Nuclear Engineer Recruiter — Cleared Defense (Remote + Norfolk)

NSS; Norfolk (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NSS in Norfolk, VA seeks an experienced Technical Recruiter / Talent Sourcer to identify high-demand Nuclear Engineers and cleared defense talent for the Hampton Roads corridor. The role combines remote sourcing with weekly in-person recruiting events close to Norfolk.

You will lead passive candidate sourcing for critical naval defense contracts, translate military experience to civilian roles, screen candidates for security clearances, and build a sustainable pipeline in a tight,

Qualifications

• 3+ years of technical sourcing or recruiting experience focused on cleared defense, naval architecture, or nuclear engineering.
• Deep familiarity with the Hampton Roads defense ecosystem.
• Proven track record using advanced sourcing strategies beyond basic LinkedIn (e.g., clearance portals, military transition tools).
• Working knowledge of U.S. Security Clearances and U.S. Citizenship requirements (NNPI / ITAR compliance).
• Location: Must reside in or near Norfolk, VA (or be willing to commute locally once a week for mandatory in-person events).

Responsibilities

• Targeted Sourcing: Execute advanced Boolean searches, direct cold outreach, and pipeline building across specialized talent pools
• Military-to-Civilian Translation: Identify and engage transitioning U.S. Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP) personnel, including officers (1110N/1120) and senior enlisted ratings (ETN, EMN, MMN).
• Candidate Screening: Evaluate candidates on technical qualifications and verify active Secret / Top Secret security clearances
• Local Event Representation: Attend weekly mandatory in-person recruiting events, veteran networking meetups, shipyard transition briefings, and team meetings in the Norfolk/Hampton Roads area.
• Pipeline Management: Build a sustainable talent community for high-volume nuclear and waterfront engineering roles.

Skills

Technical recruiting

Clearance knowledge

Naval defense recruiting

Targeted sourcing

Candidate screening

Tools

Boolean/x-ray search

Job description

NSS in Norfolk, VA seeks an experienced Technical Recruiter / Talent Sourcer to identify high-demand Nuclear Engineers and cleared defense talent for the Hampton Roads corridor. The role combines remote sourcing with weekly in-person recruiting events close to Norfolk.

You will lead passive candidate sourcing for critical naval defense contracts, translate military experience to civilian roles, screen candidates for security clearances, and build a sustainable pipeline in a tight,