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Nuclear Core Design Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Phizenix

Digital Design Engineer

Irvine, CA

$180K - $250K/yr

Core Technical Skills * Strong fundamentals in digital ASIC design, micro-architecture, and best RTL coding methods. * Firmware / embedded C development, including bare-metal programming on an on ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Tustin, CA

$103K - $123K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Chino, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Upland, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Beaumont, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Eastvale, CA

$103K - $124K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Trabuco Canyon, CA

$106K - $127K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Mission Viejo, CA

$107K - $128K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Lake Mathews, CA

$101K - $121K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Banning, CA

$102K - $122K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Sage, CA

$101K - $122K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Glendora, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Modjeska, CA

$101K - $122K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Mentone, CA

$98K - $118K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

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All JobsNuclear Core Design Engineer JobsNuclear Core Design Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Nuclear Core Design Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$64

$88

$105

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

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear core design engineer in Riverside, CA is $88.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86.25 and $97.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 popular job titles related to Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA 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 Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $184,658 per year, or $88.8 per hour.

Lead Reactor Physicist / Core Design Lead (SMR / MMR Programs)

Barupon LLC

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Role Summary
BaRupOn LLC is seeking a highly experienced Lead Reactor Physicist / Core Design Lead to own the reactor physics and core design program for its Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) initiatives in the United States.
This is a technical leadership role at the heart of BaRupOn's nuclear engineering organization. The Lead Reactor Physicist will be responsible for the full lifecycle of reactor core design - from initial neutronics modeling and fuel assembly optimization through safety analysis integration and NRC regulatory submissions. This person will work in close partnership with licensing, engineering, and operations teams to ensure every core design is safe, efficient, and fully compliant with applicable U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements.
The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on experience in reactor physics and core design for advanced or non-light water reactors, a strong command of U.S. nuclear regulatory frameworks, and the technical leadership ability to guide a growing team of physicists and engineers in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
Reactor Core Design & Physics Analysis
  • Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of SMR/MMR reactor cores, including fuel assembly configurations, control rod systems, and core loading strategies.
  • Perform comprehensive reactor physics calculations: neutronics analysis, burnup and depletion modeling, reactivity control, flux distribution, and thermal-hydraulic integration.
  • Develop, validate, and maintain core simulation models and analytical methods using industry-standard neutronics and thermal-hydraulic codes.
  • Evaluate reactor core performance across the full range of operating and accident conditions, ensuring all safety margins are met.

Safety Analysis & Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensure all core designs comply with NRC regulations, safety limits, and licensing requirements, including 10 CFR Part 50, Part 52, and the emerging Part 53 framework for advanced reactors.
  • Support the development of Safety Analysis Reports (SAR/FSAR), technical specifications, and other regulatory documentation related to core design and reactor physics.
  • Perform or oversee probabilistic risk assessments (PRA) and deterministic safety analyses in support of licensing submissions.
  • Respond to NRC requests for additional information (RAIs) on core design and physics matters.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate closely with the Director of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs, mechanical and structural engineers, and operations teams to integrate physics requirements into overall reactor system design.
  • Provide physics input to thermal-hydraulic, structural, and materials engineering teams throughout the design process.
  • Support project management on physics-related milestone planning, schedule dependencies, and technical risk identification.

Technical Leadership & Team Development
  • Guide, mentor, and develop a team of junior and mid-level reactor physicists and core design engineers.
  • Establish and maintain core design standards, calculation methodologies, and code validation protocols across the team.
  • Prepare and review technical reports, design certifications, and white papers for internal and regulatory audiences.
  • Represent BaRupOn in technical forums, industry working groups, and national laboratory collaborations related to advanced reactor physics.

Required Experience & Qualifications
  • Master's or PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Reactor Physics, or a closely related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in reactor physics, core design, or nuclear engineering within the U.S. nuclear industry.
  • Proven, hands-on experience with reactor core design for SMR, advanced reactor, or Generation IV systems.
  • Deep working knowledge of U.S. nuclear regulatory frameworks, including 10 CFR Part 50, Part 52, and the emerging Part 53 framework for advanced reactors.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with industry-standard neutronics codes (e.g., MCNP, SCALE, CASMO, SIMULATE, or equivalent) and thermal-hydraulic modeling tools.
  • Experience developing and validating computational methods and core simulation models for NRC licensing purposes.
  • Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to author and defend regulatory documents and safety reports.

Preferred Skills & Certifications
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the U.S. - preferred.
  • Experience with NRC pre-application engagement and formal licensing interactions.
  • Active membership in recognized nuclear professional organizations, such as the American Nuclear Society (ANS).
  • Experience with advanced fuel cycle design, digital twin modeling, and integrated safety analysis software platforms.
  • Familiarity with NEPA environmental review processes and modular construction design constraints.
  • Strong mentoring, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.

Why Join BaRupOn LLC
  • Take technical ownership of core design for one of the most ambitious SMR/MMR programs in the U.S. - from the ground up.
  • Work directly alongside the CNO, CTO, and licensing leadership team with real authority over physics methodology and core design direction.
  • Competitive compensation and benefits, including potential equity participation tied to program milestones.
  • Collaborate with top-tier engineers, national laboratory partners, and federal program stakeholders at the frontier of advanced nuclear energy.
  • A mission-driven company where technical excellence and safety culture are foundational, not aspirational.

Equal Opportunity Statement
BaRupOn LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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