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Nuclear Core Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Whiting Corporation

Design Engineer

Crete, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Nuclear Power Generating * Pulp and Paper Industry * Refuse * Steel Mills * Transit Railroads ... Design Engineer ID: 71420316 Department: Rail Maintenance Equipment Location: Crete, IL Description ...

County Materials Corporation

Design Engineer

Westmont, IL · On-site

$82K - $124K/yr

The Design Engineer (Precast Concrete) supports projects from initial design through fabrication ... Stay current with precast/prestressed concrete technology and industry standards COUNTY Core ...

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All JobsNuclear Core Design Engineer JobsNuclear Core Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Nuclear Core Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$64

$87

$104

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

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear core design engineer in Chicago, IL is $87.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85.19 and $96.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Core Design Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 85% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $182,335 per year, or $87.7 per hour.

Nuclear Engineer - Reactor Physics

NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$115K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

About NANO Nuclear Energy
NANO Nuclear Energy is anadvanced nuclear technology company developing next-generation microreactorsystems that will help transform the future of clean, reliable, and resilientenergy. Through the development of its KRONOS MMR™ EnergySystem, LOKI MMR™ Energy System, and ZEUS™ Solid Core BatteryReactor-advancedhigh-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technologies designed forapplications including data centers, industrial operations, remote communities,and critical infrastructure-the company is advancing innovative nuclearsolutions for a rapidly evolving energy landscape. NANO Nuclear has alsosubmitted a Construction Permit Application (CPA) to the U.S. NuclearRegulatory Commission (NRC) to support the planned deployment of the KRONOS MMRat the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), representing a significantmilestone toward the commercialization of advanced nuclear technology.
Joining NANO Nuclear meanscontributing to pioneering technologies with the potential to redefine thenuclear industry while working alongside experts in engineering, science, andinnovation. Our team operates in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environmentwhere employees are encouraged to solve challenging technical problems andadvance the materials technologies needed for next-generation energy systems.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a Nuclear Engineer, Reactor Physics who will be responsible for performing reactor physics analyses of the nuclear reactor power systems in development at Nano Nuclear Energy, Inc. The Nuclear Engineer will support core design enhancement, integrate customer and regulatory requirements into the reactor core design, and perform analysis and prepare documentation to support licensing of the reactor systems.
Responsibilities:
  • Perform neutron and gamma radiation transport calculations to determine activation/dose rates, heating, and material damage effects, and establish radiation shielding requirements.
  • Design radiation shielding throughout the reactor system.
  • Perform criticality safety calculations.
  • Develop, verify, and validate computational tools for reactor multiphysics analysis.
  • Collaborate with engineering, operations & maintenance, safety analysis, and licensing teams.
  • Assist in training and mentoring junior team members.
  • Ensure compliance with nuclear regulations, licensing requirements, and company safety policies.
  • Contribute to the preparation of documents to enable licensing of Nano Nuclear Energy reactor systems.
  • Responsibilities may extend to other divisions of the business at times.
  • Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or related field.
  • 7+ years (or M.Sc. and 5+ years) of relevant experience.
  • Strong Monte Carlo skills and strong understanding of reactor physics. Experience in reactor design, radiation shielding, and criticality safety desirable.
  • Strong programming skills in any language; Python is commonly used in this position.
  • Excellent problem-solving and collaboration skills.
  • Nuclear software verification and validation experience is a plus.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or related field.
  • 7+ years (or M.Sc. and 5+ years) of relevant experience.
  • Strong Monte Carlo skills and strong understanding of reactor physics. Experience in reactor design, radiation shielding, and criticality safety desirable.
  • Strong programming skills in any language; Python is commonly used in this position.
  • Excellent problem-solving and collaboration skills.
  • Nuclear software verification and validation experience is a plus.

What We Offer
  • The opportunity to develop materials solutions for next-generation nuclear technology.
  • Exposure to advanced materials challenges in high-temperature and nuclear environments.
  • A collaborative engineering culture focused on innovation and technical excellence.
  • Opportunities for mentorship, professional growth, and technical leadership.
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package.
  • The opportunity to contribute to a cleaner, more reliable energy future.

Salary range and levels for this role:
  • Level III: Typically, five years of experience in an engineering role required.
  • Level IV: Typically, ten years of experience in an engineering role required.
  • Level V: Typically, fifteen years of experience in an engineering role required.
  • Level VI: Typically, twenty years of experience in an engineering role required.

Level III: $120,000- $145,000; Level IV: $145,000- 170,000; Level V: $170,000- $195,000; Level VI: $185,000- $215,000
This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the role and may encompass responsibilities across multiple functions or levels within the organization. The scope of the position, title, responsibilities and compensation will be determined based on the specific needs of the business, as well as the candidate's experience, qualifications and level of expertise. The salary range provided, where applicable, is intentionally broad is not indicative of a single level or final compensation offer. Actual compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity and other applicable factors.
Equal Opportunity Statement
NANO Nuclear Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.

Apply