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Nuclear Core Design Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania

Brooksource

Design Engineer

Kennett Square, PA · On-site

$55 - $125/hr

Nuclear Design Engineer Lusby, MD (Remote) Compensation: $55 - $125 per hour Long-term contract ABOUT THE ROLE Our client, the largest private sector power producer in the world, is seeking a Nuclear ...

Worthington Enterprises

Design Engineer

Malvern, PA · On-site

$86K - $108K/yr

These core values continue to emphasize and fortify an unwavering commitment to our customers ... As a Design Engineer , you will be at the forefront of transforming how our custom-engineered ...

Worthington Enterprises

Design Engineer

Malvern, PA · On-site

$86K - $108K/yr

These core values continue to emphasize and fortify an unwavering commitment to our customers ... As a Design Engineer , you will be at the forefront of transforming how our custom-engineered ...

NRG Controls, LLC

Design Engineer

Harrisburg, PA

Description The Design Engineer at Nexgen Controls plays a critical role in supporting the design ... Core Competencies Adaptability: Responds effectively to change, competing priorities, and ...

NRG Controls LLC

Design Engineer

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

The Design Engineer at NRG Controls plays a critical role in supporting the design and execution of ... Core Competencies • Adaptability: Responds effectively to change, competing priorities, and ...

NRG Controls, LLC

Design Engineer

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

The Design Engineer at Nexgen Controls plays a critical role in supporting the design and execution ... Core Competencies · Adaptability: Responds effectively to change, competing priorities, and ...

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Nuclear Core Design Engineer information

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear core design engineer?

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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Nuclear Core Design Engineer job openings:

Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Core Design Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 88% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Mechanical/Design Engineer, Advanced

Naval Nuclear Laboratory

West Mifflin, PA • On-site

$86K - $134K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Naval Nuclear Laboratory rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

About Us

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today!

Job Description

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) New Fuel and Exams unit is seeking a mechanical engineer to join our team. The newest team member will formulate design solutions to complex problems, may complete finite element analyses (FEA), and will conduct analytical assessments of reactor servicing equipment. This position provides the opportunity to develop mechanical design expertise while interfacing with multiple engineering disciplines, which are part of the larger team that supports safe movement and transportation of Naval nuclear fuel. Additionally, this opportunity is unique in that it directly supports the United States/United Kingdom exchange program and will require a routine interface with colleagues in the United Kingdom.

Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill
  • Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience; or
  • Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience; or
  • Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering, science field; or
  • Currently an Advanced Reactor Training Engineer, Refueling Engineer, or Field (RPCO) Engineer at the Company.
Preferred Skills
  • Degrees in Mechanical Engineering are preferred, but not required.
  • Experience/familiarity with Abaqus finite element software.
  • Mechanical/structural design experience.
  • Experience reading/interpreting mechanical part and assembly drawings.
Compensation and Benefits
  • Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits
  • Disability, Life & Accident Insurance
  • 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan
  • Personal & Medical Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Flexible Work Schedules
  • Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees
  • Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Wellness Program
  • Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!
Pay Range
$86,100.00 - $134,600.00 annually
Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S. Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana.

Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.

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