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Nuclear Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$94K - $112K/yr

Standard Nuclear is fueling America's nuclear renaissance at industrial scale. Our mission is to deliver the essential building blocks of nuclear power-enabling cost-effective, safe, and secure ...

Nuclear Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN

$94K - $112K/yr

Standard Nuclear is fueling America's nuclear renaissance at industrial scale. Our mission is to deliver the essential building blocks of nuclear power-enabling cost-effective, safe, and secure ...

Nuclear Engineer

Midtown, TN

$86K - $103K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

Nuclear Engineer

Knoxville, TN

$94K - $112K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

Nuclear Engineer

Norris, TN

$85K - $102K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

Nuclear Engineer

Loudon, TN

$86K - $104K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

Nuclear Engineer

Alcoa, TN

$85K - $102K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

Nuclear Engineer

Louisville, TN

$90K - $108K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

Nuclear Engineer

Rockford, TN

$89K - $107K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

Nuclear Engineer

Powell, TN

$83K - $99K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

Nuclear Engineer

Maryville, TN

$88K - $106K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet ...

Nuclear I&C Engineer (HFIR)

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$85K - $102K/yr

Basic Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, I&C engineering, or related discipline • Minimum of 6 years working in DOE nuclear facilities, naval nuclear, and/or ...

Nuclear I&C Engineer (HFIR)

Oak Ridge, TN

$85K - $102K/yr

Apply relevant codes and standards, such as DOE Orders, ICC, IEEE (including Nuclear Standards), and others. Prepare design specifications and establish acceptance criteria for component upgrades.

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Nuclear information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

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How much do nuclear jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear in Oak Ridge, TN is $49.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.45 and $59.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in the nuclear industry, and how can candidates prepare for them?

Professionals in the nuclear industry often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, staying up-to-date with evolving regulatory standards, and managing complex, high-stakes projects. Teamwork is essential, as most roles require close collaboration with engineers, technicians, and regulatory bodies. Candidates can prepare by developing strong attention to detail, effective communication skills, and a commitment to continuous learning, especially regarding safety and compliance. Demonstrating adaptability and a proactive approach to problem-solving will also help you thrive in this dynamic field.

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

Getting a job at a nuclear power plant can be competitive and requires relevant education, such as a degree in engineering, nuclear science, or related fields. Candidates typically need specialized training, certifications like NRC licenses, and experience in safety protocols, which can make the hiring process rigorous but manageable for qualified applicants.

What is the difference between Nuclear vs Nuclear Technician?

AspectNuclearNuclear Technician
Required CredentialsDegree in nuclear engineering, physics, or related fieldAssociate's or bachelor's degree in nuclear technology or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, power plants, government agenciesPower plants, research facilities, maintenance sites
Industry UsageDesign, research, policy, and regulation rolesOperation, maintenance, and safety testing of nuclear systems

While 'Nuclear' refers broadly to the nuclear industry, including engineering, research, and policy roles, 'Nuclear Technician' is a specific technical role focused on operating and maintaining nuclear equipment. Both roles require specialized training, but 'Nuclear' encompasses a wider range of responsibilities and educational backgrounds.

What are nuclear engineers?

Nuclear engineers are professionals who research, design, operate, and maintain systems and equipment that use nuclear energy and radiation. They work on nuclear power plants, medical imaging and treatment devices, nuclear fuel cycles, and radiation safety. Their responsibilities include ensuring safe and efficient nuclear operations, developing new reactor technologies, and complying with strict regulatory standards. This field requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a solid background in math and science.

What is the highest paying nuclear job?

The highest paying nuclear jobs are typically senior reactor operators, nuclear engineers, and nuclear project managers, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles require advanced technical skills, certifications, and extensive experience in nuclear safety and operations.

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

Nuclear engineers typically earn a median annual salary around $120,000, with top earners in specialized roles or with extensive experience reaching salaries close to $200,000. Earning $500,000 annually is uncommon and would generally require senior management positions, consulting roles, or working in high-paying industries with additional certifications or responsibilities.

What jobs are there in the nuclear field?

Jobs in the nuclear field include nuclear engineers, radiation safety officers, nuclear technicians, health physicists, and reactor operators. These roles often require specialized training, certifications, and knowledge of nuclear safety protocols, working in environments such as power plants, research facilities, or medical institutions.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, mathematics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's or higher degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software, radiation detection instruments, and safety regulation systems is crucial, along with certifications like the Professional Engineer (PE) license for advanced roles. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals navigate complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are essential for ensuring the safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant operation of nuclear facilities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear jobs in Oak Ridge, TN? The most popular types of Nuclear jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:
What job categories do people searching Nuclear jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Nuclear jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:
What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Nuclear jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Nuclear job openings:
Infographic showing various Nuclear job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,218 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

$94K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Standard Nuclear is fueling America's nuclear renaissance at industrial scale. Our mission is to deliver the essential building blocks of nuclear power-enabling cost-effective, safe, and secure energy for the world.
The Nuclear Engineer is responsible for identifying, engaging, and hiring high-quality talent to support Standard Nuclear's engineering, manufacturing, and operational growth. This role partners closely with hiring managers to understand technical requirements, develop sourcing strategies, and manage candidates through the full recruiting lifecycle.
This is a hands-on recruiting role focused on building pipelines for specialized technical positions in a competitive market. The Technical Recruiter will proactively source candidates, assess qualifications, and drive hiring processes from initial outreach through offer acceptance. The role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to represent the company effectively to candidates.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Radiation Transport & Reactor Physics Analysis
  • Develop, run, and validate radiation transport and reactor physics models using industry-standard tools such as SCALE, MCNP, Serpent, or equivalent software.
  • Perform neutronics, shielding, dose, and activation analyses to support system design and safety evaluations.
  • Interpret simulation results and provide engineering recommendations to inform design decisions.

Criticality Safety & Fuel Manufacturing Support
  • Conduct criticality safety calculations and analyses for advanced fuel manufacturing modules and material handling scenarios.
  • Support development and review of safety analyses related to fissile material processing and fuel fabrication.
  • Collaborate with operations and engineering teams to integrate criticality safety requirements into process design.

Advanced Nuclear Systems Analysis
  • Support modeling and evaluation of advanced nuclear systems, including propulsion and power applications, through detailed simulation and analysis.
  • Assess system performance, margins, and safety characteristics under nominal and off-nominal conditions.
  • Contribute analytical support to early-stage design trades and technology development efforts.

Technical Documentation & Communication
  • Prepare clear, well-structured technical reports, analyses, and presentations to communicate results to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Support preparation of safety documentation, design reviews, and technical briefings.
  • Maintain organized records of models, assumptions, inputs, and results.

Quality, Safety & Collaboration
  • Perform work in accordance with applicable quality assurance, configuration control, and procedural requirements.
  • Support continuous improvement of modeling practices and analytical workflows.
  • Work in compliance with radiological safety protocols and support operations in radiological environments as required.
  • Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, operations, and safety teams.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Technical Background
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.

Experience & Skills
  • Demonstrated experience developing and executing radiation transport and reactor physics models using SCALE, MCNP, Serpent, or similar tools.
  • Hands-on experience performing criticality safety calculations and analyses.
  • Proficiency in Python or similar scripting languages for model automation, post-processing, or workflow support.
  • Strong technical writing skills with experience producing engineering reports and presentations.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Additional Experience (Preferred)
  • Advanced knowledge of nuclear fuels, materials, or fuel manufacturing processes.
  • Experience supporting nuclear system design, fuel qualification, or reactor performance evaluations.
  • Familiarity with quality assurance and continuous improvement methodologies in nuclear or regulated environments.
  • Prior experience working in radiological facilities or controlled environments.

BENEFITS
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Disability and Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays

WORK ENVIRONMENT
This role is based at Standard Nuclear's Pilot Fuel Manufacturing Facility in Oak Ridge, TN.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
The position involves office-based analytical work as well as interaction with laboratory, manufacturing, and radiological environments. Occasional travel may be required. All work will be performed in accordance with applicable safety, radiological protection, and quality requirements. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for qualified individuals.
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
. Department of State.