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Senior Nuclear Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apex Systems

Senior Nuclear Planner

Homestead, FL · On-site

Job#: 3037473 Senior Nuclear Planner Location: Homestead, Florida (Onsite) Role Overview The Senior ... Interface with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Work Management, and Supply Chain to optimize ...

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Senior Nuclear Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

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:
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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 Systems Engineer

Senior Nuclear Systems Engineer

Holtec International

Camden, NJ • On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Holtec International rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

150th of 430 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

The Senior Nuclear Systems Engineer supports the development of a next-generation nuclear power plant as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team responsible for Nuclear Island (NI) systems-level design. This role is intended for experienced engineers who can act as a technical authority for assigned NI systems, independently leading system-level design, integration, and licensing activities while mentoring junior engineers in a highly regulated environment. Supporting the SMR-300, this position works closely with engineering, manufacturing, and licensing teams as part of a U.S. Government cost-shared development program, developing system requirements, specifications, analyses, and design documentation to support safe, compliant, and executable plant designs.
Location: Camden, NJ or North Pittsburgh, PA (Relocation assistance available!)
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Lead multi-disciplinary system engineering and integration activities across major SMR-300 plant systems, ensuring technical consistency and alignment across engineering disciplines
  • Develop and manage system requirements, interface definitions, and component specifications to support detailed design, analysis, and licensing activities
  • Serve as a technical mentor to early-career and mid-level systems engineers, providing design guidance and reviewing calculations, specifications, and technical deliverables
  • Perform and oversee engineering analyses and calculations, particularly in areas related to thermal-fluids and overall plant system performance
  • Conduct and support technical trade studies and design evaluations that inform high-impact decisions affecting plant architecture, safety, and performance
  • Coordinate closely with licensing, safety, and regulatory teams to ensure system designs support safety case development and meet applicable codes and regulatory expectations
  • Collaborate with internal engineering teams, suppliers, and manufacturing partners to ensure system designs are technically sound, manufacturable, and executable
  • Support technical reviews, design documentation development, and internal design approval processes in alignment with program milestones and quality standards
  • Serve as a technical lead for assigned Nuclear Island systems, owning system integration, requirements, and cross-discipline alignment.
  • Execute assigned system-level engineering scope for the SMR-300 development program, delivering work with a high standard of quality, safety, and regulatory rigor

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Nuclear, Electrical, or related discipline); Master's degree preferred
  • 8+ years of progressive engineering experience, with demonstrated growth in technical responsibility and scope
  • Prior experience serving as a system owner or lead engineer for safety-related Nuclear Island (NI) systems on an operating or new-build nuclear power plant strongly preferred
  • Demonstrated experience mentoring and technically developing junior engineers, including review of designs, calculations, and system-level deliverables
  • Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, resolve highly complex technical issues, and drive system-level decisions
  • Strong fundamentals in heat transfer and fluid dynamics, with demonstrated application to complex plant systems
  • Experience developing engineering designs, specifications, drawings, and technical requirements in collaboration with engineers, suppliers, and manufacturers
  • Experience working in the nuclear energy industry in a system design or systems engineering capacity preferred; candidates with aerospace, defense, or other regulated-industry systems experience also encouraged
  • Familiarity with engineering and design tools such as SmartPlant, Mathcad, AutoCAD, Pipe Flo, HTRI, Engineering Lifecycle Management (ELM), and requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS NG) preferred
  • Excellent technical writing, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word and Excel
  • EIT and/or PE certification preferred

A Generation Ahead by Design™
Investing in people who power the future.
We believe great work deserves great rewards. Our benefits go beyond the basics, reflecting our commitment to supporting your whole self...your health, your future, and your career growth. This includes:
Compensation:
  • Annual compensation based on skills and experience ranging from $140,000 to $165,000

Benefits:
  • Industry-leading medical, dental, and vision coverage with a generous employer premium contribution and Day 1 eligibility!
  • FLEX Program - Hybrid work opportunities available for eligible roles, where business needs and role requirements allow
  • 401(k) retirement plan with up to a 5% company match and immediate vesting to support long-term financial security
  • Paid time off and 11 paid holidays to support rest, balance, and recharge
  • Wellness program offering rewards for participation in company-supported health initiatives
  • Commuter benefits supporting mass transit and commuter parking options
  • Company-paid life and AD&D insurance for added peace of mind
  • Education assistance to support continued education and professional growth
  • Employee support and voluntary benefits, including an Employee Assistance Program and optional coverage such as disability, legal, identity theft, and insurance programs
  • Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on role, location, and employment status

If you're driven to solve meaningful challenges and make a lasting impact, we invite you to build your career at Holtec-a generation ahead by design™.

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