Nuclear Field Engineer (Entry Level)

Company: Naval Nuclear Laboratory
Location: West Mifflin
Posted on: June 8, 2026

Job Description:

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today! Job Description Are you seeking a position with autonomy, significant responsibility, and a career broadening hands-on experience with naval nuclear reactors and the naval ships in which they reside? NNL maintains field offices in shipyards that conduct Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program work. This includes shipyards in Hampton Roads VA, Portsmouth ME, Groton CT, Honolulu HI, Bremerton WA and several others. RPCO engineers are the on-site representatives of NNL and component supply organizations in these shipyards. The selected candidate will provide engineering support and independent oversight of work associated with installation, reactor servicing, testing, and modification of reactor plant systems, components, and safety systems. RPCO engineers are engaged during nuclear work and operations and are expected to apply sound engineering principles and judgement to influence and provide feedback to on-site management and partner organizations. RPCO engineers routinely work on the deckplates of nuclear powered assets and are relied upon to make key observations and decisions on the safe operations of these assets. This position offers candidates an approximate 1-2 year assignment at the Knolls (NY) or Bettis (PA) Laboratory prior to transferring into NNL's Field Engineering Program for a 3-5 year assignment in a Shipyard. The Laboratory assignment is intended to give the candidate experience in NNL's fleet support engineering community; this includes providing reactor plant engineering support (problem resolution and improvement initiatives) for aircraft carrier and submarine platforms throughout the life cycle of the ships (e.g., new construction, reactor servicing, maintenance availabilities, and emergent problem resolution). Candidates would be expected to relocate to the Knolls or Bettis Laboratory for 1-2 years before commencing training and subsequent relocation to a shipyard. Successful completion of a job-specific qualification is required for this position. Training associated with this qualification is expected to take approximately one year depending on previous experience and will be conducted at the Knolls or Bettis Laboratory. At the conclusion of qualification, the prospective RPCO engineer will be expected to demonstrate both an adequate understanding of requirements and the ability to function in a field location in a technical support and oversight capacity. Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related engineering or science field; or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a related engineering or science field. Preferred Skills Min GPA of 3.5 BS in Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or Physics Strong leadership and mentoring ability. Eagerness to learn and adapt to varying tasks and responsibilities. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently while also supporting team goals Ability to work in an industrial environment Ability to learn and apply multiple engineering disciplines to complex problems Compensation and Benefits Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits Disability, Life & Accident Insurance 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan Personal & Medical Time Off Paid Parental Leave Flexible Work Schedules Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Wellness Program Visit us online to view all NNL benefits! Pay Range $63,300.00 - $96,900.00 annually Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S. Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana. Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.

Keywords: Naval Nuclear Laboratory, Pittsburgh , Nuclear Field Engineer (Entry Level), Science, Research & Development , West Mifflin, Pennsylvania