Reactor Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ENGINEER PROJECT 5
Location:
Newport News, Virginia, United States
Date: Jun 8, 2026
Req ID: 47684
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 Requirement: Yes, up to 10% of the time
Clearance Required: Yes- Final Clearance Required to Start
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
Researches, develops, designs, and/or tests components, equipment, systems, and networks in one or more engineering disciplines. May design equipment, facilities, components, products, and systems for commercial, industrial, and domestic purposes. Applies engineering principles to components and systems, including assembly, analysis, and documentation of results; construction of developmental assemblies, sub-assemblies and components; and quality testing. Supports and participates in the design, test, modification, fabrication and assembly of prototype. Applies research to the planning, design, development, and testing of systems, instruments, controls, engines, and/or machines.
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, maintenance, and modernization efforts. The NSC section in PREPY provides cradle-to-grave engineering services for Electric Plant Instrumentation and Control systems, supports the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) for Propulsion Plant Monitoring and Control systems, maintains several labs and developmental networks, and performs Reactor Plant software activities for Naval Nuclear Laboratories (NNL).
Duties will include:
• Solve multi-disciplinary and cross-functional problems, and ensure teams perform root-cause investigations that result in meaningful corrective actions
• Influence the culture of the department through mentoring, coaching, reviewing products, and developing the bench strength of the staff
• Serve as the senior technical point of contact for Electric Plant Instrumentation and Control, and Generic I&C software and requirements; coordinate with cross-functional teams across NNS, Electric Boat (EB), Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc (BPMI), Naval Nuclear Laboratories (NNL), and the Navy to achieve objectives
• Establish, evaluate, and refine engineering processes, procedures, methodologies, and verification frameworks that the team uses to execute their job duties
• Use proactive foresight to identify risks and opportunities, and advise internal and external stakeholders on the appropriate courses of action
• Serve as a conduit between the staff and the senior manager - Advise the senior manager on what is needed to ensure continual long-term success.
• Being responsible for the technical quality of our products and services
Although not mandatory, the ideal candidate will have professional experience or knowledge of:
• Designing, developing, qualifying, testing, and/or operating Naval Nuclear Propulsion Plants
• Developing, testing, and verifying software and requirements for Instrumentation and Control (I&C) systems and components
• Generic Hardware Building Blocks and associated Generic I&C Software
The ideal candidate will have these characteristics:
• Able to work under consultative direction towards predetermine long-rage goals and objectives, with minimal to no direction from management
• Natural catalyst for setting a positive and purpose-driven culture, fostering engagement, promoting accountability, and inspiring a collaborative environment
• Natural ability to navigate and lead through change, and to adjust strategies and approaches as needed to meet evolving business needs
Must Have
Bachelor's Degree and 14 years of relevant exempt experience
Master's Degree and 12 years of relevant professional experience;
Ph.D. and 9 years of experience.
Newport News Shipbuilding requires a Bachelor's Degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
Nice to Have
Although not mandatory, the ideal candidate will have professional experience or knowledge of:
• Designing, developing, qualifying, testing, and/or operating Naval Nuclear Propulsion Plants
• Developing, testing, and verifying software and requirements for Instrumentation and Control (I&C) systems and components
• Generic Hardware Building Blocks and associated Generic I&C Software
The ideal candidate will have these characteristics:
• Able to work under consultative direction towards predetermine long-rage goals and objectives, with minimal to no direction from management
• Natural catalyst for setting a positive and purpose-driven culture, fostering engagement, promoting accountability, and inspiring a collaborative environment
• Natural ability to navigate and lead through change, and to adjust strategies and approaches as needed to meet evolving business needs
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 [email protected] 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.