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Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$110 - $160/hr

Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer Location: Knoxville, TN (Client Sites as Required) Employment Type: Full-Time Clearance: Active DOE Q required Who We Are Management Solutions LLC (MSLLC) is an ...

TerraPower is a nuclear technology company based in Bellevue, Washington. At its core, the company ... The Criticality Safety Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining ...

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Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer information

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How much do nuclear criticality safety engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear criticality safety engineer 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 does a Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer do?

A Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer is responsible for ensuring that nuclear materials are handled, stored, and processed in a manner that prevents unintended nuclear chain reactions, known as criticality accidents. They analyze facility designs, operating procedures, and accident scenarios to assess risks and implement safety controls. Their work involves developing safety evaluations, performing calculations, and providing guidance on safe practices. This role is crucial in nuclear power plants, research labs, and facilities that handle fissile materials to protect workers, the public, and the environment.

What does a Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer do?

As a nuclear criticality safety engineer, your responsibilities include conducting research and evaluating methods of transportation, handling, and storage of nuclear fuel to prevent an accident such as a nuclear reaction. You study and review research on nuclear fuel characteristics and calculation documents, as well as conduct an analysis of fuel transfer and storage plans provided by nuclear plants. Other duties include identifying potential hazards and areas in a nuclear plant that may be violating regulations, designing new methods for transport or storage, preparing proposal reports describing your recommendations, and submitting these reports to the government review board.

How does a Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer typically collaborate with other professionals on-site?

Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineers work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including reactor operators, health physicists, process engineers, and regulatory compliance staff. They participate in safety reviews, provide technical guidance during facility modifications, and help develop and implement criticality safety procedures. Regular communication and teamwork are essential, as these engineers must ensure all stakeholders understand and follow safety protocols to prevent criticality accidents. Collaboration often includes attending interdepartmental meetings, conducting training sessions, and performing joint facility walkthroughs.

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 a strong background in nuclear engineering, physics, or a related field, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with criticality safety codes (such as SCALE or MCNP), regulatory compliance standards, and radiation monitoring systems is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are crucial for risk assessment and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the safe handling and processing of nuclear materials, preventing criticality accidents and ensuring regulatory compliance.

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

AspectNuclear Criticality Safety EngineerNuclear Safety Engineer
CertificationsOften requires certifications like ANSI/ANS-8 or equivalentMay require general nuclear safety or engineering certifications
Work EnvironmentFocuses on criticality safety in nuclear facilities and operationsEncompasses broader nuclear safety aspects including radiation protection and accident prevention
Industry UsagePrimarily in nuclear fuel handling, processing, and reactor operationsAcross nuclear power plants, research reactors, and regulatory agencies

The Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer specializes in preventing nuclear chain reactions in fissile materials, ensuring safe handling and storage. In contrast, the Nuclear Safety Engineer has a broader role, addressing overall safety protocols, radiation protection, and accident prevention in nuclear facilities. While both roles require a strong understanding of nuclear principles, the Criticality Safety Engineer focuses specifically on criticality risks, making their expertise more specialized within the nuclear safety field.

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Infographic showing various Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 84% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,474 per year, or $74.3 per hour.

Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer

Boston Government Services, LLC

Oak Ridge, TN โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Boston Government Services, LLC. (BGS) has created this Evergreen Talent Pool post for gathering qualified candidates for a position relating to Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer to support our client.

BGS is an engineering, technology, and security firm helping to advance missions of national importance for government programs, national laboratories, national security facilities, nuclear operations, and complex projects. We support clients at every stage, from strategic planning and program management to the execution of engineering and technical activities. We work to attract and retain the best talent because the best talent delivers the best results for our clients. Our capabilities are based on our experience in complex, secure, and highly regulated environments. We leverage our experience and capabilities to provide mission-driven solutions tuned to our client's mission needs and strategic direction.

Work that Matters. People that Matter More. At BGS, we believe meaningful work starts with great people. We foster a culture built on respect, collaboration, and accountability—where employees are empowered to contribute ideas, grow professionally, and make an impact. We care about our employees’ well-being through competitive benefits, clear expectations, and an environment that values both excellence and connection.

If you align with BGS’ company values and culture, we would love for you to explore opportunities to join our growing team by checking out the job description below!


Responsibilities:

As the Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer, you’ll perform criticality safety evaluations for systems that provide the safe handling, storage, processing, and transportation of fissile materials. The work may involve performance of hazard analysis, computational analyses, validation, development of safety controls, documentation, guidance on criticality safety practices, and supporting compliance with applicable regulatory and safety requirements.

  • Perform and support nuclear criticality safety evaluations to ensure the safe handling, storage, processing, and transportation of fissile materials.
  • Develop, review, and maintain criticality safety documentation, analyses, and procedures in accordance with applicable regulatory and safety requirements.
  • Identify, evaluate, and implement criticality safety controls and limits for nuclear operations and projects.
  • Provide technical guidance and support to engineering, operations, and safety personnel regarding criticality safety requirements.
  • Participate in audits, inspections, and reviews to demonstrate compliance with nuclear safety regulations and standards.
  • Support hazard analyses, risk assessments, and safety reviews for nuclear facilities and activities.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to resolve safety issues and support project execution.
  • Assist with the development and delivery of training related to nuclear criticality safety, as needed.
  • Maintain awareness of changes in regulations, standards, and industry best practices related to nuclear criticality safety.
  • Work effectively in a team environment to communicate and exchange information.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline; or a high school diploma (or equivalent) with relevant technical experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Minimum of 5+ years of experience working in the nuclear industry, including environments involving nuclear materials, nuclear safety, or regulated nuclear operations.
  • Experience supporting or performing safety analyses, technical evaluations, or safety-related documentation.
  • Familiarity with nuclear safety principles, regulatory requirements, and industry standards (DOE, NRC, or equivalent).
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical writing skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary engineering, operations, and safety teams.
  • Proficiency in use of MCNP or SCALE for criticality safety analyses.
  • Proficiency with standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office.)


Location/Work Arrangement:

  • Schedule is hybrid, part-time, Monday – Friday, work hours based on project needs.

Benefits:

BGS offers a competitive total compensation package to eligible employees. Benefits include Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Paid Vacation, 401K, Long and Short-Term Disability.

EEO:

BGS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Exclusive Agreement Disclaimer:

BGS has standing contracts with federal agencies throughout the United States. We require an affirmative exclusive agreement to represent all candidates to our clients. By submitting this application, you are consenting to allow BGS to represent you as a candidate for the role in which you are applying. 


Schedule is hybrid, part-time, Monday – Friday, work hours based on project needs.