1

Nuclear Core Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Traffic Design Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

GFT is seeking a Traffic Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Schaumburg or Chicago ... Location: Schaumburg or Chicago, IL Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Employment Status ...

Traffic Design Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

GFT is seeking a Traffic Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Schaumburg or Chicago ... Location: Schaumburg or Chicago, IL Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Employment Status ...

Our Core Values: * We are Conscientious * We are Empowered * We are Respectful * We are Transformative * We are Resilient Key Responsibilities: As an Electrical Design Engineer III at Interface, your ...

Our businesses are organized in three distinct segments, each based around our core engineering DNA ... Product Design and Development * Scanning • Bachelor's Degree • Two to five years' experience ...

Product Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

Our businesses are organized in three distinct segments, each based around our core engineering DNA ... Product Design and Development * Scanning Position Requirements Bachelor's Degree Two to five years ...

Product Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

Our businesses are organized in three distinct segments, each based around our core engineering DNA ... Product Design and Development * Scanning Position Requirements • Bachelor's Degree • Two to ...

Showing results 41-60

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 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:

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.

Traffic Design Engineer

GFT.

Schaumburg, IL • Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

GFT is seeking a Traffic Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Schaumburg or Chicago, IL! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of these office locations. 


Working on the Transportation team at GFT offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient, sustainable design and construction, delivering innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern, multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all. Explore some of our signature Transportation projects here.

What you’ll be challenged to do:
The successful candidate will become part of a unique team of traffic engineers and will work on various Phase 1 and Phase 2 traffic related tasks for complex roadway projects. This role combines knowledge in traffic operations, traffic safety, signal systems, lighting systems, and ITS. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with other disciplines to deliver innovative, high-quality transportation solutions for state DOTs, counties, municipalities, and private agencies.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following: 

  • Work on traffic analyses and studies, including traffic impact studies, traffic operation analysis, and safety studies.
  • Design and review traffic signals, interconnects, railroad preemption, roadway lighting, ramp management systems, and maintenance of traffic (MOT) plans. Prepare reports, plans, specifications, and technical drawings in compliance with engineering standards, client requirements, and MUTCD guidance.
  • Develop innovative ITS applications.
  • Perform Intersection Design Studies.
  • Collaborate closely with highway, bridge, stormwater, and utility design teams to deliver integrated transportation solutions.

What you will bring to our firm: 
  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited university.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Illinois or an ability to receive within 2 years.
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience with traffic analysis. Knowledge of the MUTCD and Highway Capacity Manual.
  • Proficiency with MicroStation CAD, Microsoft Excel, and Word.
  • Experience with design of traffic control elements such as plans, specifications and estimates for traffic signals, roadway lighting, and work-zone maintenance of traffic plans is preferred.
  • Experience with traffic simulation software such as Synchro, HCS, Sidra, VISSIM is preferred.
  • Experience working with IDOT, CDOT, and other local transportation agencies is preferred.
  • Experience with maintenance of traffic analysis is preferred.
Compensation:
The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $110,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
 
Featured Benefits: 
  • Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
  • Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
  • Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
  • Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
  • Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
  • Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions. 

Location: Schaumburg or Chicago, IL
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time

#LI-Hybrid

#LI-MS2