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Physicist Nuclear Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$94K - $112K/yr

The Nuclear Engineer is responsible for identifying, engaging, and hiring high-quality talent to ... RESPONSIBILITIES Radiation Transport & Reactor Physics Analysis * Develop, run, and validate ...

Nuclear Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN

$94K - $112K/yr

The Nuclear Engineer is responsible for identifying, engaging, and hiring high-quality talent to ... RESPONSIBILITIES Radiation Transport & Reactor Physics Analysis * Develop, run, and validate ...

Nuclear Engineer - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

$104K - $124K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or Physics, 11+ years of experience Desired certification: Professional Engineering Description Nalley Consulting has an outstanding opportunity for a Nuclear ...

Nuclear Engineer - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

$104K - $124K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or Physics, 11+ years of experience Desired certification: Professional Engineering Description Nalley Consulting has an outstanding opportunity for a Nuclear ...

Nuclear Engineer - Mid

Reston, VA · On-site

$102K - $122K/yr

Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, engineering technologies, or a physical science field ... Nuclear engineering * Thermo-hydraulics * Seismic / earthquake * Physics * Computational science

Nuclear Engineer - Mid

Reston, VA · On-site

$102K - $122K/yr

Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, engineering technologies, or a physical science field ... Nuclear engineering * Thermo-hydraulics * Seismic / earthquake * Physics * Computational science

Senior Nuclear Engineer

Reston, VA

$102K - $122K/yr

This unique role combines rigorous computational physics, engineering analysis, and all-source ... Nuclear Hardness & Survivability * Analyze the effects of nuclear weapons on facilities ...

Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

This may include nuclear engineering areas such as radiation shielding, criticality safety, accident dose consequence, reactor physics modeling and design, transient analysis, and radiation detection.

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Physicist Nuclear Engineer information

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$39.5K

$94.8K

$226.5K

How much do physicist nuclear engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for physicist nuclear engineer in the United States is $94,805.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can a nuclear physicist do?

A nuclear physicist can work in research and development, nuclear energy production, medical physics, or national laboratories. They often analyze nuclear reactions, develop radiation safety protocols, and use specialized tools like particle accelerators and detectors. These roles typically require strong analytical skills and knowledge of nuclear theory and safety standards.

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

To thrive as a Physicist Nuclear Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, mathematics, and nuclear engineering, often supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MCNP or ANSYS), radiation detection equipment, and knowledge of regulatory standards is typically required, with professional certifications like a Professional Engineer (PE) license being advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set top professionals apart in this field. These skills and qualifications ensure safety, innovation, and compliance in the design and operation of nuclear systems.

How do physicists and nuclear engineers typically collaborate on projects involving nuclear reactor design?

Physicists and nuclear engineers often work closely together on nuclear reactor design projects. Physicists focus on understanding fundamental nuclear processes and developing theoretical models, while nuclear engineers apply these models to solve practical engineering challenges, such as reactor safety and efficiency. Collaboration usually involves interdisciplinary meetings, shared research, and joint problem-solving sessions to ensure that theoretical insights are effectively translated into real-world reactor systems. This team-based approach helps bridge the gap between scientific discovery and applied engineering, leading to innovative and safe reactor designs.

What are Physicist Nuclear Engineers?

Physicist Nuclear Engineers are professionals who combine the principles of physics and nuclear engineering to study, design, and implement systems involving nuclear energy and radiation. They may work on nuclear power plants, radiation safety, medical applications, nuclear weapons, or research in nuclear technology. Their work involves understanding nuclear reactions, developing safe procedures for handling radioactive materials, and advancing innovations in energy production or medical imaging. These experts often collaborate with other engineers and scientists to solve complex problems related to nuclear science.

How much does a nuclear physicist pay?

The average salary for a nuclear physicist in the United States ranges from $80,000 to $130,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Nuclear physicists working in research, government, or industry often hold advanced degrees and may earn higher salaries, especially with specialized skills and security clearances.

Can a physicist become a nuclear engineer?

A physicist can become a nuclear engineer by gaining specialized knowledge in nuclear systems, often through additional coursework or a master's degree in nuclear engineering. Strong skills in mathematics, physics, and familiarity with nuclear technology and safety protocols are essential for transitioning into this role.

What is the difference between Physicist Nuclear Engineer vs Nuclear Technician?

AspectPhysicist Nuclear EngineerNuclear Technician
Required CredentialsMaster's or Ph.D. in Physics or Nuclear EngineeringAssociate's or Bachelor's in Nuclear Technology or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, nuclear power plantsNuclear power plants, medical facilities, research sites
Job FocusTheoretical research, design, and development of nuclear systemsOperating, maintaining, and monitoring nuclear equipment

Physicist Nuclear Engineers typically hold advanced degrees and focus on research and design in nuclear science, while Nuclear Technicians support operational tasks and maintenance in nuclear facilities. Both roles are essential in the nuclear industry but differ in education requirements and job responsibilities.

How much do physicists make in nuclear engineering?

Physicists working in nuclear engineering typically earn a median annual salary of around $120,000, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in radiation safety, reactor design, or nuclear materials may offer higher compensation.
More about Physicist Nuclear Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Physicist Nuclear Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Physicist Nuclear Engineer job openings:

Associate Nuclear Engineer and Physicist Nuclear

Naval Nuclear Laboratory

Niskayuna, NY

$63K - $97K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets.

Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today! Job Description Are you interested in learning about the nuclear power propulsion systems on the US Navy's aircraft carriers and submarines?

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is seeking an entry level engineer to join the Fleet Reactor Engineering department to lead evaluations of a wide range of nuclear reactor operations and transients. This is an excellent opportunity to gain an integrated understanding of how many different reactor designs operate while developing analytical skills that support our important mission and keep our sailors, the public, and the environment safe. The successful candidate's duties could include, but are not limited to: thermal hydraulic model development and analysis, researching and developing probabilistic models for reactor plant safety, understanding and communicating nuclear plant accident progression, developing scripts to run our models and post-process results, working productively and efficiently with a team of knowledgeable professionals to document different analyses, and understanding and communicating results to coworkers, managers, and Naval Reactors.

NNL develops and supports the world's safest and most advanced reactor plants and as an engineer in the Fleet Reactor Engineering department, your contributions will be directly tied to this important mission! Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related engineering or science field; or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a related engineering or science field. Preferred Skills Experience with thermal-hydraulic analysis, scripting, and coding preferably with reactor safety computer codes such as MELCOR or post-processing in MATLAB or Python; Experience working with and debugging interpreted (Python/MATLAB) and compiled programming languages (C, C++/FORTRAN); Strong interest in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and other related subjects; Ability to understand large/complex systems including fluids, heat transfer, instrumentation and control systems, and electrical components; Strong written and verbal communications skills with an ability to articulate technical ideas in a clear and concise manner Compensation and Benefits Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits Disability, Life & Accident Insurance 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan Personal & Medical Time Off Paid Parental Leave Flexible Work Schedules Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Wellness Program Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!

Pay Range $63,900.00 - $97,800.00 annually Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S.

Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S.

Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets.

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. All candidates must be U.S.

citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce.

All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana.

Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.