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Nuclear Core Design Engineer Jobs in Spokane, WA

The Navy will rely on your sharp math and science skills to design, develop and deploy the world ... Naval Construction and Engineering, Nuclear Engineering * Explore Admissions Qualifications and ...

Regional Lead - Rail Engineer

Spokane, WA · On-site +1

$140K - $200K/yr

What are the core responsibilities for the role? * Provide regional leadership for railroad ... Lead the planning, design, coordination, and delivery of a variety of rail projects including ...

AI Solutions Engineer

Spokane, WA · On-site

$89K - $133K/yr

The AI Solutions Engineer will be responsible for the design, building development and deployment ... Core Values: * Show We Care, Do The Right Thing, Maximize Individual Potential, Challenge ...

AI Solutions Engineer

Spokane, WA · On-site

$89K - $133K/yr

The AI Solutions Engineer will be responsible for the design, building development and deployment ... Core Values: * Show We Care, Do The Right Thing, Maximize Individual Potential, Challenge ...

Staff Manufacturing Engineer 2

Spokane, WA · On-site

$43.74 - $72.89/hr

Design and implement preventative maintenance procedures and schedule for the facility and ... Who is ARA? Learn more about ARA and Our Core Values at WHO WE ARE - ARA Applied Research ...

Showing results 41-60

Nuclear Core Design Engineer information

See Spokane, WA salary details

$62

$86

$102

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

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear core design engineer in Spokane, WA is $86.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83.61 and $94.81 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 Spokane, WA?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs in Spokane, WA are:

What cities near Spokane, WA are hiring for Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Spokane, WA with the most Nuclear Core Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Core Design Engineer job openings in Spokane, WA 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, with an average salary of $178,968 per year, or $86 per hour.

Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer (Reserve)

U.S. Navy

Spokane, WA

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

About

The United States Navy’s massive fleet of attack and defense vessels and systems all work in tandem to carry out the Navy’s most critical missions. As an Engineering Duty Officer, your job is to keep the fleet moving forward. The Navy will rely on your sharp math and science skills to design, develop and deploy the world’s fiercest ships and smartest integrated warfare systems. Roll up your sleeves, Sailor, because it’s time to put the stealth in submarines and the muscle into the modern combat fleet.

Responsibilities

Engineering Duty Officers ensure that U.S. Naval and Joint Forces operate and fight with the most capable vessels, systems and equipment possible. Your math and science skills will be vital to constantly improving the Navy’s warfighting capability and maintaining a robust cybersecurity network. Job responsibilities could include:

  • Conducting research on high-priority operational needs
  • Leading the design of new ships and their systems while supervising the integration of weapons and electronic systems into these ships
  • Managing the construction, delivery, maintenance, conversion, overhaul and disposal of ships, submarines and aircraft carriers
  • Overseeing the planning, execution and testing of the repair and modernization of ships and warfare systems

Pay and Benefits

From the day you start, you’ll receive:

  • Competitive salary
  • Free health insurance
  • Free housing
  • A retirement plan
  • 30 days paid vacation per year

Education Opportunities

All Engineering Duty Officers are required to obtain a Master’s degree in a technical curriculum from the Naval Postgraduate School or Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This requirement is completed while serving.

  • Naval Postgraduate School (With Doctorate Opportunities)
  • Curriculum Listing: Naval/Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Space Systems Engineering, Combat Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering, Space Systems Engineering (Applied Physics), Computer Science
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
  • Curriculum Listing: Naval Construction and Engineering, Nuclear Engineering

Qualifications and Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • U.S. citizen or equivalent
  • 17 years of age or older
  • High schoolers and current undergraduates interested in becoming an EDO can enter through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) or through the U.S. Naval Academy. It is important to note that EDOs do not have direct accession through the USNA/NROTC commissioning sources. ED accessions are warfare-qualified Officers who are strong performers and academically qualified to pursue a technical Master’s Degree.
  • General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

Work Environment

Your work as an Engineering Duty Officer is highly valued and can take you virtually anywhere. Most EDOs are stationed at shore commands in Washington, D.C., Norfolk, VA, or San Diego, CA—however, there are opportunities for exciting sea tours around the world in Australia, Canada, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Part-Time Opportunities

There are part-time roles as an Engineering Duty Officer in the Navy. Serving part-time as a Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Engineering Duty Officers in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.


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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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