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Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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 Aug 15, 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 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.

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.

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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 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,474 per year, or $74.3 per hour.

Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer (3786)

Navarro Inc.

Paducah, KY โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Navarro Research and Engineering is recruiting for multiple junior and senior Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineering positions located in Oak Ridge, TN, Paducah, KY, and Portsmouth, OH.

Navarro is a premier contractor providing high-quality technical services to DOE, NASA, and DOD. Navarro’s success is based on our customer service focus and our well-known responsiveness and innovation. In all we do, either in corporate management or in our services to our clients, we seek for the most effective and efficient approaches to provide best value to our clients.

Performs NCS Engineering job functions as assigned by management. Typical job responsibilities assist and support management in NCS program implementation and engineering system design; which may include duties or activities in one or more of the following functional areas, in addition to other duties as assigned:

  • Perform nuclear criticality safety reviews of existing and proposed nuclear material operations and facilities, facility designs and modifications; and research or processing activities involving fissionable materials.
  • Develop nuclear criticality safety evaluations and program documents that meet applicable NRC/DOE requirements and standards, utilizing nuclear criticality safety software (e.g., SCALE or MCNP) as needed, in support of safe nuclear material operations and maintenance activities.
  • Complete reviews of nuclear criticality safety evaluations and program documents to ensure technical accuracy and compliance with applicable NRC/DOE requirements and standards.
  • Perform tracking and trending of NCS performance.
  • Support NCS operability or engineering evaluations when necessary.
  • Support NCS program implementation and training.
  • Support the development of hazards analysis, accident analysis, and hazard controls and documents the results in a nuclear facility safety basis (i.e., documented safety analysis and technical safety requirements), as requested.
  • Perform NCS work in accordance with contractor or client program documents and procedures.
  • Maintain knowledge of and demonstrates ability to perform work safely in accordance with all approved safety policies, procedures and applicable regulations and performs assigned duties in a safe manner.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications :

  • BS/BA in Nuclear Engineering (or directly related field) and 3 years of related nuclear criticality safety experience.
  • Understanding of pertinent nuclear criticality safety codes, governing regulations and industry practices.
  • Demonstrated proficiency utilizing nuclear criticality safety software (e.g., SCALE or MCNP)
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Must possess a DOE “L/Q” clearance or the ability to obtain a DOE “L/Q” Clearance

Due to the nature of the government contract requirements and/or clearances requirements, US citizenship is required.

Navarro is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.

EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled

Benefits

  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation & Public Holidays)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability