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Nuclear Core Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer - Radiological

Austin, TX · On-site

$97.60K - $117K/yr

This person will work closely with the nuclear engineering and safety analysis staff to ensure that ... core design, codes, and methods * Prepare and review safety analyses, calculation files, and ...

Nuclear Engineer - Radiological

Austin, TX · On-site

$97.60K - $117K/yr

This person will work closely with the nuclear engineering and safety analysis staff to ensure that ... core design, codes, and methods * Prepare and review safety analyses, calculation files, and ...

Nuclear Engineer - Radiological

Austin, TX

$97.60K - $117K/yr

This person will work closely with the nuclear engineering and safety analysis staff to ensure that ... core design, codes, and methods * Prepare and review safety analyses, calculation files, and ...

DNJP23088 - Civil Design Engineer III - Southport, NC - 3 years ReNuke Services is seeking a Civil Design Engineer III - Nuclear for our client"s site in Southport, NC! Description: The Duke Energy ...

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Nuclear Core Design Engineer information

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

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear core design engineer in the United States is $85.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82.69 and $93.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nuclear Core Design Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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 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.

More about Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Nuclear Core Design Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Core Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 70% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 49% Physical, 15% Hybrid, and 36% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,000 per year, or $85.1 per hour.
Nuclear Engineer

$69.20K - $86.50K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Are you interested in being part of an innovative team that supports Westinghouse's mission to provide clean energy solutions? At Westinghouse, we recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset and we seek to identify, attract and recruit the most qualified talent while recognizing and encouraging the value of diversity in the global workplace.

About the role:

As a Nuclear Engineer 2 you will provide miscellaneous plant support to the operations of the Wolf Creek Generating Station (WCGS) in fulfillment of the Core Design & Safety Analysis function outsourcing arrangement between the Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Company and Westinghouse Electric Company. These responsibilities require knowledge of WCGS's in-house safety analyses, acquiring and maintaining the necessary qualifications in WCGS procedures, and knowledge of the Westinghouse safety analyses to be used to help operate the WCGS. A secondary focus will involve the provision of transient analyses, as assigned, to support other Westinghouse customers.

You will report to the to the Manager, Integrated Site Engineering. Safety Analysis, Risk Applications, and Licensing and be located at Wolf Creek Generating Station (WCGS) in Burlington, Kansas.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Perform safety analysis engineering efforts at Wolf Creek Generating Station (WCGS).
  • You will perform complex engineering design and analyses in the commercial nuclear industry and providing technical input and written documents supporting the design, development, performance, and delivery of technical products and services.
  • Initially, primary focus will support the successful transition of the WCNOC Core design and safety analysis methodology to Westinghouse methodology.
  • Directly responsible for daily overall WCNOC customer satisfaction in the area of fuel reload design and support.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Nuclear engineering Nuclear required.
  • Minimum 3+ years of applicable experience
  • Perform assigned analyses related to the delivery of fuel reloads including fuel core and thermal hydraulic design, Chapter 15 LOCA, non-LOCA and containment transient analysis.
  • Unescorted Access needed: Unescorted access at Wolf Creek Generating Station will be required.
  • Provide periodic updates and recommendations regarding the nature and status of work/projects to all appropriate internal and external personnel. Develop and deliver presentations to communicate statuses, problem resolutions, recommendations, or promote business-related products.
  • Develop procedures, processes, and methods for implementing technical requirements.

Beneficial Skills:

  • Expertise in the use of standard Thermal-Hydraulic computer codes used to support WCGS operations, including RETRAN02, VIPRE01, and Westinghouse-specific equivalents.
  • Familiarity with NRC Requirements for safety analysis applications.
  • Detailed knowledge of the WCGS customer organization and daily work practices in the area of fuel reload design, safety analysis, core performance/reactor engineering, and system engineering.
  • Detailed knowledge of both existing WCGS and Westinghouse safety analysis methodologies and the interface of the safety analysis methodology with the WCGS core performance, PRA, Design Engineering, and Operations groups.

We are committed to transparency and equity in all of our people practices. The base salary range for this position, which is dependent upon experience, qualifications and skills, is estimated to be $69,200 to $86,500 per year.

#LI-Onsite

Why Westinghouse?

Our benefits package is tailored to meet the diverse needs of our employees, while also promoting wellness and career growth. The following are representative of what we offer:

  • Comprehensive Medical benefits which could include medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions options

  • Wellness Programs designed to support employees in maintaining their health and well-being including Employee Assistance Program providing support for our employees and their household members

  • 401(k) with Company Match Contributions to support employees' retirement

  • Paid Vacations and Company Holidays

  • Opportunities for Flexible Work Arrangements to promote work-life balance

  • Educational Reimbursement and Comprehensive Career Programs to help employees grow in their careers

  • Global Recognition and Service Programs to celebrate employee accomplishments and service

  • Employee Referral Program

Westinghouse Electric Company is the global nuclear energy industry's first choice for safe, clean, and efficient energy solutions. We enable our delivery of this vision by living our value system:

  • Safety and Quality

  • Integrity and Trust

  • Customer Focus and Innovation

  • Speed and Passion to Win

  • Teamwork and Accountability

While our Global Headquarters are located in Cranberry Township, PA, we have over 11,000 employees working at locations in 19 different countries. You can learn more by visiting http://www.westinghousenuclear.com.

Westinghouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities

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