ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Reactor Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Nalley Consulting

Nuclear Engineer - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

$104K - $124K/yr

Have knowledge of nuclear engineering and sub-disciplines of thermo-hydraulics, seismic or earthquake, physics, computational science, and fission reactor engineering. * Oversee and manage teams ...

Apply Early

Nalley Consulting

Nuclear Engineer - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

$104K - $124K/yr

Have knowledge of nuclear engineering and sub-disciplines of thermo-hydraulics, seismic or earthquake, physics, computational science, and fission reactor engineering. * Oversee and manage teams ...

Nalley Consulting

Nuclear Engineer - Mid

Reston, VA · On-site

$102K - $122K/yr

Fission reactor engineering. Desired qualifications: * Understanding of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or missile programs. * Work experience at a national-level agency. * Demonstrated ...

Apply Early

Nalley Consulting

Nuclear Engineer - Mid

Reston, VA · On-site

$102K - $122K/yr

Fission reactor engineering. Desired qualifications: * Understanding of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or missile programs. * Work experience at a national-level agency. * Demonstrated ...

SOSi

Nuclear Engineer - Senior

Reston, VA · On-site

$108K - $149K/yr

Knowledge of nuclear sub-disciplines like thermos-hydraulics, seismic events, physics, computational science, or fission reactor engineering. * Bachelor's degree in physics, engineering, engineering ...

HII

$144K - $181K/yr

The Networks, Software, and Cybersecurity (NSC) section of the Propulsion & Reactor Engineering Planning Yard (PREPY) is seeking an engineering leader to drive our system development, qualification ...

HII

$144K - $181K/yr

The Networks, Software, and Cybersecurity (NSC) section of the Propulsion & Reactor Engineering Planning Yard (PREPY) is seeking an engineering leader to drive our system development, qualification ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsReactor Engineer JobsReactor Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Reactor Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$59K

$110.7K

$201.3K

How much do reactor engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for reactor engineer in Virginia is $110,674.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,800.00 and $131,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Reactor Engineers?

Reactor Engineers are professionals who design, operate, and maintain nuclear reactors. They are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of reactors used for power generation, research, or medical purposes. Their work involves monitoring reactor systems, conducting safety assessments, and developing procedures to prevent accidents. Reactor Engineers also analyze reactor performance data and collaborate with other engineers and scientists to optimize reactor operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Reactor Engineers during routine operations and how are they addressed?

Reactor Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining reactor stability, troubleshooting instrumentation issues, and ensuring compliance with strict safety protocols. These challenges are typically managed through continuous monitoring, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams (including safety, operations, and maintenance personnel), and adherence to established procedures. Proactive communication and regular training enable Reactor Engineers to respond effectively to unexpected events and maintain optimal reactor performance.

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

To thrive as a Reactor Engineer, you need a solid background in nuclear engineering, reactor physics, and safety protocols, typically supported by a degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software, reactor monitoring systems, and safety certification such as Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) or Professional Engineering (PE) is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you solve complex technical problems and work within multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant operation of nuclear reactors, which is critical for both safety and energy production.

What is the difference between Reactor Engineer vs Nuclear Engineer?

AspectReactor EngineerNuclear Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Nuclear Engineering or related field; often requires licensing or certificationBachelor's or higher in Nuclear Engineering; may also require licensing
Work EnvironmentDesign, operate, and maintain nuclear reactors, often in power plants or research facilitiesResearch, develop, and improve nuclear systems, including reactors and radiation safety
Industry UsagePrimarily in power generation, naval propulsion, and research reactorsResearch institutions, government agencies, and industry R&D

Reactor Engineers focus on the operation and safety of nuclear reactors, ensuring they run efficiently and safely. Nuclear Engineers have a broader scope, including research, development, and design of nuclear systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but Reactor Engineers are more hands-on with reactor operation, while Nuclear Engineers often work on innovation and system improvements.

What are popular job titles related to Reactor Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Reactor Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reactor Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Reactor Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Reactor Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reactor Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,674 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Nuclear Engineer - Sr

Nalley Consulting

Reston, VA • On-site

$104K - $124K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Position: Nuclear Engineer 
LCAT: Senior
Location: Reston, Virginia
This position is contingent upon award.
Required clearance: TS/SCI with willingness to take CI poly. Candidates with current CI poly taken within the past seven years will be prioritized.
Required experience: At least 11 years
Required education (Senior): 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 Engineer to support on-going research and development efforts and develop new business in technologies for functional characterization of WMD facilities and their associated design.
Join us as a Nuclear Engineer and become a key player in characterizing large-scale and small-scale industrial, commercial, and institutional projects. If you thrive on tackling complex challenges and driving innovation in reverse engineering structural processes, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for.
The successful candidate will:
  • Have knowledge of nuclear engineering and sub-disciplines of thermo-hydraulics, seismic or earthquake, physics, computational science, and fission reactor engineering.
  • Oversee and manage teams conducting analysis of underground WMD facilities and targets including nuclear reactors, reprocessing facilities, storage and related infrastructure.
  • Conduct vulnerability analyses and assessments to determine defeat options.
  • Experience with engineering research, reverse engineering analysis or characterizations, and facility and vulnerability assessments on foreign nuclear capabilities.
  • Characterize the structure of WMD facilities, some of which are clandestine
  • Spearhead projects from vision to reality, delivering on time and within budget
  • Collaborate seamlessly with project managers, architects, and contractors
  • Present compelling project reports and updates to stakeholders
  • Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies
Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering or Physics
  • 11+ years relevant experience
  • Knowledge of nuclear engineering and sub-disciplines of thermo-hydraulics, seismic or earthquake, physics, computational science, and fission reactor engineering.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively within or lead a team of peers, as well as excellent interpersonal and communications skills
  • Ability to communicate highly technical analyses at a level comprehensible to laymen and senior-level government representatives
  • Ability to clearly express in writing technical analysis results
  • Practical experience in WMD analysis
  • Understanding of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or missile programs.
  • Demonstrated ability to produce and comply with IC tradecraft standards.
Other desired skills:
  • Professional Engineering Certification.
  • Demonstrated ability writing ICD 203 and ICD 206-compliant finished intelligence production.
  • 15 years of experience in solving DoD engineering/science problems.
  • Military or defense-related experience and an understanding of operational planning and functional defeat of hard targets and underground facilities.
  • Experience conducting analyses of hard and deeply buried underground facilities.
  • Experience examining seismic, electrical, or electromagnetics data to characterize underground facilities and hard and deeply buried targets.
  • Demonstrate in-depth analysis of analytic operations and knowledge management issues across organizational and intra-IC boundaries and clearly articulates key findings.

 

ABOUT NALLEY CONSULTING

Nalley Consulting is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business working with prime partners to staff Department of Defense and Intelligence Community positions. Created by a U.S. Navy intelligence veteran, Nalley Consulting has grown to include multiple IDIQ vehicles in several states.

Nalley Consulting fringe benefits include:

  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • PTO
  • 11 paid federal holidays
  • Tuition assistance
  • Paid military-reserve leave
  • Paid parental leave for birth or adoption
  • 401k matching up to 5 percent of the base salary
  • Flex time
  • Company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.

Powered by JazzHR

oRhWXOVo6P