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in government or defense contractor roles. High compensation often reflects specialized skills, leadership responsibilities, and working in high-stakes environments.

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

Nuclear engineers typically earn salaries well below $500,000 annually, with median wages around $120,000 to $150,000. High-level positions in government or private industry with extensive experience, advanced security clearances, and specialized skills may approach or exceed this figure, but such salaries are uncommon for most nuclear engineers.

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.

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Nuclear Weapons Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Weapons Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,000 per year, or $85.1 per hour.
Senior Classification Analyst / Nuclear

Senior Classification Analyst / Nuclear

Global Engineering & Technology, Inc. (GET)

North Las Vegas, NV • On-site

$165K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

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

This position provides relocation support to the Germantown area.

Global Engineering & Technology (GET) is seeking qualified individuals for the position of Nuclear Weapons Subject Matter Expert (SME) in support of the Department of Energy's Office of Classification in Germantown, Maryland.

This is a highly compensated, long-term, 100% on-site position at the Department of Energy facility in Germantown, Maryland. This position provides relocation support to the Germantown area.

The SME will be trained to conduct classification review and analysis of government material in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, DOE orders, and DOE Office of Classification procedures for Restricted Data (RD), Formerly Restricted Data (FRD), and National Security Information (NSI) technical areas such as:

  • Nuclear weapon design, development, testing, production, and deployment
  • Nuclear weapon science
  • Inertial confinement fusion (ICF)
  • Ballistic missile and/or reentry body/vehicle design, development, testing, production, and deployment
  • Special nuclear material (SNM) production technologies such as, but not limited to, isotope separation technologies (atomic vapor laser isotope separation, gaseous diffusion, gas centrifuge, etc.) and nuclear material processing
  • Counterintelligence and nuclear intelligence
  • Military utilization of nuclear weapons and nuclear weapon effects
  • Nuclear nonproliferation (technology and/or safeguards programs)
  • Radiological weapons and improvised nuclear devices
  • Space nuclear reactors and naval nuclear propulsion

Salary Range: Compensation for this position will range from $165,000 to $185,000 per year, depending on qualifications.

Requirements

Security Clearance:

MUST possess an active DOE Q clearance or an active DoD Top Secret clearance

Experience & Skills:

The SME shall ideally have five (5) years total field and/or program office experience in one or more of the following:

  • Nuclear weapons design and improvised nuclear devices
  • Nuclear material production, such as but not limited to isotope separation technologies (atomic vapor laser isotope separation, gaseous diffusion, gas centrifuge, etc.), and nuclear material processing
  • Counterintelligence and nuclear intelligence
  • Weapon science and inertial confinement fusion
  • Military utilization of nuclear weapons

Education:

The candidate must be able to read and understand written English at or above academic grade 15, and score accordingly on the Nelson Denny reading assessment test.

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in one of the physical sciences (or a related area of engineering) from an accredited college or university. A Master’s degree is highly desirable.

Benefits

We provide exceptional benefits to our full-time employees (spouse/family coverage option 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.