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Neutronics Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Neutronics Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Our Neutronics Engineers will design, simulate, optimize, and document the neutronic aspects of our reactor core. What You'll Do * Maintain and expand core design simulations, including simple and ...

Neutronics Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$150K - $220K/yr

Our Neutronics Engineers will design, simulate, optimize, and document the neutronic aspects of our reactor core. What You'll Do * Maintain and expand core design simulations, including simple and ...

Nuclear Fuels Engineer

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$110K - $240K/yr

Working knowledge of fuel materials behavior, neutronics interfaces, and thermal-hydraulic boundary conditions. * Experience interfacing with vendors or procurement on technical specifications and ...

Neutronics information

See Washington, DC salary details

$120.6K

$175K

$210.7K

How much do neutronics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for neutronics in Washington, DC is $174,957.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $165,400.00 and $182,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a neutronics engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Neutronics Engineer, you need a solid background in nuclear engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with reactor physics codes (such as MCNP or SCALE), simulation software, and sometimes a Professional Engineer (PE) license are often required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for effectively interpreting complex data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and accurate modeling of nuclear systems, which is essential for reactor design, operation, and regulatory compliance.

What is neutronics?

Neutronics is the study of the behavior and movement of neutrons within nuclear reactors or other systems where nuclear reactions occur. It involves analyzing how neutrons interact with materials, how they are absorbed or scattered, and how their distribution affects the operation and safety of a nuclear reactor. Neutronics specialists use mathematical models and simulations to optimize reactor design, ensure efficient fuel usage, and maintain safety standards. This field is essential for the effective and safe generation of nuclear energy.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in neutronics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in neutronics often encounter challenges such as accurately modeling complex nuclear systems, managing large datasets, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. These challenges can be addressed by staying updated with the latest simulation tools, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams (such as nuclear engineers and safety analysts), and participating in ongoing training. Additionally, effective communication and documentation are essential for ensuring that results are clearly understood and can be acted upon by both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What is the difference between Neutronics vs Radiation Protection Specialist?

AspectNeutronicsRadiation Protection Specialist
Required CredentialsDegree in nuclear engineering, certifications like NEUP or NEETDegree in health physics, certifications like CHP or RC
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, nuclear power plants, simulation centersField sites, hospitals, nuclear facilities
Industry UsageDesigning reactor cores, neutron transport analysisMonitoring radiation exposure, safety compliance

Neutronics focuses on neutron behavior and reactor design, while Radiation Protection Specialists concentrate on safety and exposure management. Both roles require nuclear-related credentials and often work within the nuclear industry, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

Neutronics Engineer

Socket.dev

Bethesda, MD • On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

The ocean is the largest undeveloped frontier on earth — and the next chapter of abundant energy will be written at sea. We're building the infrastructure to power it.

About Ocean Atomics (OA)

Ocean Atomics is an American company designing, licensing, and assembling a standardized nuclear electric power plant and the surrounding support systems for maritime applications. We will install these plants on any vessel built to our nuclear-ready standards, and will provide end-to-end sustainment in our planned nuclear lifecycle dockyard. We will help develop the licensed operators to unlock this new capability for your energy intensive application at sea. To move fast and to lead the creation of this new market, we are leveraging the compact, proven systems enabled by water-cooled reactors.

Our mission

Scale nuclear energy. Power generations.

Our vision

A maritime commons thriving with abundant, economical, modern, and safe nuclear-powered activity — built, serviced, and staffed by re-industrialized American shipyards and people.

Our Neutronics Engineers will design, simulate, optimize, and document the neutronic aspects of our reactor core.

What You'll Do
  • Maintain and expand core design simulations, including simple and complex models covering criticality, transmutation/decay, shutdown margin/control rod worth, kinetics parameters, frequency domain stability, etc.

  • Work with larger core design team to develop coupled multiphysics models supporting normal and transient behavior

  • Analyze and optimize core performance in support of trade studies, licensing documentation, and product optimization

  • Rigorously document design results

  • Justify calculation methodologies and their V&VV in support of the licensing process

  • Provide core design information in transient analysis studies

  • Provide core information to simulator and operational physics teams

  • Perform shielding and activation analysis supporting the design

What You BringRequired
  • Experience building and running sophisticated core neutronics simulations

  • Strong understanding of nuclear design couplings, challenges, tradeoffs

  • Ability to work on a close, rapidly iterative design team

  • Strong working knowledge of two or more common reactor simulation tools

  • Highly skilled with computers

  • Strong technical writing skills

Preferred
  • Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or Engineering Physics

  • 5+ years professional experience designing cores

  • Strong working knowledge of many common deterministic and stochastic neutronics tools (e.g. MCNP, OpenMC, CASMO/SIMULATE, VERA, DRAGON, etc.)

Don't meet every bullet? We'd still like to hear from you. If you're excited by the mission and most of this resonates, apply. Export control notice.

This role involves access to information subject to U.S. export control laws, including unclassified nuclear technology governed by the U.S. Department of Energy under 10 CFR Part 810. Depending on a candidate's status, access may require DOE authorization, which Ocean Atomics may apply for. Any offer is contingent on your ability to work in compliance with these requirements. We evaluate all applicants regardless of citizenship or national origin, except where required by law.

Why this matters

Every industry on Earth needs scalable, clean energy, and the ocean is the ideal place to unlock it. Joining Ocean Atomics means building real, lasting infrastructure — the kind that powers generations. The world needs abundant energy. Let's make it happen.

Ocean Atomics LLC is an equal opportunity employer.

We are committed to a workplace free of discrimination and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations; if you need an accommodation during the application process, contact info@oceanatomics.com.

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