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Senior Nuclear Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nalley Consulting

Nuclear Engineer - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

$104K - $124K/yr

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 ...

Nalley Consulting

Nuclear Engineer - Sr

Reston, VA · On-site

$104K - $124K/yr

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 ...

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Senior Nuclear Engineer information

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How much do senior nuclear engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 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 engineers make $500,000 a year?

Senior nuclear engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in reactor design, safety analysis, or project management can reach or exceed a $500,000 annual salary, especially in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. Compensation varies based on location, employer, and level of responsibility, often including bonuses and benefits.

Can you make $500,000 as a nuclear engineer?

Senior nuclear engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles can potentially earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or with additional bonuses and benefits. However, such high compensation levels are uncommon and typically require many years of specialized expertise and responsibility.

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, and why are they important?

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 are Senior Nuclear Engineers?

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior nuclear engineers can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand facilities or leadership roles. Compensation varies based on location, employer, and project complexity, often including bonuses and benefits.

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.

How much does a senior nuclear engineer make?

A senior nuclear engineer typically earns between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often require advanced certifications and have expertise in reactor design, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
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:
What job categories do people searching Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs are:
Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Nuclear Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% 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.
Senior Nuclear Engineer - Richland, WA (Remote/Hybrid)

Senior Nuclear Engineer - Richland, WA (Remote/Hybrid)

Tetra Tech, Inc.

Richland, WA • On-site, Remote

$109K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Tetra Tech rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

348th of 369 rated engineering

Job description

Tetra Tech is adding a Senior Nuclear Engineer to join our growing organization in Richland, Washington. This role is responsible for providing technical leadership and project management support for nuclear radiation detection systems, small modular reactor (SMR) deployment projects, and other nuclear-related initiatives serving government and commercial clients.
The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert and Project Manager, supporting project execution, engineering design, business development, and strategic expansion into emerging technical service areas including nuclear power, security and monitoring systems, and renewable energy installations.
This position offers the opportunity to support highly regulated and technically complex projects that directly contribute to national energy infrastructure and nuclear security programs.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential - join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Essential Job Functions:
Project Management & Technical Leadership
  • Serve as a Project Manager and technical lead for nuclear engineering projects.
  • Support engineering design, construction, and implementation activities for nuclear facilities and systems.
  • Lead multidisciplinary project teams consisting of mechanical, nuclear, electrical, licensing, and quality professionals.
  • Participate in project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and execution activities.
  • Support business development and client engagement efforts.
  • Provide mentoring and technical guidance to engineering staff.

Engineering & Design Responsibilities
  • Apply nuclear and mechanical engineering principles to nuclear-regulated systems and facilities.
  • Perform engineering analyses and equipment design.
  • Support system and component design for nuclear facilities, including modifications to operating facilities.
  • Review engineering calculations, specifications, drawings, and technical reports.
  • Support design reviews, constructability reviews, and engineering evaluations.
  • Assist with feasibility studies, design development, and technical evaluations.
  • Maintain accurate and complete engineering documentation.

Licensing & Regulatory Support
  • Interface with nuclear licensing and regulatory personnel.
  • Support preparation and review of safety analysis documentation and design basis documentation.
  • Ensure engineering designs align with licensing bases and regulatory commitments.
  • Support compliance with applicable codes, standards, regulations, and quality assurance programs, including NQA-1 requirements where applicable.

Field & Client Support
  • Support field implementation activities at nuclear facilities.
  • Participate in technical meetings with clients and project stakeholders.
  • Support U.S. Government nuclear nonproliferation programs, including deployment, setup, and troubleshooting of fixed, mobile, and handheld radiation detection equipment.
  • Ensure work is performed safely and in accordance with Tetra Tech health, safety, and quality standards.
  • Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
  • Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness.
  • Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.
  • Additional duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
  • M.S. or PhD in Nuclear Engineering or related discipline. Equivalent combination of education and directly relevant nuclear industry experience may be considered.
  • 10-15 years of progressive engineering experience supporting nuclear, energy, or other highly regulated facilities.
  • Strong foundation in systems design, engineering analysis, and technical documentation.
  • Experience working in regulated design environments.
  • Familiarity with nuclear regulatory frameworks, including NRC licensing processes, safety analysis interfaces, and design basis documentation.
  • Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency with engineering software and Microsoft Office applications.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience supporting nuclear licensing activities and interactions with nuclear regulatory agencies.
  • Experience supporting DOE/NNSA Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence programs.
  • Experience with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), nuclear facility modifications, or decommissioning projects.
  • Familiarity with NQA-1 quality assurance requirements.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain.
  • Prior experience supporting nuclear operating facilities or utilities.
  • U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a security clearance if required by project assignments.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods.
  • Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials or equipment up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to participate in site visits and field reviews as required.

Work Environment:
  • Hybrid, remote, and office-based work environment.
  • Periodic travel to project sites and client locations.
  • Occasional exposure to industrial and nuclear facility environments.
  • Work performed in accordance with applicable nuclear, regulatory, safety, and quality requirements.

Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
  • Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits. https://www.tetratech.com/careers/life-at-tetra-tech/
  • Merit-based financial rewards.
  • Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
  • Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
  • Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.
Compensation:
Pay commensurate with experience.
Pay Range: $210,000 - $220,000 annually
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech's employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs

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