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Nuclear Core Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... As our Core Neutronics Design Engineer, you will provide support to the core design team by ...

We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers ... As our Core Neutronics Design Engineer, you will provide support to the core design team by ...

Nuclear Analysis Engineer

Bellevue, WA · Hybrid

$111K - $133K/yr

Nuclear Analysis Engineer TerraPower, LLC. Is seeking a highly motivated Nuclear Design Engineer ... Perform core design and analysis activities of advanced nuclear reactors, including calculation and ...

Nuclear Analysis Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$111K - $133K/yr

Nuclear Analysis Engineer TerraPower, LLC. Is seeking a highly motivated Nuclear Design Engineer ... Perform core design and analysis activities of advanced nuclear reactors, including calculation and ...

Nuclear Engineer I

Jupiter, FL · On-site

$91K - $110K/yr

Perform and oversee nuclear reactor analyses including core design, RSAC calculations, NDR ... Execute advanced engineering projects requiring original concepts and minimal precedence The ...

Nuclear Engineer I - Fuels

Jupiter, FL

$91K - $110K/yr

Perform and oversee nuclear reactor analyses including core design, RSAC calculations, NDR ... Execute advanced engineering projects requiring original concepts and minimal precedence The ...

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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 Jun 28, 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 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.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,000 per year, or $85.1 per hour.

Core Neutronics Design Engineer

BWX Technologies

Lynchburg, VA

$119K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


BWX Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT's technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.
Welcome to BWXT
We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We required a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference.
BWXT is People Strong, Innovation Driven - be part of BWXT's innovation hub. BWXT's Advanced Technologies (AT) group researches, designs, and develops innovative new nuclear reactors, nuclear rocket propulsion systems, and radioisotope production systems for both internal and external customers.
If you are looking for a career where your experience is valued, innovative thinking is fostered, and barrier-free teamwork is embraced every day, then this opportunity is for you.
Position Overview:
As our Core Neutronics Design Engineer, you will provide support to the core design team by engaging in a variety of projects. This role will perform analysis of core designs while collaborating across multiple engineering disciplines.
Location:
On-site in Lynchburg, VA at the Advanced Technologies Office
Your Day to Day as a Core Neutronics Design Engineer:
  • Perform analysis of advanced core designs which includes a variety of fuel systems, life cycle, and coolant types.
  • Coordinate with multiple engineering disciplines across joint organizational teams.
  • Perform work on a broad scope of studies, from preconceptual through final design and operation.
  • Perform work using an integrated approach for neutronics, thermal hydraulics, mechanical/stress, and safety analysis, to achieve accelerated reactor design development.
  • Contribute to a variety of projects supporting the core design team.

Required Qualifications:
  • A bachelor's degree in engineering or physics is required.
  • A minimum of two (2) years of experience in neutronics analysis and design.
  • Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills to write and deliver high quality technical reports and documentation, including presentations to customers, regulators, and other organizations.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance, whichever is required.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • MS in Nuclear Engineering is preferred.
  • Familiarity with Monte Carlo tools such as MCNP, OpenMC or Serpent and/or experience with deterministic nodal methods such as SIMULATE/CASMO or PARCS.
  • Knowledge of programming languages such as FORTRAN, Python, C, C++ in a Linux environment.

What We Offer:
  • Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
  • Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
  • Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
  • An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
  • The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
  • Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!

Pay: $76,000.00 - $119,000.00
The base salary range for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $76,000.00 and $119,000.00 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,' unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.
As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities ("BWXT" or the "Company") complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.
All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Selected applicants are required to successfully complete a pre-employment check and drug screening. In addition, the position may require the ability to obtain and maintain applicable federal eligibility requirements for access to classified/sensitive information or matter which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test, previous employment, and reference verifications.
BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status.
BWX Technologies, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (BWXT) is not responsible for and does not accept any liability for fees or other costs associated with resumes or candidates presented by recruiters or employment agencies, unless a binding, written recruitment agreement between BWXT and the recruiter or agency exists prior to the presentation of candidates or resumes to BWXT and includes the specific services, job openings, and fees to be paid ("Agreement"). BWXT may consider any candidate for whom a recruiter or agency has submitted an unsolicited resume and explicitly reserves the right to hire such candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency unless an Agreement is in place prior to presentation and such Agreement explicitly encompasses the job opening for which such fees or costs are sought. An email, verbal or other informal contact with any person within BWXT will not create a binding agreement. Agencies or recruiters without an Agreement are directed not to contact any hiring managers of BWXT with recruiting inquiries or resumes. Recruiters and agencies interested in partnering with BWXT may contact BWXT's Talent Acquisition team at talent_acquisition@bwxt.com.

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