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How much do nuclear criticality safety jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear criticality safety in the United States is $154,474.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $146,000.00 and $161,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Nuclear Criticality Safety professionals in their daily work?

Nuclear Criticality Safety professionals often encounter challenges such as ensuring strict compliance with safety regulations, managing complex calculations for criticality risk assessments, and effectively communicating technical findings to multidisciplinary teams. They must stay updated on evolving industry standards and maintain rigorous documentation for audits. Additionally, balancing operational efficiency with uncompromising safety protocols requires both attention to detail and strong collaboration with engineers, operators, and regulatory bodies.

How to become a nuclear criticality safety engineer?

To become a nuclear criticality safety engineer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering, health physics, or a related field. Relevant experience in nuclear operations, safety analysis, or radiation protection, along with certifications such as Certified Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer (CNSE), can enhance job prospects. Strong analytical skills, knowledge of nuclear systems, and familiarity with safety standards are essential for this role.

Can you make $500,000 as a nuclear engineer?

Nuclear criticality safety engineers can earn high salaries, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand facilities. While some senior professionals may reach or exceed $500,000 annually, typical salaries range from $100,000 to $200,000, with top earners in specialized roles or management positions potentially earning more. Achieving such a high salary generally requires significant expertise and responsibility in the field.

How much do nuclear safety analysts make?

Nuclear safety analysts typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. They often hold certifications such as ANSI/ANS-3.1 and work in environments requiring strong analytical and safety assessment skills.

What is Nuclear Criticality Safety?

Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) is the field focused on preventing unintended nuclear chain reactions, known as criticality accidents, when handling, processing, or storing fissile materials such as uranium or plutonium. Professionals in this field analyze processes, design safety controls, and implement procedures to ensure that nuclear materials remain in safe configurations. Their work is essential in nuclear power plants, fuel fabrication facilities, research laboratories, and any facility that uses or stores fissile material. NCS specialists use a combination of physics, engineering, and regulatory knowledge to protect workers, the public, and the environment from radiation hazards associated with criticality events.

What is the difference between Nuclear Criticality Safety vs Nuclear Safety Engineer?

AspectNuclear Criticality SafetyNuclear Safety Engineer
Primary FocusPreventing nuclear chain reactions during handling and processing of fissile materialsEnsuring overall safety of nuclear facilities, including radiation protection and accident prevention
CertificationsCriticality Safety Certification, DOE/NRC trainingNuclear Engineering Degree, NRC licensing
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, nuclear processing plants, DOE sitesNuclear power plants, research reactors, regulatory agencies
Industry UsageHigh emphasis in fuel handling, storage, and transportationBroader safety oversight including design, operations, and emergency preparedness

While both roles focus on nuclear safety, Nuclear Criticality Safety specialists specifically prevent accidental chain reactions in fissile materials, whereas Nuclear Safety Engineers oversee overall plant safety and regulatory compliance. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and specific expertise areas.

What is the highest paying job in the nuclear field?

In the nuclear criticality safety field, senior roles such as Nuclear Criticality Safety Managers or Lead Engineers tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These positions require extensive experience, specialized certifications, and a strong understanding of nuclear safety protocols and regulatory compliance.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer, you need expertise in nuclear engineering, physics, and criticality safety analysis, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and specialized training. Familiarity with nuclear safety codes, Monte Carlo simulation software (such as MCNP or SCALE), and regulatory requirements is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help professionals identify risks and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the prevention of criticality accidents, regulatory compliance, and the overall safety of nuclear operations.
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Nuclear Criticality Safety jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Criticality Safety job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 22% As Needed, 70% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,474 per year, or $74.3 per hour.
Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer

Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer

Pae

Pittsburgh, PA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Amentum is seeking a Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer for the Pittsburgh, PA area.

Candidates will obtain site-specific Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) Analyst Qualification to support the implementation of a DOE-approved Nuclear Criticality Safety Program in an operating non-reactor nuclear facility.

Job Responsibilities

Provide technical guidance to operating organizations.

Collaborate with operating organization personnel on NCS evaluations as the lead NCS Analyst.

Perform independent reviews of NCS evaluations.

Conduct periodic reviews of fissionable material operations.

Lead and/or participate in NCS response to programmatic issues and criticality process deviations/infractions.

Participate in NCS emergency response preparation (emergency procedures, plans, exercises, and drills).

Independently prepare, review, and/or present technical reports to the criticality safety community (e.g. American Nuclear Society, etc.).

Conduct NCS training for all levels of employees involved in fissionable material operations.

Assist in the development and/or review of new or proposed changes to existing NCS programmatic policy and implementing documents.

Lead and/or participate in assessments and audits of the NCS Program.

Mentor of less experienced Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) Analysts and Analysts In-Training on all aspects of criticality safety.

Development, revision, and review of Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) documentation, such as Criticality Safety Evaluations (CSEs), Nuclear Criticality Safety Design Analysis, and Calculations (DACs), and various other NCS technical basis documentation.

Complete the required NCS annual Operational Reviews.

Daily nuclear facility support; consisting of facility walkdowns, review of NCS requirements, implementing documents, participation at facility Operational Safety Boards, etc.

Required Skills/Abilities

Bachelor's degree in nuclear, engineering, math, or science with a minimum of 1-2 years of Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) experience is required (Nuclear Engineering degree preferred) or 7 years of equivalent technical experience in place of a B.S.

Experience in Approach to Critical (e.g., NCSP Hands-On Criticality Safety Course) preferred.

DOE-specific experience is highly preferred.

Candidate must be a US citizen.

Candidate must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE "Q" security clearance.

Demonstrated keen attention to detail.

Educational Requirements

An alternate combination of education and experience will be considered.

Compensation Details:

90,000

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

  • Educational reimbursement

  • Parental leave

  • Employee stock purchase plan

  • Tax-saving options

  • Disability and life insurance

  • Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

01/06/2026 - Until Filled

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language atLabor Laws Posters.

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