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Small Modular Reactor Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

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Small Modular Reactor information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$51.1K

$77.1K

$117.1K

How much do small modular reactor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for small modular reactor in Oak Ridge, TN is $77,139.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $83,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Small Modular Reactor job?

A Small Modular Reactor (SMR) job involves working on the design, development, construction, operation, or regulation of SMRs, which are advanced nuclear reactors that are smaller and more flexible than traditional nuclear plants. Professionals in this field may include engineers, scientists, safety analysts, project managers, and regulatory specialists. These roles focus on improving reactor efficiency, ensuring safety, and advancing clean energy solutions. SMR jobs exist in government agencies, private companies, and research institutions working to develop next-generation nuclear technology.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for a Small Modular Reactor Engineer?

As a Small Modular Reactor Engineer, your daily tasks might include performing system analyses, monitoring reactor performance, reviewing safety protocols, and collaborating with other engineering disciplines to troubleshoot technical challenges. You may also be involved in preparing regulatory reports, overseeing construction or installation activities, and participating in design reviews or risk assessments. Working closely with project managers, safety specialists, and government regulators is common to ensure all reactor operations meet stringent safety and quality standards. This role offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with frequent opportunities to apply technical expertise to innovative, real-world energy solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Small Modular Reactor position, and why are they important?

To excel in a Small Modular Reactor Engineer role, candidates need a solid background in nuclear engineering, mechanical or electrical engineering, and strong analytical abilities, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with nuclear reactor simulation software, regulatory compliance tools, and safety certification (such as a Professional Engineer license or NRC qualification) is highly valued. Effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are key for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring regulatory standards are met. These qualifications are crucial to designing, operating, and maintaining advanced nuclear systems safely and efficiently within a regulated environment.

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Small Modular Reactor jobs? Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Small Modular Reactor job openings:
Infographic showing various Small Modular Reactor job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,139 per year, or $37.1 per hour.
Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$84K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description
This will be a full-time (5 days/week) on-site position at TRISO-X Fuel Fabrication Facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
This is a senior level mechanical engineering position that will provide you with a variety of interesting and challenging responsibilities.
We are looking for candidates with experience in the analysis, design, and licensing requirements of mechanical and nuclear systems and components for nuclear power plants.
You will be involved in nuclear power plant systems design, including preparation or review of:
  • Modification packages for operating nuclear power plants
  • System and Component Performance specifications
  • Functional mechanical drawings and/or drawings for nuclear power plant systems
  • Engineering analyses and evaluations to support modifications and operation of plant systems
  • Technical specifications and procurement documents for plant equipment
  • Vendor bid evaluations for plant equipment
  • Studies and options evaluations for modifications to operating nuclear power plants

Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
  • BS or MS in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in the power industry.
  • Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy
In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:
  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range
$84,762 - $129,498
Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.
About This Business Unit
Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we've been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!
Awards & Recognition
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

Sargent & Lundy logo

About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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