ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Criticality Safety Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BWXT

Nuclear Safety Eng 1

Erwin, TN · On-site

$76K - $119K/yr

Nuclear Safety Engineer 1 Position Overview: Performs Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) activities that assure plant operations are conducted in compliance with governmental regulations and license ...

BWX Technologies

Nuclear Safety Eng 1

Erwin, TN · On-site

$76K - $119K/yr

Nuclear Safety Engineer 1 Position Overview: Performs Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) activities that assure plant operations are conducted in compliance with governmental regulations and license ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCriticality Safety Engineer Jobs

Criticality Safety Engineer information

See salary details

$48.5K

$104.6K

$164.5K

How much do criticality safety engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 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.

Criticality Safety Officer

Standard Nuclear, Inc.

Idaho Falls, ID • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Standard Nuclear is fueling America's nuclear renaissance at industrial scale. Our mission is to deliver the essential building blocks of nuclear power-enabling cost-effective, safe, and secure energy for the world.
The Criticality Safety Officer (CSO) is responsible for establishing, implementing, and maintaining the nuclear criticality safety program across Standard Nuclear's fuel manufacturing and handling operations. This role ensures that all fissile material activities are conducted safely and in full compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and industry standards.
The CSO provides technical authority on criticality safety, including evaluation of processes, development of safety controls, and review of operations involving nuclear materials. This role works closely with engineering, operations, and EH&S teams to ensure that criticality safety is fully integrated into facility design, procedures, and day-to-day operations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Criticality Safety Program Ownership
  • Develop, implement, and maintain the nuclear criticality safety program
  • Establish criticality safety policies, procedures, and controls aligned with regulatory and industry standards
  • Ensure integration of criticality safety requirements into operations, engineering, and facility design
  • Maintain documentation, evaluations, and program records in an audit-ready state

Technical Authority & Analysis
  • Perform and review criticality safety evaluations (CSEs) for processes involving fissile materials
  • Define safe operating limits, controls, and administrative requirements
  • Evaluate changes to processes, equipment, or materials for criticality safety impact
  • Provide technical guidance on geometry control, moderation control, mass limits, and spacing requirements

Operational Oversight
  • Support and monitor operations involving fissile material handling, processing, and storage
  • Ensure criticality safety controls are properly implemented and maintained in the field
  • Provide oversight for new process startup, modifications, and abnormal conditions
  • Participate in work planning and hazard analysis for activities involving nuclear materials

Compliance & Regulatory Interface
  • Ensure compliance with applicable DOE, NRC, and ANSI/ANS criticality safety standards
  • Support internal and external audits, assessments, and regulatory inspections
  • Interface with regulatory bodies and provide technical support during reviews and inquiries
  • Maintain readiness for inspections and demonstrate program effectiveness

Training & Culture
  • Develop and support criticality safety training programs for operations and technical personnel
  • Ensure personnel understand and adhere to criticality safety requirements
  • Promote a strong nuclear safety culture with emphasis on conservative decision-making

Incident Prevention & Response
  • Support investigation of criticality safety events, near misses, or deviations
  • Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions
  • Ensure lessons learned are incorporated into procedures and training

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or a related field (Master's or PhD preferred)
  • 7+ years of experience in nuclear criticality safety or related nuclear safety roles
  • Demonstrated experience performing criticality safety evaluations and analyses
  • Strong understanding of criticality safety principles and controls (mass, geometry, moderation, interaction)
  • Familiarity with applicable standards (ANSI/ANS-8 series, DOE/NRC guidance)
  • Experience working in fuel fabrication, nuclear materials processing, or similar environments
  • Strong technical judgment and ability to make conservative safety decisions
  • Ability to work closely with operations, engineering, and regulatory stakeholders
  • Experience supporting audits and regulatory interactions

BENEFITS
  • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • Disability and Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays

WORK ENVIRONMENT
This role is based on-site in Idaho Falls, ID and involves regular presence in manufacturing, laboratory, and controlled areas where fissile materials are handled.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
The position requires close interaction with operations and engineering teams, oversight of active processes, and participation in safety reviews and assessments. Use of PPE and adherence to all radiological and safety requirements is mandatory. Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Standard Nuclear embraces equal opportunity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Apply