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Nuclear Core Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Deep Fission, Inc

Nuclear Engineer II, Core Design

The Nuclear Engineer I, Core Design supports the design, development, and safety analysis of Deep Fission's deep borehole pressurized water reactor. This role performs calculations and analyses in ...

Zap Energy

Reactor Core Design Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

About Zap Energy Zap is advancing the next generation of nuclear power technology across fusion ... About the Opportunity Zap Energy is seeking a Core Design Engineer to support the Zap Micro Reactor ...

BWXT

Core Neutronics Design Engineer

Lynchburg, VA

$76K - $119K/yr

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... As our Core Neutronics Design Engineer, you will provide support to the core design team by ...

BWXT

Core Neutronics Design Engineer

Lynchburg, VA

$76K - $119K/yr

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... As our Core Neutronics Design Engineer, you will provide support to the core design team by ...

BWXT

Core Neutronics Design Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$76K - $119K/yr

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... As our Core Neutronics Design Engineer, you will provide support to the core design team by ...

BWXT

Core Neutronics Design Engineer

Lynchburg, VA

$76K - $119K/yr

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... As our Core Neutronics Design Engineer, you will provide support to the core design team by ...

TerraPower LLC.

Nuclear Analysis Engineer

Bellevue, WA · Hybrid

$111.20K - $133.20K/yr

Nuclear Analysis Engineer TerraPower, LLC. Is seeking a highly motivated Nuclear Design Engineer ... Perform core design and analysis activities of advanced nuclear reactors, including calculation and ...

New

NextEra Energy

Nuclear Engineer I

Jupiter, FL · On-site

$91.90K - $110.10K/yr

Perform and oversee nuclear reactor analyses including core design, RSAC calculations, NDR ... Execute advanced engineering projects requiring original concepts and minimal precedence The ...

NextEra Energy

Nuclear Engineer I

Jupiter, FL

$91.90K - $110.10K/yr

Perform and oversee nuclear reactor analyses including core design, RSAC calculations, NDR ... Execute advanced engineering projects requiring original concepts and minimal precedence The ...

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Nuclear Core Design Engineer information

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How much do nuclear core design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear core design engineer in the United States is $85.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82.69 and $93.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nuclear Core Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Core Design Engineer, you need a strong background in nuclear engineering, reactor physics, and thermodynamics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with simulation and modeling software such as MCNP, SCALE, or CASMO, and familiarity with regulatory codes are essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set standout professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant reactor core designs, which are critical for nuclear plant operation and public safety.

What are some common challenges faced by Nuclear Core Design Engineers during new reactor projects?

Nuclear Core Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing safety requirements with optimal reactor performance during new projects. They must navigate complex regulatory standards, work with interdisciplinary teams, and ensure that their designs account for fuel efficiency, thermal limits, and long-term reliability. Close collaboration with safety analysts, operations staff, and regulatory bodies is essential to address evolving project needs and unexpected technical issues. Staying current with technological advancements and adapting designs to new materials or methodologies is also a key part of the role.

What does a Nuclear Core Design Engineer do?

A Nuclear Core Design Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing the arrangement and performance of fuel assemblies within a nuclear reactor core. Their work ensures the reactor operates safely and efficiently while meeting regulatory requirements and power output goals. This involves complex calculations, simulations, and collaboration with other engineers to assess fuel utilization, thermal limits, and overall core behavior during various operating conditions.

What is the difference between Nuclear Core Design Engineer vs Nuclear Reactor Engineer?

AspectNuclear Core Design EngineerNuclear Reactor Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and optimizing nuclear reactor cores for safety and efficiencyOperating, monitoring, and maintaining nuclear reactors during operation
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, often with specialization in nuclear engineering, certifications in reactor safetyEngineering degree, nuclear engineering background, reactor operation licenses
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, research facilities, engineering officesReactor sites, power plants, operational control rooms
Industry UsageUsed during reactor design, development, and safety analysis phasesActive during reactor operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting

The main difference is that Nuclear Core Design Engineers focus on designing and optimizing reactor cores before and during construction, while Nuclear Reactor Engineers are involved in the operation and maintenance of reactors once they are active. Both roles require nuclear engineering expertise but serve different stages of the reactor lifecycle.

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What cities are hiring for Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Nuclear Core Design Engineer job openings:
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Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Core Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 70% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 49% Physical, 15% Hybrid, and 36% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,000 per year, or $85.1 per hour.
Senior Nuclear Core Design Engineer

Senior Nuclear Core Design Engineer

Holtec International

Camden, NJ • On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Holtec International rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 415 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

The Senior Nuclear Core Design Engineer supports the design, analysis, and licensing of the SMR-300, an integral pressurized water reactor small modular reactor. This role plays a critical part in core physics analysis, fuel management evaluations, and preparation of nuclear licensing documentation in support of ongoing SMR-300 development. The Principal Nuclear Core Design Engineer will join an established and growing core design and nuclear analysis team and is expected to independently execute complex technical analyses, benchmark methods and models, clearly document results, and mentor junior engineers in analysis techniques and technical documentation. The ideal candidate brings deep reactor physics expertise, strong analytical and technical writing skills, and experience supporting NRC licensing activities.
Location: Flexible - role may be based in Camden, NJ; Jupiter, FL; Cranberry, PA; Madrid, Spain; Bristol, UK; or Kyiv, Ukraine
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Perform reactor core design and reload analyses supporting steady-state operation, transient evaluations, and safety analyses
  • Develop, validate, and maintain core physics models, including lattice and nodal calculations
  • Generate physics parameters and cross-section data for use in safety and system analyses
  • Conduct benchmarking and code qualification activities against experimental data and industry standards
  • Support fuel cycle optimization, reactivity control strategies, and long-term core performance evaluations
  • Prepare detailed technical analyses and reports for internal use and external regulatory submittals
  • Contribute to licensing documentation, including PSAR, FSAR, and responses to NRC Requests for Additional Information (RAIs)
  • Participate in technical discussions with cross-functional internal teams, external partners, clients, and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers on analysis methodologies and documentation standards
  • Support continuous improvement of core design tools, processes, and technical documentation practices

Requirements:
  • Eligibility to work under U.S. Department of Energy 10 CFR Part 810 export control regulations
  • Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field with 10+ years of relevant experience
    • OR Master's degree with 8+ years of relevant experience
    • OR PhD with 6+ years of relevant experience
  • Demonstrated experience in reactor core physics, fuel management, and neutronic analysis
  • Proficiency with industry standard core analysis tools such as CASMO/SIMULATE
  • Familiarity with NRC licensing processes, including NUREG 0800 Chapter 4 and Chapter 15 requirements
  • Strong technical writing, documentation, and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within multidisciplinary teams
  • Proficiency with industry-standard analysis tools such as SCALE, MCNP, or equivalent codes
  • Experience with reactor pressure vessel fluence evaluations and understanding of radiation damage mechanisms
  • Programming or scripting experience (e.g., Python) to support analysis automation and data processing

A Generation Ahead by Design™
Investing in people who power the future.
We believe great work deserves great rewards. Our benefits go beyond the basics, reflecting our commitment to supporting your whole self...your health, your future, and your career growth. This includes:
Compensation:
  • Compensation for U.S.-based roles range from $160,000 to $190,000 annually and is determined by skills and experience.
  • Compensation for roles based outside the U.S. will be set in accordance with local market practices and applicable currency requirements.

Benefits:
  • Benefits for U.S.-based employees include a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support health, wellbeing, and long-term financial security, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage with generous employer contributions and Day 1 eligibility
  • FLEX program with hybrid work opportunities for eligible roles
  • 401(k) retirement plan with up to a 5% company match and immediate vesting
  • Paid time off and 11 paid holidays
  • Wellness and commuter programs
  • Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
  • Education assistance and professional development support
  • Employee Assistance Program and optional voluntary benefits

Benefits for employees based outside the U.S. will vary by country and will be provided in accordance with local market practices, statutory requirements, and regional norms.
If you're driven to solve meaningful challenges and make a lasting impact, we invite you to build your career at Holtec-a generation ahead by design™.

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