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Criticality Safety Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LLNL

Associate Criticality Safety Engineer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.6K/wk

We have an opening for an Associate Criticality Safety Engineer within the Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Directorate. You will contribute to the design, development, and testing of nuclear ...

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$164.5K

How much do criticality safety engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 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
Who are the top companies hiring for Criticality Safety Engineer jobs? The top employers for Criticality Safety Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Criticality Safety Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Criticality Safety Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Criticality Safety Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Criticality Safety Engineer jobs are:
Criticality Safety Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Criticality Safety Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,622 per year, or $50.3 per hour.
Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer (3786)

Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer (3786)

Navarro Inc.

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Navarro Research and Engineering is recruiting for multiple junior and senior Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineering positions located in Oak Ridge, TN, Paducah, KY, and Portsmouth, OH.

Navarro is a premier contractor providing high-quality technical services to DOE, NASA, and DOD. Navarro’s success is based on our customer service focus and our well-known responsiveness and innovation. In all we do, either in corporate management or in our services to our clients, we seek for the most effective and efficient approaches to provide best value to our clients.

Performs NCS Engineering job functions as assigned by management. Typical job responsibilities assist and support management in NCS program implementation and engineering system design; which may include duties or activities in one or more of the following functional areas, in addition to other duties as assigned:

  • Perform nuclear criticality safety reviews of existing and proposed nuclear material operations and facilities, facility designs and modifications; and research or processing activities involving fissionable materials.
  • Develop nuclear criticality safety evaluations and program documents that meet applicable NRC/DOE requirements and standards, utilizing nuclear criticality safety software (e.g., SCALE or MCNP) as needed, in support of safe nuclear material operations and maintenance activities.
  • Complete reviews of nuclear criticality safety evaluations and program documents to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with applicable NRC/DOE requirements and standards.
  • Perform tracking and trending of NCS performance.
  • Support NCS operability or engineering evaluations when necessary.
  • Support NCS program implementation and training.
  • Support the development of hazards analysis, accident analysis, and hazard controls and documents the results in a nuclear facility safety basis (i.e., documented safety analysis and technical safety requirements), as requested.
  • Perform NCS work in accordance with contractor or client program documents and procedures.
  • Maintain knowledge of and demonstrates ability to perform work safely in accordance with all approved safety policies, procedures and applicable regulations and performs assigned duties in a safe manner.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications :

  • BS/BA in Nuclear Engineering (or directly related field) and 3 years of related nuclear criticality safety experience.
  • Understanding of pertinent nuclear criticality safety codes, governing regulations and industry practices.
  • Demonstrated proficiency utilizing nuclear criticality safety software (e.g., SCALE or MCNP)
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Must possess a DOE “L/Q” clearance or the ability to obtain a DOE “L/Q” Clearance

Due to the nature of the government contract requirements and/or clearances requirements, US citizenship is required.

Navarro is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation & Public Holidays)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability