Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Jobs in 2026
The SMR industry is creating thousands of high-paying jobs as companies race to deploy the next generation of nuclear reactors. Here's who's hiring, what roles are available, and how to get in.
Why SMR Jobs Are Booming
- The U.S. DOE is pushing for 3 SMR criticalities by mid-2026
- Data center power demand is driving billions in new nuclear investment
- 7+ companies actively building or licensing SMR designs in the U.S. alone
- Average salaries $100K-$170K+ for engineering roles
- Traditional nuclear skills transfer directly to SMR — with premium pay
SMR Companies Hiring Now
NuScale Power
Technology: Light-water SMR (VOYGR)
Location: Portland, OR
Status: First to receive NRC design approval. Deploying at Idaho CFPP.
Hiring for: Reactor engineers, licensing specialists, construction managers, I&C engineers
TerraPower
Technology: Natrium sodium-cooled fast reactor
Location: Bellevue, WA
Status: Construction started in Kemmerer, WY. Bill Gates-founded.
Hiring for: Core design engineers, thermal-hydraulics, safety analysts, construction
X-energy
Technology: Xe-100 high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR)
Location: Rockville, MD
Status: NRC application in progress. DOW Chemical partnership.
Hiring for: Regulatory affairs, reactor physics, TRISO fuel engineers, I&C
Kairos Power
Technology: Fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (FHR)
Location: Alameda, CA
Status: Hermes test reactor under construction in Oak Ridge, TN.
Hiring for: Salt chemistry, thermal-hydraulics, materials engineers, operations
GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy
Technology: BWRX-300 boiling water SMR
Location: Wilmington, NC
Status: Multiple international deployments planned. Ontario Power Generation contract.
Hiring for: Design engineers, project managers, licensing, supply chain
Holtec International
Technology: SMR-160 pressurized water reactor
Location: Jupiter, FL
Status: Palisades plant restart + new SMR development.
Hiring for: Construction managers, QA/QC, reactor engineers, spent fuel specialists
BWX Technologies
Technology: BWXT Advanced Nuclear Reactor (BANR) microreactor
Location: Lynchburg, VA
Status: DOD microreactor contract. Naval fuel manufacturer.
Hiring for: Fuel engineers, reactor designers, manufacturing, nuclear security
SMR Job Roles & Salary Ranges
| Role | Salary Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear/Reactor Design Engineer | $110K-$170K | Design and analyze reactor core, thermal-hydraulics, and safety systems for advanced reactor concepts. |
| Nuclear Licensing/Regulatory Specialist | $95K-$145K | Navigate NRC licensing pathways (Part 50, 52, or 53) for new reactor designs. Prepare safety analysis reports. |
| Construction/Project Manager | $105K-$160K | Oversee SMR module fabrication, site preparation, and installation. Manage schedules and NQA-1 compliance. |
| Thermal-Hydraulics Engineer | $100K-$155K | Perform T/H analysis using RELAP, TRACE, or CFD tools. Support safety case development. |
| Nuclear Fuel Engineer | $95K-$140K | Work on TRISO, metallic, or oxide fuel fabrication, qualification, and performance modeling. |
| I&C Systems Engineer | $100K-$145K | Design digital instrumentation and control systems. Implement nuclear cybersecurity requirements. |
| Nuclear Quality Assurance | $80K-$120K | Implement NQA-1 programs. Audit suppliers, manage NCRs, and ensure regulatory compliance. |
| Nuclear Safety Analyst | $100K-$150K | Perform PRA/PSA, deterministic safety analysis, and accident scenario modeling. |
How to Get Hired at an SMR Company
SMR companies are hiring from both traditional nuclear and adjacent industries. Here's what gives you an edge:
- Traditional nuclear experience — Reactor operators, engineers, and health physicists from the existing fleet are the most sought-after candidates. Your NRC-regulated experience transfers directly.
- Navy nuclear background — Every SMR company actively recruits Navy nukes. Your submarine or carrier reactor experience is directly applicable to SMR operations and testing.
- Advanced degrees — MS/PhD in nuclear engineering, materials science, or plasma physics opens doors at R&D-stage companies like Kairos Power and TerraPower.
- Adjacent engineering — Mechanical, electrical, chemical, and civil engineers with power industry experience can transition, especially into construction, I&C, and balance-of-plant roles.
- Project management — PMP-certified PMs with nuclear or heavy industrial construction experience are in extreme demand as projects move from design to build phase.
Browse SMR Job Openings
Find your role in the SMR revolution. New positions posted weekly from NuScale, TerraPower, X-energy, and more.
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