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Nuclear Core Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NextEra Energy

Nuclear Engineer I - Fuels

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 ...

Last Energy

Nuclear Engineer - Radiological

Austin, TX · On-site

$97K - $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 ...

Last Energy

Nuclear Engineer - Radiological

Austin, TX

$97K - $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 ...

Last Energy

Nuclear Engineer - Radiological

Austin, TX · On-site

$97K - $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 ...

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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.
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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:
What job categories do people searching Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs are:
Nuclear Core Design Engineer jobs near you
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.
Nuclear Engineer I - Fuels

Nuclear Engineer I - Fuels

NextEra Energy

Jupiter, FL • On-site

$91K - $110K/yr

Other

Posted 29 days ago

NextEra Energy rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 50 rated energy and utility

Job description

Florida Power & Light Company is the largest electric utility in the U.S., providing reliable energy to nearly 12 million Floridians. With one of the nation's most fuel-efficient, cost-effective power generation fleets and industry-leading reliability, we're redefining what's possible in energy. Want to be part of something powerful? Join our outstanding team and help shape the future of energy.

Position Specific Description

We are seeking a nuclear engineer to join our team at the Jupiter West Corporate office.  In this role, you will be responsible for providing technical expertise in support of Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) and Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) nuclear plants, specifically in the areas of core design, fuel management, and safety analyses. 
Key responsibilities include:

  • Perform and oversee nuclear reactor analyses including core design, RSAC calculations, NDR calculations, and criticality analyses
  • Perform and oversee LOCA and other safety analyses in accordance with NRC regulations
  • Develop and enhance automation tools to standardize processes and reduce errors
  • Serve as technical consultant to management on core design, fuel management, and safety analyses
  • Execute advanced engineering projects requiring original concepts and minimal precedence

The selected candidate will have:

  • Ability to work independently on complex engineering tasks requiring original problem-solving
  • Proficiency in nuclear computer applications and engineering software
  • Familiarity with core design and analysis process

Additionally, it is highly desired that the candidate will have:

  • Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or related field
  • Proficiency in Python or other object-oriented programming languages
  • Strong understanding of NRC regulations and safety analysis requirements, particularly UFSAR Chapter 14/15 applications
Job Overview

Employees in this job conducting extensive engineering analysis of technical decisions to support business unit objectives. Employees in this role perform engineering root cause analysis, develop cost effective countermeasures, and provide expert advice. Individuals develop scope, design criteria, perform data collection, and engineering analysis/design toward completion of large projects. The successful candidate is responsible for completing complex plant engineering tasks that require relevant experience and use of technical engineering principles.

Job Duties & Responsibilities
  •  Plans and coordinates engineering activities under general guidance
  •  Provides direction to less-experienced engineers and technicians
  •  Applies nuclear regulations and standards to work assignments
  •  Acts as a liaison to interfacing departments
  •  Performs engineering and analytical tasks to develop reliable, cost effective recommendations
  •  Uses advanced computer models to develop and study solution feasibility
  •  Prepares engineering documentation and assist with technical support for licensing and other regulatory proceedings
  •  Ensures procured materials and services meet engineering specifications
  •  Consults with peer engineers to ensure that solutions meet plant design
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's - Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
  • Experience: 3+ years
  • Nuclear Experience: 0+ years
Preferred Qualifications
  • None
Special Requirements

Nuclear Specific Requirements

  • None

NextEra Energy offers a wide range of benefits to support our employees and their eligible family members. Click here to learn more.

Employee Group:  Exempt
Employee Type:  Full Time
Job Category:  Engineering
Organization:  Florida Power & Light Company 
Relocation Provided:  Yes, if applicable

NextEra Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, age, national origin, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetics, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law. 

NextEra Energy provides reasonable accommodation in its application and selection process for qualified individuals, including accommodations related to compliance with conditional job offer requirements, consistent with federal, state, and local laws. Supporting medical or religious documentation will be required where applicable and permitted by applicable law. To request a reasonable accommodation, please send an e-mail to recruiting-coordinator.sharedmailbox@nexteraenergy.com, providing your name, telephone number and the best time for us to reach you. 

NextEra Energy will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

NextEra Energy does not accept any unsolicited resumes or referrals from any third-party recruiting firms or agencies. Please see our policy for more information.

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