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Nuclear Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer

Fairfax, VA

$97K - $117K/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

Nokesville, VA

$93K - $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

Annandale, VA

$97K - $117K/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

Cheverly, MD

$98K - $118K/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

Montclair, VA

$99K - $118K/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

Cloverly, MD

$96K - $116K/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

Vienna, VA

$98K - $118K/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

Oakton, VA

$99K - $119K/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 ...

The Nuclear Weapons SME will advise CWMD leadership, intelligence analysts, and interagency partners on nuclear weapons design, development, employment concepts, proliferation risks, and threat ...

Nuclear Engineer

Newington, VA

$109K - $131K/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

Mount Vernon, VA

$111K - $133K/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

Middleburg, VA

$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

Hamilton, VA

$100K - $120K/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

Great Falls, VA

$99K - $119K/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

Ashburn, VA

$100K - $120K/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

Potomac, MD

$101K - $122K/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

Chillum, MD

$101K - $121K/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

Lincolnia, VA

$104K - $125K/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 ...

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Nuclear information

See Reston, VA salary details

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$54

$80

How much do nuclear jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear in Reston, VA is $54.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.77 and $65.00 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 Reston, VA? The most popular types of Nuclear jobs in Reston, VA are:
What job categories do people searching Nuclear jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Nuclear jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Nuclear jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Nuclear job openings:
Infographic showing various Nuclear job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,320 per year, or $54 per hour.
Program Manager for Nuclear Economics and Project Development

Program Manager for Nuclear Economics and Project Development

Nuclear Innovation Alliance

Washington, DC • On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

The Nuclear Innovation Alliance (NIA) is a non-profit, non-partisan "think-and-do" tank based in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to help create the conditions for success for new nuclear energy so it can play a major role as an energy security and climate solution. We identify barriers to new nuclear reactor commercialization, perform independent and highly technical analysis, produce useful information resources, and engage with a wide range of stakeholders to help overcome those barriers.
About the Role
NIA is seeking a Program Manager for Nuclear Economics and Project Development to analyze the economic landscape for nuclear power plants, identify cost drivers, and develop strategies to accelerate financing and deployment of new nuclear power plants, including order books. This role suits a candidate with a strong background in economics, finance, or project development who can translate complex technical data into actionable insights and policy recommendations.
What You'll Do
  • Research and evaluate data on nuclear costs, economics, and finance, providing clear analysis on policy and industry implications.
  • Engage with the financial community to identify and establish conditions needed to finance and deploy new nuclear projects.
  • Engage with DOE's Office of Energy Dominance Financing (formerly Loan Programs Office) to support additional loans to reactor developers and supply chain companies.
  • Collaborate with the NIA team and external experts to assess policy implications of economic and technical findings.
  • Engage with Congress to identify legislative solutions that lower the risk profile of new nuclear reactor construction.

What You Bring
  • Bachelor's or advanced degree in Economics, Business, Finance, or a related field; MBA or equivalent highly desirable.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in economic analysis, project development, or related roles; energy sector or nuclear experience a plus.
  • Strong quantitative skills with the ability to analyze complex datasets and derive actionable insights.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to translate technical data for diverse audiences including senior finance leaders.
  • Ability to integrate economic, finance, technical, and policy perspectives.
  • Proven track record developing programs or grant proposals and engaging financial stakeholders.

Applicant Requirements
A resume and cover letter are required to apply.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit/stand for long periods, occasional travel to off-site meetings, and ability to use a phone and computer.
Nuclear Innovation Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.