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Criticality Safety Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Criticality Safety Engineer information

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$48.5K

$104.6K

$164.5K

How much do criticality safety engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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:
Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer

Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer

Pae

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Amentum is seeking a Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer for the Pittsburgh, PA area.

Candidates will obtain site-specific Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) Analyst Qualification to support the implementation of a DOE-approved Nuclear Criticality Safety Program in an operating non-reactor nuclear facility.

Job Responsibilities

Provide technical guidance to operating organizations.

Collaborate with operating organization personnel on NCS evaluations as the lead NCS Analyst.

Perform independent reviews of NCS evaluations.

Conduct periodic reviews of fissionable material operations.

Lead and/or participate in NCS response to programmatic issues and criticality process deviations/infractions.

Participate in NCS emergency response preparation (emergency procedures, plans, exercises, and drills).

Independently prepare, review, and/or present technical reports to the criticality safety community (e.g. American Nuclear Society, etc.).

Conduct NCS training for all levels of employees involved in fissionable material operations.

Assist in the development and/or review of new or proposed changes to existing NCS programmatic policy and implementing documents.

Lead and/or participate in assessments and audits of the NCS Program.

Mentor of less experienced Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) Analysts and Analysts In-Training on all aspects of criticality safety.

Development, revision, and review of Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) documentation, such as Criticality Safety Evaluations (CSEs), Nuclear Criticality Safety Design Analysis, and Calculations (DACs), and various other NCS technical basis documentation.

Complete the required NCS annual Operational Reviews.

Daily nuclear facility support; consisting of facility walkdowns, review of NCS requirements, implementing documents, participation at facility Operational Safety Boards, etc.

Required Skills/Abilities

Bachelor's degree in nuclear, engineering, math, or science with a minimum of 1-2 years of Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) experience is required (Nuclear Engineering degree preferred) or 7 years of equivalent technical experience in place of a B.S.

Experience in Approach to Critical (e.g., NCSP Hands-On Criticality Safety Course) preferred.

DOE-specific experience is highly preferred.

Candidate must be a US citizen.

Candidate must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE "Q" security clearance.

Demonstrated keen attention to detail.

Educational Requirements

An alternate combination of education and experience will be considered.

Compensation Details:

90,000

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

  • Educational reimbursement

  • Parental leave

  • Employee stock purchase plan

  • Tax-saving options

  • Disability and life insurance

  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

01/06/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language atLabor Laws Posters.