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Reactor Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Role This requisition is for a position within the one of the Propulsion and Reactor Engineering Planning Yard's (PREPY) structural engineering groups with opportunities to support the ...

ENGINEER STRUCTURAL 3

Newport News, VA · On-site

$99K - $122K/yr

The Role This requisition is for a position within the one of the Propulsion and Reactor Engineering Planning Yard's (PREPY) structural engineering groups with opportunities to support the ...

ENGINEER STRUCTURAL 3

Newport News, VA · On-site

$99K - $122K/yr

The Role This requisition is for a position within the one of the Propulsion and Reactor Engineering Planning Yard's (PREPY) structural engineering groups with opportunities to support the ...

$99K - $122K/yr

The Role This requisition is for a position within the one of the Propulsion and Reactor Engineering Planning Yard's (PREPY) structural engineering groups with opportunities to support the ...

$99K - $122K/yr

The Role This requisition is for a position within the one of the Propulsion and Reactor Engineering Planning Yard's (PREPY) structural engineering groups with opportunities to support the ...

Specifically, this position is hands-on waterfront engineering support and oversight on Reactor Plant and Propulsion Plant Systems with an electrical background on 2nd shift. A successful candidate ...

ENGINEER ELECTRICAL 3

Newport News, VA · On-site

$99K - $122K/yr

Specifically, this position is hands-on waterfront engineering support and oversight on Reactor Plant and Propulsion Plant Systems with an electrical background on 2nd shift. A successful candidate ...

Showing results 21-40

Reactor Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$59K

$110.7K

$201.3K

How much do reactor engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 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 is a reactor engineer?

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 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Reactor Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Reactor Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Reactor Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,674 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

ENGINEER STRUCTURAL 4

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Newport News, VA • On-site

$124K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 76,770 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Req ID: 47573
Team: E50 PROP AND REAC ENG PLNG YRD
Entity: Newport News Shipbuilding
US Citizenship Required for this Position: Yes
Full-Time
Shift: 1st
Relocation: Relocation assistance will be available
Virtual/Telework Opportunity: No - Not eligible for telework
Travel Requirements: Yes, 10%-25% of the time
Clearance Required: No - Clearance Not Required to Start
Salary Range: $124,000.00 to $153,000.00
The anticipated salary range represents the estimated base pay for this role. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors, and may vary from the posted range
Meet HII's Newport News Shipbuilding
With more than 25,000 employees - including third-, fourth- and even fifth-generation shipbuilders - HII's Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division is the largest industrial employer in Virginia. We're the sole designer, builder and refueler of U.S. Navy nuclear aircraft carriers and one of two providers of U.S. Navy nuclear submarines. Our diverse and innovative team of professionals ranges from skilled trades to project managers, engineers and software developers to solution architects, technical subject matter experts, and system users. We collaborate together at the forefront of technology, manufacturing, and integration of the most powerful and survivable naval ships in the world. Want to be part of the team? Apply today! We look forward to meeting you.
The Role
This requisition is for a position within the one of the Propulsion and Reactor Engineering Planning Yard's (PREPY) structural engineering groups with opportunities to support the development of new aircraft carriers, modernization of the existing aircraft carrier fleet, design of a new battleship class, and standard valve designs used throughout the Navy. The PREPY is a single multidiscipline, cross-platform design agency, which is responsible for the design, development, and lifetime support of the propulsion plants (including reactor plant) of all Navy aircraft carriers (NIMITZ and FORD Class) and nuclear battleships (BBGN Class), as well as the standard valves used across all Navy ships.
This senior level engineer will be responsible for propulsion plant structural designs.
Analyzes, researches and develops structural engineering specifications involving metals, non-metallic or composite structural materials for product design, or operation of product to include structures, mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and electronics, power plant, armament, heating and ventilating, equipment and maintenance designs. Analyzes damage tolerance, durability, design allowables and structural modeling. Specific structural engineering specialties may include dynamics and loads, stability and stress fatigue and thermal analysis. Tools utilized may include CATIA, IDEAS, ProEngineer and a variety of software applications.
Must Have
Bachelor's Degree and 9 years of relevant exempt experience;
Master's Degree and 7 years of relevant professional experience;
Ph.D. and 4 years of experience.
Newport News Shipbuilding requires a Bachelor's Degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
Nice to Have
Preferred qualifications include:
  • Proficiency in utilizing finite element analysis (FEA) methods with pre-/post-processor FEMAP and ABAQUS computer applications
  • Proficiency in performing hand calculations using textbook methods, developing engineering calculation reports, and checking structural analyses reports
  • Ability to train and help manage the work of junior level engineers
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills - responsible for reporting on area of cognizance to all levels of NNS management as well as directly to our Navy customer
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervisor oversight
  • Excellent collaboration skills to interface with construction, develop close working relationships with other engineering disciplines and value stream customers, and work with designers to communicate engineering resolutions and approve changes to the CAD model
  • Tools utilized include Siemen's TEAMCENTER, FEAMAP, NASTRAN, ABAQUS, MATHCAD and a variety of other engineering and design software applications

Why HII
We build the world's most powerful, survivable naval ships and defense technology solutions that safeguard our seas, sky, land, space and cyber. HII's diverse workforce includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence, machine learning (AI/ML) experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals.
Recognized as one of America's top large company employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Regardless of your role or where you serve, at HII, you'll find a supportive and welcoming environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs for continual career growth at every stage of your career.
Working at HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a future. We offer comprehensive benefits including: medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plan choices, on-site health centers, tele-medicine, wellness resources, employee assistance programs, savings plan options (401K), financial education and planning tools, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, early childhood and post-secondary education scholarships, and more. Some benefits may vary depending on your specific division or work location.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship may be required for certain positions.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.
Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #2 for Newport News Shipbuilding.

Working at Huntington Ingalls Industries

About Huntington Ingalls Industries, in their own words

From Huntington Ingalls Industries

Our 44,000-strong team includes skilled tradespeople; artificial intelligence and machine learning experts; engineers; technologists; scientists; logistics experts; and business administration professionals. Recognized as one of America's top large employers, we are a values and ethics driven organization that puts people's safety and well-being first. Here you'll find a collaborative environment, competitive benefits, and valuable educational and training programs that span our shipbuilding apprentice schools in Virginia and Mississippi to tuition reimbursement programs that support continual career growth at every stage of your career.

Our values of integrity, safety, respect, engagement, responsibility and performance are the foundation of HII's ethical culture that inspires employees to do the right thing each day, regardless of the circumstances.


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