Nuclear engineering career demand and opportunities

The U.S. Department of Energy has identified nuclear as essential to achieving national clean energy goals, with new advanced reactors, medical isotope production, and national security driving job growth. This means that, yes, nuclear engineers are in high demand, and the career outlook is strong. The U.S. Department of Energy projects that demand for nuclear professionals will outpace supply, creating opportunities in both public and private sectors. Graduates from top programs, such as Oregon State University, are entering a field that offers not just job security but also the chance to make a meaningful global impact.

Here are some of the new opportunities for nuclear engineers based on recent demand:

Advanced nuclear reactors

There’s a growing push for small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors—compact, flexible nuclear systems designed for safer and more distributed energy generation. Engineers are needed to design, test, and bring these next-gen reactors to market. Companies like TerraPower and NuScale (founded at Oregon State) are leading this charge and often look to hire Oregon State alumni onto their teams.

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Clean energy and climate solutions

Nuclear energy is increasingly recognized as key to achieving net-zero carbon goals. The U.S. and international governments are investing in new nuclear infrastructure as part of climate policy. Nuclear engineers are helping modernize power grids, develop hybrid systems (nuclear + renewables), and improve reactor efficiency for long-term sustainability. For example, Oregon State alumna Sabrina Ireland’s work bridges “old technologies with new technologies”  at the Palo Verde Generating Station in Arizona, one of the nation’s largest nuclear plants.

Nuclear medicine and medical isotope production

The demand for medical isotopes used in cancer treatment and diagnostics is rising, but supply is limited. Research reactors (like the one at Oregon State) play a critical role in producing these materials. Nuclear engineers are needed to optimize isotope production, develop safer delivery methods, and support the growing field of nuclear medicine. For example, Oregon State University alum Elan Somasundaram is using AI models for diagnosis and treatment in pediatric radiology.

Space nuclear propulsion

NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense are investing in nuclear thermal propulsion to power future deep space missions to Mars and beyond. Engineers are designing systems that can handle the extreme environments of space while providing efficient, long-duration power.

Nuclear security and nonproliferation

With geopolitical tensions and expanding nuclear capabilities worldwide, the need for experts in nuclear detection, safeguard technologies, and nonproliferation policy is growing. Careers in national labs, international agencies, and defense are open to nuclear engineers who can ensure peaceful and secure use of nuclear technology. At Oregon State, Camille Palmer, associate professor of nuclear science and engineering, serves as deputy director of a $25 million, 16-university consortium established by the National Nuclear Security Administration that is tasked with researching nuclear forensics techniques.

Advanced nuclear materials

New reactor designs require materials that can withstand higher temperatures, radiation levels, and corrosion. Nuclear materials engineers work on developing and testing these advanced materials to improve reactor performance and lifespan. A good example of this is graduate student Ana Garcia Caraveo, who uses micromechanical testing to develop technology that can produce carbon emission-free energy, such as fusion reactors.

Nuclear engineering salary ranges

With a starting salary average of $82,000, nuclear engineers can hit the ground running with a rewarding and lucrative career right out of a degree program. The median salary is about $125,500 for mid-career nuclear engineers, and highly experienced nuclear engineers can expect to earn about $174,000 in their roles. 

Nuclear science and engineering typically offers high salaries and vital roles in energy innovation. Here are a few examples of projects you might work on:

• Design, maintain, and operate nuclear fission reactors.
• Create safer and more durable materials for the nuclear industry.
• Protect people and the environment from radiation hazards.
• Develop systems to make nuclear energy safer, sustainable, and affordable.
• Innovate technologies to ensure compliance with nuclear nonproliferation agreements.

If you’re interested in nuclear engineering, make sure you know how to choose a nuclear engineering program that will open doors to excellent career opportunities, provide hands-on experience, and give you access to expert mentorship.