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Nuclear Jobs in Spring Valley, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist is responsible for producing high quality diagnostic images of Nuclear Medicine studies. Special attention to radiation safety/regulations, including proper ...

The Nuclear Medicine Technologist is responsible for producing high quality diagnostic images of Nuclear Medicine studies. Special attention to radiation safety/regulations, including proper ...

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Nuclear information

See Spring Valley, CA salary details

$19

$53

$78

How much do nuclear jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear in Spring Valley, CA is $53.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.10 and $63.94 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 cities near Spring Valley, CA are hiring for Nuclear jobs? Cities near Spring Valley, CA with the most Nuclear job openings:
Infographic showing various Nuclear job openings in Spring Valley, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,465 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

$121K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

You will serve as a NUCLEAR ENGINEER in the Nuclear Test Engineering Division, Nuclear Engineering and Planning Department of Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) San Diego Detachment.Qualifications:Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-12 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector as a professional engineer analyzing and modifying procedures, assessing standards or contracts for nuclear testing or maintenance of naval nuclear reactor plants, or naval propulsion plants, to identify, and correct operational deficiencies for quality assurance.
This position requires a Selective Placement Factor. You must be a qualified Shift Test Engineer.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website:
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series AND https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/files/all-professional-engineering-positions-0800.pdf
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Applicants must meet the following basic education requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Standards Manual:
Successful completion of a professional engineering degree. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree (or higher) in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.
OR
Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration For more information about EI and EIT registration requirements, please visit the National Society of Professional Engineers website at: http://www.nspe.org
OR
Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico The FE examination is not administered by the U. S. Office of Personnel Management. For more information, please visit: http://www.nspe.org/Licensure/HowtoGetLicensed/index.html.
OR
Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and in engineering that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A (above). The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A (above)
OR
Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least one year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily, there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions.
Employment Type: OTHER

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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