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Entry Level Nuclear Engineering Jobs in California

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Entry Level Nuclear Engineering information

See California salary details

$25.7K

$104.2K

$148K

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

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level nuclear engineering 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 does an entry level nuclear engineer do?

Entry level nuclear engineers assist in the research, design, development, and operation of nuclear equipment and systems, often under the supervision of more experienced engineers. Their responsibilities may include conducting tests, collecting and analyzing data, preparing technical reports, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. They often work in nuclear power plants, research labs, or government agencies, gaining hands-on experience while learning industry protocols. Entry level positions typically require a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or a related field.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level nuclear engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry-level nuclear engineers often encounter a steep learning curve as they adapt to strict safety protocols, regulatory requirements, and specialized technical systems unique to the nuclear industry. Collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams—including operators, safety specialists, and senior engineers—can also be challenging at first. Additionally, new engineers must quickly become comfortable interpreting complex technical documentation and participating in detailed risk assessments, which are essential to plant operations and safety. Supportive mentorship and comprehensive onboarding programs are typically provided to help new hires overcome these initial hurdles.

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 solid background in nuclear engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-specific software such as MATLAB, AutoCAD, and nuclear simulation tools, as well as safety and regulatory certifications, is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set successful candidates apart. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of nuclear systems in a highly regulated and technically complex environment.

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

AspectEntry Level Nuclear EngineeringNuclear Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in nuclear engineering or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in nuclear technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, research, and development in labs or officesOperational support in nuclear power plants or facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, government agencies, research institutionsNuclear power plants, maintenance, and safety operations

Entry Level Nuclear Engineers typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on design, analysis, and research tasks, while Nuclear Technicians usually have an associate's degree and support plant operations and safety. Both roles are essential in the nuclear industry but differ in education requirements and daily responsibilities.

How to start a career in entry level nuclear engineering?

To start a career in entry-level nuclear engineering, obtain a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Gaining internship experience and developing skills in safety protocols, radiation protection, and engineering software can improve job prospects; relevant certifications or training may also be beneficial.

Is there a demand for entry level nuclear engineers?

Entry level nuclear engineers are in demand due to ongoing needs for safety, maintenance, and modernization of nuclear power plants. The field requires strong technical skills, knowledge of radiation safety, and often a professional engineering license, with job growth expected to be steady as the industry maintains existing facilities and explores new technologies.

What are entry-level jobs at a nuclear plant?

Entry-level jobs at a nuclear plant typically include positions such as Nuclear Plant Operator Trainee, Nuclear Technician, or Radiological Control Technician. These roles often require a high school diploma or associate degree, and may involve on-the-job training or certification in radiation safety and plant operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineering jobs in California?

The most popular types of Nuclear Engineering jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs in California?

For Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Nuclear Engineering job openings:

Entry Level Nuclear Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Nuclear Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,212 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Electrical Engineer - Buildings (New Grad)

Los Angeles, CA

General Matter
See more jobs at General Matterexternal

$96K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

About the Company

General Matter enriches uranium.

We are designing, building, and operating the world's lowest-cost enrichment services, here in the US.  

In the process, we are restoring America's ability to produce nuclear fuel to power AI, advanced manufacturing and critical industries our country relies on to remain competitive. 

Fuel drives the cost of advanced reactor electricity production, and enrichment drives the cost of the fuel that advanced reactors consume.  Reliable, low-cost enrichment is the catalyst for the nuclear Renaissance now under way.

Our mission is to make nuclear not only the cleanest and safest source of baseload power, but also the most affordable.  We believe abundant nuclear energy will lead to a post-scarcity society. 

We were incubated inside Founders Fund, like Anduril and Palantir before us, and are backed by over a dozen of the world's top venture capital firms.  

Our lean, world-class team of engineers and operators is applying a first-principles approach to solving the problem of nuclear fuel production. 

We are a mission-driven company with a culture of urgency, accountability, and transparency. 

Help us build a high-energy society by making the cleanest, safest form of baseload energy the most affordable. 

About This Role

We're looking for an early-career Electrical Engineer with a strong interest in electrical systems design for industrial and missioncritical facilities to join our growing engineering team. You'll collaborate with experienced engineers and designers to develop power, lighting, and lowvoltage systems for data centers, manufacturing plants, refineries, and other largescale infrastructure. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated graduate eager to contribute to highreliability, energyintensive facility design in the AEC industry.  

Responsibilities

  • Support the design and coordination of electrical power systems in BIM for industrial and critical facilities.  
  • Perform load calculations, circuit analysis, panel schedules, and equipment layouts under the guidance of senior engineers.  
  •  Assist in the design of mediumvoltage distribution networks, substations, and backup systems including preparing single line diagrams for systems.  
  •  Work on lighting design, grounding, and protective device coordination.  
  •  Contribute to BIM modeling using Revit and AutoCAD to integrate designs with mechanical and structural disciplines.  
  •  Support documentation, specifications, and construction drawings for largescale projects.  
  •  Participate in workflow automation and data analytics using visual programming (Dynamo, Grasshopper) or coding (Python, C#).  
  •  Effectively communicate technical ideas within multidisciplinary project teams.  

Basic Qualifications

  •  Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field (recent graduate or upcoming).  
  •  Evidence of exceptional ability (prior projects, portfolio of work, completed products, etc).
  •  Coursework in electrical power systems, machines, circuits, and building services engineering.  
  •  Familiarity with BIM modeling software, such as Revit and AutoCAD.  
  •  Understanding of mediumvoltage distribution, load analysis, and design fundamentals.  
  •  Knowledge of lighting and energy modeling tools (e.g., Dialux, IESVE) is advantageous.  
  •  Interest and/or experience in AI tools for design, visual programming (Dynamo, Grasshopper), coding (Python, C#), and/or opensource projects.  
  •  Internship experience at an engineering or AEC firm preferred, especially projects involving industrial or powerintensive facilities.  
  •  Ability to communicate technical information clearly and collaboratively across disciplines.  

Preferred Skills and Experience

  •  Familiarity with electrical codes and standards (NEC, NFPA 70E, IEEE).  
  •  Exposure to power system studies, shortcircuit and arcflash analysis, or relay protection.  
  •  Experience with renewable integration, generator systems, or UPS and battery energy storage.  
  • Understanding of data center electrical topologies (Uptime Tier standards, redundancy design).  

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to work extended hours and weekends as necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer

General Matter is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with General Matter is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by 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.

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary range for this role is $96,000-$107,000 annually. 

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. Please note that the stated salary range is an estimate and may be adjusted based on market conditions, business needs, or other factors. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

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