Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania
Nuclear Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are among the most active in the nation, concentrated in nuclear power generation, defense systems, and research institutions, with openings at every level from entry-level analyst through senior reactor engineer. The heaviest hiring clusters in the Philadelphia suburbs, Pittsburgh, and the Harrisburg area, where employers like Exelon, Westinghouse Electric Company, and the Naval Nuclear Laboratory have long-established operations. Reactor operations, radiation protection, and nuclear fuel cycle engineering are the most consistently in-demand specialties across Pennsylvania facilities. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Nuclear Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 4 of 42+ Nuclear Engineer jobs
Nuclear Power is a carbon-free energy source. Our electric power generation clients are digitizing their existing power plants and building new nuclear power plants, small modular reactors (SMR). This is expanding work in the Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group. You will work on major process controls engineering projects in the following areas:
Digital Systems
- - PLC, DCS, Touchscreen displays, network switches and control systems
- Functional Requirement and Procurement Specifications for instrumentation and control components and systems
- Process instrumentation replacement evaluation reports and nuclear modification packages
- Mechatronics, Control Systems for pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines and reactors
- Development of P&ID’s and System Design Descriptions
- Attend client meetings and perform site walkdowns to ensure the client is satisfied with our work product
- Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced nuclear instrumentation and controls design engineers
- Support station outage activities as required
Essential skills and experience:
- BS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in design engineering for process control systems; Experience in design engineering for nuclear power plant control system is preferred
- Experience with controls system design including applications for low and medium voltage distribution systems and controls for equipment including but not limited to turbines, pumps, feedwater control, and data displays.
- Experience with power plant instrumentation and controls systems design for either BWR of PWR reactors, including DCS for turbine, control, feedwater control, and data display.
- Technically knowledgeable of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute systems design
- Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.
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 & Wellness
- 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
Nuclear Power is a carbon-free energy source. Our electric power generation clients are digitizing their existing power plants and building new nuclear power plants, small modular reactors (SMR). This is expanding work in the Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group. You will work on major process controls engineering projects in the following areas:
Digital Systems
- - PLC, DCS, Touchscreen displays, network switches and control systems
- Functional Requirement and Procurement Specifications for instrumentation and control components and systems
- Process instrumentation replacement evaluation reports and nuclear modification packages
- Mechatronics, Control Systems for pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines and reactors
- Development of P&ID’s and System Design Descriptions
- Attend client meetings and perform site walkdowns to ensure the client is satisfied with our work product
- Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced nuclear instrumentation and controls design engineers
- Support station outage activities as required
Essential skills and experience:
- BS degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in design engineering for process control systems; Experience in design engineering for nuclear power plant control system is preferred
- Experience with controls system design including applications for low and medium voltage distribution systems and controls for equipment including but not limited to turbines, pumps, feedwater control, and data displays.
- Experience with power plant instrumentation and controls systems design for either BWR of PWR reactors, including DCS for turbine, control, feedwater control, and data display.
- Technically knowledgeable of available equipment and proven pre-engineered systems to execute systems design
- Experience in reviewing design drawings created by others
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.
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 & Wellness
- 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
See All 42 Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Nuclear Engineer JobsNuclear Engineer Jobs by City in Pennsylvania
Where Pennsylvania roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Nuclear Engineer Job Market in Pennsylvania
A snapshot from current Pennsylvania openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Sargent & Lundy27
- Naval Nuclear Laboratory6
- Hatch4
- Westinghouse Electric Company2
- JENSEN HUGHES1
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Pennsylvania Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in nuclear engineer jobs across Pennsylvania.
- Bachelor's degree or higher in nuclear engineering or a closely related technical field
- Active or eligible Professional Engineer license through the Pennsylvania State Registration Board
- Experience with reactor systems, radiation protection, or nuclear safety analysis
- Knowledge of NRC regulations, 10 CFR standards, and nuclear quality assurance requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance for defense or government-adjacent roles
- Proficiency with nuclear simulation software such as SCALE, MCNP, or RELAP
Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a nuclear engineer in Pennsylvania?
To work as a nuclear engineer in Pennsylvania, you need at least a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or a closely related field from an accredited program. Pennsylvania does not require a discipline-specific nuclear license beyond the standard Professional Engineer credential, which is issued by the Pennsylvania State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists. Most employers in power generation and defense also require passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam as a first step toward licensure.
How much do nuclear engineers make in Pennsylvania?
Nuclear engineers in Pennsylvania earn a median of about $133,250 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $83,250 for the lowest 10% to over $167,110 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire nuclear engineers in Pennsylvania?
Employers hiring nuclear engineers in Pennsylvania right now include Sargent & Lundy, Naval Nuclear Laboratory, and Hatch, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Pennsylvania's concentration of operating commercial reactors and defense contractors means hiring tends to be consistent, with large facilities in the Philadelphia suburbs, western Pennsylvania, and the Susquehanna Valley driving steady demand.
Which Pennsylvania cities have the most nuclear engineer jobs?
Cranberry Township, West Mifflin, and Pittsburgh have the most nuclear engineer openings in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia and its suburbs anchor demand through Exelon's regional operations and a dense cluster of defense contractors, while Pittsburgh draws candidates toward Westinghouse Electric Company's global headquarters and the Naval Nuclear Laboratory's southwest Pennsylvania presence, making both metros reliable destinations regardless of seniority level.
Are there remote nuclear engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, but they're rare. Nuclear engineering is predominantly hands-on work tied to reactors, test facilities, and regulated plant environments that require physical presence. About 86% of nuclear engineer openings tied to Pennsylvania are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, and those positions are mostly limited to modeling, simulation, licensing analysis, and regulatory documentation roles that don't require direct access to plant systems.
How can I get hired as a nuclear engineer in Pennsylvania with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to new-graduate programs at Pennsylvania's major nuclear employers. Westinghouse Electric Company and Exelon both run structured early-career rotational and graduate development programs that place candidates without experience into supervised engineering roles. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory in Pittsburgh also recruits recent graduates through a formal new-professional program. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam before graduation and completing a relevant internship at a Pennsylvania nuclear facility strengthens any entry-level application considerably.
Where can I find and apply to nuclear engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?
You can find and apply to nuclear engineer jobs in Pennsylvania on Migrate Mate, which lists current Pennsylvania openings across power generation, defense, and research sectors. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 42 Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania
Find roles in Pennsylvania that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs