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Senior Nuclear Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SOSi

Nuclear Engineer - Senior

Reston, VA · On-site

$108.70K - $149.30K/yr

Overview SOSi is seeking a Senior level Nuclear Engineer (Scientific Support). to be part of a unique, multi-discipline team assisting partners to fuse operations and intelligence information to ...

SOSi

Nuclear Engineer - Senior

Reston, VA · On-site

$108.70K - $149.30K/yr

Overview SOSi is seeking a Senior level Nuclear Engineer (Scientific Support). to be part of a unique, multi-discipline team assisting partners to fuse operations and intelligence information to ...

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior nuclear engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 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 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 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 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 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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.
Sr. Nuclear Criticality Engineer

Sr. Nuclear Criticality Engineer

GEM Technologies, Inc

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE
We are seeking a Sr. Nuclear Criticality Engineer to join our team supporting the Uranium Processing Facility! This position is full-time and will be based out of Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Responsibilities
  • Support nuclear facets related to the Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) design and construction of the facility.
  • Develop, revise, and peer-review Criticality Safety Evaluations (CSEs), Technical Deviations (TDs), and other NCS technical basis documents.
  • Perform facility walkdowns, review implementing documents, and participate in Operational Safety Boards.
  • Resolve non-compliance or discrepancies in safety requirements.
  • Develop calculations related to nuclear facilities.
  • Ensure design needs are met.
  • Develop, review, and implement Nuclear Criticality Safety Evaluations (NCSEs) and Determinations (NCSDs).
  • Assist in implementing and maintaining the NCS program, including operability evaluations and problem report dispositions.
  • Maintain a strong safety culture, implement zero-accident philosophies, and ensure safe work practices in operational areas.
  • Review operational areas to assess NCS compliance.
  • Perform NCS evaluations.

Requirements
  • Education & Years of Experience - Bachelor's Degree in engineering and 15+ years of relevant experience.
  • Citizenship - To be considered, you must be a United States (U.S.) citizen due to the federal nature of the work.
  • Clearance - To be considered, you must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE "Q" Clearance.
  • Must understand nuclear criticality safety procedures.
  • Must have excellent coordination and communication skills to work with various teams and stakeholders.
  • Must have experience with DOE and/or commercial nuclear projects

About the Site
The Uranium Processing Facility (UPF) is a construction project at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee that is intended to modernize and replace aging facilities for uranium operations. Once complete, UPF will support the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile, naval reactors, and defense nuclear nonproliferation while ensuring the long-term safety, security, and viability of enriched uranium capabilities in the United States. (energy.gov).
ABOUT GEM
GEM Technologies, Inc. (GEM) is an award-winning federal contractor with more than 30 years of experience providing environmental, construction, facility management, and technical services to federal agencies, state and local governments, and commercial organizations. Founded in 1994 as a nuclear engineering firm to support federal operations in East Tennessee, GEM has since expanded into a nationwide, multi-disciplinary provider with over 270 employees and a diverse portfolio of contracts in the environmental, nuclear, and defense sectors. Some reasons to join GEM are:
  • Our philosophy - We believe in the power of effective collaboration and recognize that good partnerships are the building blocks to success.
  • Our relationships - Partnering with federal clients, we solve complex problems, exceed expectations, and advance critical missions.
  • Our team - We are committed to managing a cohesive workforce and cultivating a supportive workplace for our employees on contracts and in-office.
  • Our community involvement - Supporting our communities, we invest time and money in local schools and non-profit organizations.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
GEM's offered compensation is dependent on candidates' education, qualifications, and relevant years of experience. To recruit and retain our exceptional staff, we offer the opportunity to elect benefit packages that best suit our employee's needs; this includes, but is not limited to, a competitive Salary, Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (including HSA & PPO options), Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, and a matching 401(k) Retirement Plan.
Please Note: With the exception of mandated state requirements, GEM does not publish salary information on external job boards; as such, most ranges listed are estimates made by vendors and not actual salary ranges.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
GEM Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law.

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