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Criticality Safety Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LLNL

Criticality Safety Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$146K - $222K/yr

We have an opening for a Criticality Safety Engineer. You will contribute to the design, development, and testing of nuclear equipment and systems for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL ...

LLNL

Criticality Safety Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$146K - $222K/yr

We have an opening for a Criticality Safety Engineer. You will contribute to the design, development, and testing of nuclear equipment and systems for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL ...

LLNL

Criticality Safety Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$146K - $222K/yr

We have an opening for a Criticality Safety Engineer. You will contribute to the design, development, and testing of nuclear equipment and systems for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL ...

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How much do criticality safety engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for criticality safety engineer in the United States is $104,622.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,500.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Criticality Safety Engineers?

Criticality Safety Engineers are professionals who assess, analyze, and implement safety controls to prevent accidental nuclear chain reactions, known as criticality accidents, in facilities that use fissile materials. They develop procedures, perform risk assessments, and ensure compliance with nuclear safety regulations. Their work is crucial in environments like nuclear power plants, research reactors, and fuel processing facilities to protect workers, the public, and the environment from radiation hazards. These engineers also provide training and guidance to other personnel on criticality safety practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Criticality Safety Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Criticality Safety Engineer, you need a strong background in nuclear engineering, physics, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree and specialized training in nuclear safety. Familiarity with nuclear criticality safety codes (e.g., SCALE, MCNP), regulatory standards, and risk assessment tools is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for evaluating safety concerns and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are essential to ensure the safe handling, storage, and transport of fissile materials while maintaining regulatory compliance and preventing criticality accidents.

What are some common challenges faced by Criticality Safety Engineers in their daily work?

Criticality Safety Engineers often encounter the challenge of balancing rigorous safety protocols with operational demands in nuclear facilities. They must stay current with evolving regulatory requirements and ensure all processes comply with strict safety margins, which can be complex when dealing with varying material types and configurations. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including operations, health physics, and engineering—is essential to develop practical solutions that maintain safety without hindering productivity. Attention to detail and effective communication are crucial, as even minor oversights can have significant consequences.

What is the difference between Criticality Safety Engineer vs Nuclear Safety Engineer?

AspectCriticality Safety EngineerNuclear Safety Engineer
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications like CSE or NEEngineering or science degree, nuclear certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, nuclear facilities, manufacturing plantsNuclear power plants, regulatory agencies, research institutions
Industry UsageFocuses on preventing nuclear chain reactionsFocuses on overall nuclear safety and regulation compliance

Criticality Safety Engineers specialize in preventing nuclear chain reactions, ensuring safe handling of fissile materials. Nuclear Safety Engineers have a broader role, overseeing overall safety protocols in nuclear facilities. Both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, but their focus areas differ within the nuclear industry.

More about Criticality Safety Engineer jobs
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What states have the most Criticality Safety Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Criticality Safety Engineer jobs include:
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Criticality Safety Engineer jobs near you
Criticality Safety Engineer

Criticality Safety Engineer

SHINE Technologies LLC

Janesville, WI

$92K - $132K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Description

SHINE Technologies is seeking a Criticality Safety Engineer to perform, document, and review nuclear criticality safety evaluations (NCSE's) to define and maintain the safety basis for fissionable material operations. This work includes performance of NCSE's, interviews of staff and audits of fissionable material operations, and walkdowns and observations of the facilities. 

The base salary range for this position is $92,000 - $132,250 per year plus a comprehensive compensation package. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location.


Duties and Responsibilities:

Specific duties and responsibilities of the Criticality Safety Engineer include, but are not limited to:

  • Perform, document, and review criticality safety evaluations of fissionable material operations, including the use of nuclear criticality safety hand calculations or ANSI/ANS 8 series standards, ensuring that safety and licensing requirements are satisfied
  • Perform and review criticality calculations using MCNP
  • Participate in or lead periodic audits of the criticality safety program
  • Collaborate with cross functional teams on hazards analysis 
  • Perform periodic code validation
  • Be part of a rotating team of on-call NCS engineers who are able to respond to abnormal conditions or accidents after plant begins operation
  • Participate in and lead training of members of the SHINE staff or contractors on fundamentals of criticality safety



Requirements

  • B.S. degree in Nuclear Engineering or related discipline from an accredited institution 
  • Experience using MCNP 
  • Demonstrated technical writing skills. 
  • Familiarity with nuclear engineering design, operations, regulatory requirements, and industry precedents. 
  • Basic knowledge of NRC Rules, Regulations, Organization, Processes, Procedures, Instructions, Inspections, Enforcement, and understanding of relevant portions of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations
  • Strong understanding of the first principles of nuclear physics and how they interact with criticality safety 
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Strong data management and computer skills
  • Must be skilled in the use of Microsoft desktop software

Preferences: 

  • Past or current qualification as a nuclear criticality safety engineer (meeting the requirements of ANSI/ANS-8.26 or equivalent)
  • Experience performing walkdowns and audits at operating nuclear facilities
  • Experience performing MCNP validation using ICSBEP benchmarks
  • Familiarity with FMEA or HAZOPS hazards analysis methods

Working Conditions and Physical Effort: 

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job, absent undue hardship.


Eligibility for employment is conditioned on the applicant's ability to qualify for access to information subject to U.S. Export Controls. Additionally, applicant's eligibility may be conditioned based upon meeting the Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements for access to Safeguards Information, which typically requires a pre-employment drug screen, fingerprinting and criminal background check.


SHINE values diversity in all its forms as a critical component of innovation, which is fundamental to our success. Every member of the SHINE community benefits from the talents and experiences of our peers, from the mutual respect we exercise, and from the responsibility we take for our actions.


SHINE Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

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Employee Rights Under the NLRA 

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