Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Nuclear Engineer jobs in Tennessee are among the most active in the nation, with demand concentrated in nuclear power operations, defense research, and fuel cycle management at every level from entry-level technician-track roles through senior reactor engineers and project leads. Oak Ridge, Chattanooga, and Memphis are the primary hiring centers, anchored by established employers such as the Tennessee Valley Authority, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Westinghouse Electric Company. The most in-demand specialties are reactor operations engineering, nuclear safety analysis, and radiation protection engineering. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Nuclear Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 70+ Nuclear Engineer jobs
Our electric power generation clients are seeking to increase the power output of their existing power plants to meet the electric demands. This is expanding work in the Mechanical Analysis Engineering group. You will work on major systems, equipment, and plant process in the following areas:
- Develop and lead licensing basis system and component evaluations for nuclear power uprate projects.
- This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and experience in power plant engineering.
- Perform consulting level work for power uprates in the nuclear industry.
- Prepare and review calculations related to heat balances, power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink, and plant hazards to support client recommendations and reviews.
- Prepare task reports and equipment evaluations that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements.
- Perform equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs to support the proposed power uprate.
- Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status.
- Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction.
Essential skills and experience:
- This position requires a BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
- 7 or more years of experience in the nuclear power industry.
- Experience with nuclear power uprates and/or turbine retrofit projects.
- Experience and practical knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
- Balance of plant system and component evaluations
- Pinch point assessments and/or task reports
- Heat balance
- Power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink
- Circulating Water and Ultimate Heat Sinks
- All assignments require the preparation of calculations and/or reports, and excellent technical report writing skills are essential.
- Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design.
- Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving.
- Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- MSME from an ABET accredited program with a strong academic background
- PE License
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
Our electric power generation clients are seeking to increase the power output of their existing power plants to meet the electric demands. This is expanding work in the Mechanical Analysis Engineering group. You will work on major systems, equipment, and plant process in the following areas:
- Develop and lead licensing basis system and component evaluations for nuclear power uprate projects.
- This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and experience in power plant engineering.
- Perform consulting level work for power uprates in the nuclear industry.
- Prepare and review calculations related to heat balances, power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink, and plant hazards to support client recommendations and reviews.
- Prepare task reports and equipment evaluations that present technical information in a clear and concise manner to meet client requirements.
- Perform equipment sizing, optimization evaluation, and selection in response to client needs to support the proposed power uprate.
- Interface with clients and project teams to present technical discussions and project status.
- Attend client meetings and site walkdowns to validate scope and ensure client satisfaction.
Essential skills and experience:
- This position requires a BSME from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program with a strong academic background and interest in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics.
- 7 or more years of experience in the nuclear power industry.
- Experience with nuclear power uprates and/or turbine retrofit projects.
- Experience and practical knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
- Balance of plant system and component evaluations
- Pinch point assessments and/or task reports
- Heat balance
- Power train pumps, heat exchangers, condenser/heat sink
- Circulating Water and Ultimate Heat Sinks
- All assignments require the preparation of calculations and/or reports, and excellent technical report writing skills are essential.
- Knowledge of the practical application of mechanical engineering and technology including applying systems, principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to a project design.
- Strong interest in numerical computations and problem solving.
- Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of nuclear power plants.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- MSME from an ABET accredited program with a strong academic background
- PE License
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 70 Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Nuclear Engineer JobsNuclear Engineer Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Nuclear Engineer Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Sargent & Lundy53
- Kiewit Corporation4
- X-Energy3
- S&ME2
- Akima1
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in nuclear engineer jobs across Tennessee.
- Active Professional Engineer license issued or recognized by the Tennessee State Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners
- Bachelor's degree or higher in nuclear engineering or a closely related technical discipline
- Experience with nuclear reactor systems, radiation protection protocols, or fuel cycle processes
- Familiarity with NRC regulations, technical specifications, and nuclear quality assurance programs
- Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance for Oak Ridge or defense-related roles
- Proficiency with nuclear analysis software such as RELAP, MCNP, or SCALE developed at Oak Ridge
Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a nuclear engineer in Tennessee?
Nuclear engineers in Tennessee who offer services to the public must obtain a Professional Engineer license through the Tennessee State Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners, which requires an accredited engineering degree, passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, qualifying work experience, and the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Many industry roles at TVA or Oak Ridge National Laboratory do not mandate a PE license but strongly prefer one, along with relevant coursework in reactor physics or radiation protection.
Which companies hire nuclear engineers in Tennessee?
Employers hiring nuclear engineers in Tennessee right now include Sargent & Lundy, Kiewit Corporation, and X-Energy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Tennessee's combination of TVA's multi-reactor fleet, the Oak Ridge federal research complex, and Westinghouse's fuel fabrication operations in Columbia makes the state one of the densest nuclear employment clusters in the country.
Which Tennessee cities have the most nuclear engineer jobs?
Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Oak Ridge account for the largest share of nuclear engineer openings in Tennessee. Oak Ridge and the Knoxville corridor dominate due to Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Y-12 National Security Complex, while Chattanooga draws openings tied to TVA's Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, and the Columbia area hosts Westinghouse's fuel fabrication facility, creating consistent demand even outside the major metros.
Are there remote nuclear engineer jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. About 93% of nuclear engineer openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting the hands-on, site-specific nature of most reactor and laboratory roles. The positions most likely to carry partial remote flexibility are nuclear safety analysis, licensing documentation, and computational modeling work that does not require direct plant access.
How can I get hired as a nuclear engineer in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to TVA's or Oak Ridge National Laboratory's new-graduate hiring programs, both of which recruit engineers without professional experience and provide structured on-the-job training in reactor operations or research. Candidates who have completed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam or hold internship hours from a university reactor facility gain a clear edge. Adjacent roles such as radiation protection technician or nuclear quality assurance analyst at Tennessee plants also serve as common stepping stones into full engineering positions.
Where can I find and apply to nuclear engineer jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to nuclear engineer jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings updated regularly. Search the listings, identify roles that match your experience and specialty, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 70 Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Nuclear Engineer Jobs