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Entry Level Nuclear Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This is an entry-level position and is based out of Los Angeles, California Your Role * Prepare ... About AtkinsRealis We're AtkinsRealis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear organization.

Entry Level Nuclear Engineer information

See California salary details

$25.7K

$104.2K

$148K

How much do entry level nuclear engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level nuclear engineer in California is $104,212.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Nuclear Engineer vs Nuclear Technician?

AspectEntry Level Nuclear EngineerNuclear Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in nuclear technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and safety assessments in labs or officesOperate and monitor nuclear equipment in power plants or facilities
Employer & Industry UsagePower plants, research facilities, government agenciesNuclear power plants, medical facilities, research labs

Entry Level Nuclear Engineers typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on designing and analyzing nuclear systems, while Nuclear Technicians usually have technical certifications and handle operational tasks. Both roles are essential in the nuclear industry but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Nuclear Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Nuclear Engineer, you need a strong background in nuclear engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, typically demonstrated by a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as MATLAB, AutoCAD, and simulation tools, as well as understanding of regulatory standards like NRC guidelines, is often expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure accurate technical work, compliance with safety regulations, and successful collaboration on complex engineering projects.

What does an entry level nuclear engineer do?

An entry level nuclear engineer assists in the design, development, and maintenance of nuclear equipment and systems. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers to ensure the safe and efficient operation of nuclear power plants, reactors, or medical devices. Their tasks may include conducting research, performing safety analyses, preparing technical reports, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Entry level nuclear engineers also participate in training and learn about the industry's safety protocols and best practices.

What are common challenges faced by entry level nuclear engineers in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level nuclear engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex regulatory requirements, adapting to rigorous safety protocols, and quickly learning specialized software and technical systems unique to nuclear facilities. They may also need to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical, on-site applications. New engineers can overcome these challenges by actively seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, participating in ongoing training programs, and regularly engaging with interdisciplinary teams to broaden their understanding of operational procedures and safety standards.

What Does an Entry-Level Nuclear Engineer Do?

An entry-level nuclear engineer works with nuclear energy and radiation. As a nuclear engineer, you devise systems and create tools for using nuclear power. You oversee responsibilities like developing equipment, writing operating guides for equipment and processes, ensuring safety during facility operations, and taking action to prevent and mitigate nuclear emergencies. You may work in a nuclear power plant or in a laboratory focusing on using radioactive materials for societal benefit, like in the medical or aerospace industries. Your responsibilities are to test nuclear processes for solvency, maintain safety standards, and eventually handle supervisory and managerial duties depending on the size and scope of your team.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Nuclear Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs in California? For Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Nuclear Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Nuclear Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Nuclear Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,212 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Geoscientist I

Certerra Subsurface Imaging

Lake Forest, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Geoscientist I
Job Summary:
hydroGEOPHYSICS (Certerra Subsurface Imaging; HGI) is a geophysical services company that provides state-of-the-art solutions to our customer's needs. HGI works within the mining, nuclear, engineering, and environmental industries. We are currently looking to expand our Irvine, California office by hiring a full-time Geoscientist I. This is an entry-level or minimal experience position that assists scientists and engineers with data collection, data analysis, and report writing. Beyond fieldwork, the candidate will help process, model, and visualize earth science and geophysical data, as well as integrating GPS and/or surveying data, on a daily or project basis.
Job Responsibilities/Duties:
  • Will work outdoors with uneven terrain while carrying heavy equipment (50+ lbs.).
  • Work independently and with the team.
  • Problem solve, at times make temporary in-field repairs, and adapt to changing conditions.
  • Loading and unloading of equipment for field projects.
  • Vehicle and equipment transport to and from field projects.
  • Set up, tear down and maintenance of field monitoring equipment.
  • Other field support as directed by project lead.
  • Field projects range from two days to two months and requires extensive travel regionally, nationally and globally. This will include remote locations with limited communications and facilities, extreme environmental conditions (health, cold, altitudes, etc.), and possible industrial hazards.
  • Organization and maintenance of field equipment in accordance with company procedure.
  • General office support as required when not in the field.
  • Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Geophysics, Geosciences, Geology, or Earth Science related Engineering discipline with 2-4 years of applied experience, inclusive of geophysical field work utilizing data acquisition equipment, OR a Master's degree in Geophysics, Geosciences, Geology, or Earth Science related Engineering, Hydrology, or Environmental discipline with little to no experience.
  • Degree must include advanced math and physics. A transcript will be required.
  • Ability to flourish with minimal guidance, be proactive, and handle uncertainty.
  • Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as being organized and detail-oriented.
  • Schedule flexibility, priorities can change quickly as we are a service based company and have to react quickly to client demands.
  • Enjoy travel (nationally and internationally), remote destinations, and working outdoors with complex scientific equipment. The position requires up to 70+% travel. Field projects can range from two days to two months and require extensive travel regionally, nationally and globally.
  • Valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
  • A current passport or ability to secure a passport within 90 days of hire date.
  • This employment opportunity involves government contracts. Per those contract requirements, applicants must provide proof of US citizenship.
  • Organized and enjoy working independently or with a team.
  • Ability to problem solve and be able to adapt to changing conditions.
  • Inclined to working with electronics and building new tools to streamline projects.
  • Proficient with internet research, email, MS Office, Word and Excel (formula use, tables, lookups, etc.).
  • Strong writing capability including efficient sentence / paragraph construction and ability to self-edit.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior experience with geophysical fieldwork and data collection, environmental sampling/logging, laboratory or scientific instrumentation is encouraged.
  • If experienced, proficiency in electrical, seismic, and electromagnetic methods is a plus.
  • Professional Geophysicist (PGP) and/or Professional Geologist (PG)/Certified Hydrogeologist (CHG), or a willingness to apply/study for a PGP license.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish speaking skills.
  • Experience driving a vehicle/trailer combination.
  • MSHA/OSHA/Hazwoper training.

Key Success Attributes:
  • Results Driven
  • Team Player
  • Positive attitude that contributes to a positive work environment
  • Maintain a quick and steady pace throughout your work shift
  • Highly motivated self-starter with ability to perform well with varying degrees of supervision
  • Curious and interested in learning new concepts

Core Competencies:
  • Consistency and Reliability
  • Communication
  • Creative Thinking
  • Growth Mindset
  • Research, Analysis and Evaluation
  • Flexibility

Benefits:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • 401K Plan
  • Company cell phone
  • Company laptop

Physical Requirements:
Employee will be required to adhere to large amounts of standing, walking and climbing.
Will talk and hear to communicate. Will use arms and hands to signal, grab, hold, turn, push, pull: objects, materials, controls and tools repetitively. Will be required to lift, carry and move up to 50lbs over uneven terrain. With another person required to lift and move equipment greater than 50lbs but usually less than 150 pounds
Working Conditions while Performing Essential Functions: This position is performed in an office and field setting. The atmosphere is fast paced and deadline oriented with focus on safety and quality.
HGI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.