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Senior Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Midtown, TN

$86K - $103K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Knoxville, TN

$94K - $112K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Louisville, TN

$90K - $108K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Alcoa, TN

$85K - $102K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Powell, TN

$83K - $99K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Loudon, TN

$86K - $104K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Rockford, TN

$89K - $107K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Norris, TN

$85K - $102K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Maryville, TN

$88K - $106K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsNuclear Engineer JobsSenior Nuclear Engineer JobsSenior Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN

Senior Nuclear Engineer information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$51.6K

$109.8K

$159.2K

How much do senior nuclear engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior nuclear engineer in Oak Ridge, TN is $109,800.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,700.00 and $124,500.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN? For Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:
What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Senior Nuclear Engineer job openings:
Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Nuclear Engineer job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,800 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer (3786)

Navarro Inc.

Oak Ridge, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Navarro Research and Engineering is recruiting for multiple junior and senior Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineering positions located in Oak Ridge, TN, Paducah, KY, and Portsmouth, OH.

Navarro is a premier contractor providing high-quality technical services to DOE, NASA, and DOD. Navarro's success is based on our customer service focus and our well-known responsiveness and innovation. In all we do, either in corporate management or in our services to our clients, we seek for the most effective and efficient approaches to provide best value to our clients.

Performs NCS Engineering job functions as assigned by management. Typical job responsibilities assist and support management in NCS program implementation and engineering system design; which may include duties or activities in one or more of the following functional areas, in addition to other duties as assigned:

  • Perform nuclear criticality safety reviews of existing and proposed nuclear material operations and facilities, facility designs and modifications; and research or processing activities involving fissionable materials.
  • Develop nuclear criticality safety evaluations and program documents that meet applicable NRC/DOE requirements and standards, utilizing nuclear criticality safety software (e.g., SCALE or MCNP) as needed, in support of safe nuclear material operations and maintenance activities.
  • Complete reviews of nuclear criticality safety evaluations and program documents to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with applicable NRC/DOE requirements and standards.
  • Perform tracking and trending of NCS performance.
  • Support NCS operability or engineering evaluations when necessary.
  • Support NCS program implementation and training.
  • Support the development of hazards analysis, accident analysis, and hazard controls and documents the results in a nuclear facility safety basis (i.e., documented safety analysis and technical safety requirements), as requested.
  • Perform NCS work in accordance with contractor or client program documents and procedures.
  • Maintain knowledge of and demonstrates ability to perform work safely in accordance with all approved safety policies, procedures and applicable regulations and performs assigned duties in a safe manner.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications :

  • BS/BA in Nuclear Engineering (or directly related field) and 3 years of related nuclear criticality safety experience. 
  • Understanding of pertinent nuclear criticality safety codes, governing regulations and industry practices. 
  • Demonstrated proficiency utilizing nuclear criticality safety software (e.g., SCALE or MCNP)
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills 
  • Must possess a DOE "L/Q" clearance or the ability to obtain a DOE "L/Q" Clearance

Due to the nature of the government contract requirements and/or clearances requirements, US citizenship is required.

Navarro is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation & Public Holidays)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability

Apply