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Senior Nuclear Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Nuclear Engineer

Austin, TX

$103K - $142K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Nuclear Engineer to join our core engineering team and drive the analytical rigor behind our microreactor design. This role sits at the intersection of innovation and ...

Senior Nuclear Engineer

Reston, VA

$102K - $122K/yr

The Leidos Analysis Solutions business area is seeking a Senior Nuclear Engineer to support critical national security missions in Reston, Virginia. In this role, you will apply advanced nuclear ...

Senior Nuclear Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$102K - $122K/yr

The Leidos Analysis Solutions business area is seeking a Senior Nuclear Engineer to support critical national security missions in Reston, Virginia. In this role, you will apply advanced nuclear ...

Senior Nuclear Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Nuclear Engineer to join our core engineering team and drive the analytical rigor behind our microreactor design. This role sits at the intersection of innovation and ...

Senior Nuclear Engineer

Austin, TX

$103K - $142K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Nuclear Engineer to join our core engineering team and drive the analytical rigor behind our microreactor design. This role sits at the intersection of innovation and ...

Senior Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$133K - $184K/yr

About the Role Radiant is seeking a driven Senior Nuclear Engineer to join our team! You will own modeling methods and reactor physics calculations of neutronics parameters such as reactivity ...

Senior Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$133K - $184K/yr

About the Role Radiant is seeking a driven Senior Nuclear Engineer to join our team! You will own modeling methods and reactor physics calculations of neutronics parameters such as reactivity ...

Nuclear Engineer

$63K - $111K/yr

NUCLEAR ENGINEER When it comes to what you want in your career, if you can imagine it, you can do ... Under the guidance of a senior engineer, supports development of documents pertaining to:

Senior Nuclear Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $185K/yr

About the Role As a member of the nuclear engineering team, you will become the responsible engineer for a key component of the Antares reactor design such as reactivity controls and instrumentation ...

Nuclear Engineer - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

$100 - $140/hr

Nuclear Engineer LCAT: Senior Location: Reston, Virginia Required Clearance TS/SCI with willingness to take CI poly. Candidates with current CI poly taken within the past seven years will be ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Nuclear Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior nuclear engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior nuclear engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Nuclear Engineer vs Nuclear Safety Engineer?

AspectSenior Nuclear EngineerNuclear Safety Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Nuclear Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Nuclear Engineering, specialized training in safety protocols
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and oversee nuclear systems; collaborate with engineers and project teamsAssess safety risks, develop safety procedures, ensure compliance with safety standards
Employer & Industry UsagePower plants, nuclear research, defense contractorsRegulatory agencies, nuclear power plants, consulting firms

While both roles require nuclear engineering expertise, Senior Nuclear Engineers focus on system design and project management, whereas Nuclear Safety Engineers specialize in safety assessments and compliance. Both positions are vital in ensuring safe and efficient nuclear operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior nuclear engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Nuclear Engineer, you need an advanced degree in nuclear engineering or a related field, strong analytical skills, and several years of industry experience. Familiarity with nuclear simulation software, regulatory compliance systems, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are typically required. Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you manage complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant operation of nuclear facilities while advancing project objectives.

What is a senior nuclear engineer?

Senior Nuclear Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, operate, and oversee nuclear power plants and related systems. They are responsible for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance of nuclear operations, as well as troubleshooting complex technical issues. Senior Nuclear Engineers often lead teams, manage projects, and contribute to research and development in the nuclear energy field. Their expertise is critical in maintaining safe energy production and advancing nuclear technology.

What are some typical challenges senior nuclear engineers face in project management and how can they be addressed?

Senior Nuclear Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating multidisciplinary teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing complex technical risks during large-scale projects. Effective communication and strong leadership skills are key to overcoming these obstacles, as is keeping up-to-date with evolving safety standards. Proactively engaging with stakeholders and implementing rigorous project management methodologies help ensure that projects stay on track and meet safety and quality requirements.
More about Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Nuclear Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Nuclear Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Senior Nuclear Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Nuclear Engineer III / Sr Nuclear Engineer

Duke Energy Corporation

York, SC • On-site

$91K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Duke Energy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 167 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 86 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Important Application Submission Information
In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 16, 2026
More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.
Build an exciting, rewarding career with us - help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.
Electrical/I&C Engineer at a nuclear power plant (Nuclear Engineer III or Senior Nuclear Engineer) - Operations Support Engineering - Electrical - Catawba Nuclear Station
Depending upon the qualifications of the successful applicant, the hiring manager may elect to fill this position as Engineer III or Senior Engineer
Summary
Catawba Nuclear Plant is seeking an Electrical/I&C System Engineer to join the Plant Engineering - Operations Support Engineering - Electrical (OSE-Electrical) team. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the long-term reliability and performance of critical plant systems and infrastructure within a highly regulated and technically rigorous environment.
As part of the OSE - Electrical team, the candidate will interface with Instrumentation and Controls for Analog control systems, Digital Process systems, and network infrastructure equipment including servers, firewalls, and other defensive architecture equipment. The team directly supports the preventive maintenance program; monitors and trends equipment performance; provide technical oversight and engineering support to Operations and Maintenance organizations; and help establish the long-term strategic direction for plant to ensure optimum reliability.
This is the Career/Senior level of the Engineering classification hierarchy. Employees at this level manage work in engineering areas of specialization, with minimal supervision. Incumbents are expected to develop advanced skills and to have the ability to work independently, with guidance limited to unusual or complex projects or issues. They are fully competent in use of concepts and procedures. They identify problems, develop solutions, and take actions to resolve. Senior Nuclear Engineer represents a level at which career may stabilize for many years.
If you're looking for an exciting career or something new, this position offers a wide variety of work and overtime requirements are infrequent. You will also work inside an operating power plant offering fieldwork experience, inspections, and walkdowns while the nuclear station provides life-essential electricity to the surrounding community and power grid.
This position offers a 4-day 10h workweek (Mon-Thurs) with a hybrid work schedule (at least 2 of 4 days are in the office, the others may be taken at home). As a Duke Energy employee, you are offered a package of Paid Time Off / Vacation in addition to Holidays, Sick Time, and Dependent Care. Applicants are also eligible for Duke Energy's 401K program, including matching contributions.
Responsibilities
  • Provides engineering/technical expertise and guidance in the identification, analysis and resolution of problems of increasing scope and complexity in both inside as well as outside the scope of typical responsibility.
  • Prepares thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation, calculations and sketches related to defined problems and analysis of increasing scope and complexity.
  • Conducts engineering and related studies; completes non-routine engineering projects with minimal oversight with the ability to independently manage project schedules and interfaces; competent to design, operate and maintain systems with moderate impact on existing systems.
  • Possesses and applies the fundamental concepts, practices and procedures; proficient in technical and analytical competencies necessary to handle assignments of increasing complexity.
  • Develops positive working relationships to effectively coordinate work activities. Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills. Maintains accurate records and files.
  • Supports the company's goals and represents the company positively and professionally.

Basic / Required Qualifications - Nuclear Engineer III
Note: This posting is for one open position. Dependent on relevant experience, the level to which a candidate is aligned is outlined below.
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program. A Master 's degree in engineering will be considered in lieu of a Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
  • Minimum of 4 years of engineering experience.

Basic / Required Qualifications - Senior Nuclear Engineer
Note: This posting is for one open position. Dependent on relevant experience, the level to which a candidate is aligned is outlined below.
  • Graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET accredited program. A Master's degree in engineering will be considered in lieu of the B. S. engineering degree.
  • Minimum of 6 years of engineering experience or 5 years of engineering experience with state registration as a Professional Engineer.

Additional Preferred Qualifications
  • Passing grade on the Engineering Fundamentals Exam.
  • Experience in the utility industry.
  • Proficient in practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations.
  • Good written and oral communication skills.

Specific Requirements
  • Able to achieve nuclear site Unescorted Access.
  • This position may be required to have Emergency Response Organization (ERO) responsibilities which could include callouts with a defined response time to the site and an on-call duty rotation requiring the employee to be Fit for Duty.

Working Conditions
  • An office environment with some routine work in the plant to conduct inspections and/or walkdowns.
  • Hybrid work posture: At least 2 days per week are supported on-site at the Catawba Nuclear Station after the onboarding period.

Travel Requirements
5-15%
Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)
Yes
Represented/Union Position
No
Visa Sponsored Position
No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.
Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.
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About Duke Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Our electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Our natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Our company employs 28,000 people.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1904