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Nuclear Criticality Safety Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amentum is seeking a Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer based out of our Richland, WA office.Candidates will obtain site specific Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) Analyst Qualification to support ...

We are currently seeking a Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer to support our AIKEN, SC office out at the Savannah River Site (SRS). The Engineer will provide engineering support for U.S. Department ...

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

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Nuclear Criticality Safety information

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How much do nuclear criticality safety jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 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.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear criticality safety engineer?

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.
More about Nuclear Criticality Safety jobs
What cities are hiring for Nuclear Criticality Safety jobs? Cities with the most Nuclear Criticality Safety job openings:
What states have the most Nuclear Criticality Safety jobs? States with the most job openings for Nuclear Criticality Safety jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Nuclear Criticality Safety jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Nuclear Criticality Safety jobs are:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Criticality Safety 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

Edgewater Technical Associates

Aiken, SC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Edgewater Technical Associates is seeking qualified candidates for a Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer opportunity to support the Savannah River Site.
Work Location: Aiken, SC
Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer-
The Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer will provide engineering support for the safe operation, maintenance, modification, and continued operation of nuclear facilities within the Department of Energy complex. This position supports nuclear safety and criticality safety programs through engineering analyses, technical evaluations, facility modifications, and implementation of approved safety controls. They will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Nuclear Safety, Design Authority, Quality Assurance, Radiological Controls, and other technical organizations to ensure safe, compliant, and reliable facility operations.
Duties:
  • Perform nuclear criticality safety evaluations supporting facility operations, maintenance activities, engineering modifications, and new projects.
  • Review engineering changes, design packages, temporary modifications, procedures, and process changes for compliance with approved nuclear safety requirements.
  • Support the development, implementation, and maintenance of Criticality Safety Evaluations (CSEs), Safety Basis documentation, Technical Safety Requirements (TSRs), and other nuclear safety documentation.
  • Evaluate process equipment, gloveboxes, tanks, vessels, piping systems, transfer systems, and facility operations to ensure compliance with nuclear safety requirements.
  • Prepare engineering calculations, technical evaluations, hazard analyses, and supporting engineering documentation.
  • Review engineering drawings, P&IDs, calculations, specifications, and operating procedures.
  • Perform field walkdowns to verify equipment configuration, system operability, and compliance with approved engineering documentation.
  • Support facility engineering, operations, maintenance, and Design Authority organizations during troubleshooting, testing, equipment modifications, and facility upgrades.
  • Participate in occurrence investigations, apparent cause evaluations, root cause analyses, and corrective action development.
  • Support engineering change control, configuration management, and design verification activities.
  • Prepare technical reports, engineering recommendations, and supporting documentation.
  • Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Radiological Controls, Industrial Safety, Fire Protection, Quality Assurance, and other engineering disciplines to resolve technical issues.

Education/Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Experience with Criticality Safety Evaluations (CSEs), Safety Basis documentation, Technical Safety Requirements (TSRs), Unreviewed Safety Questions (USQs), or other nuclear safety programs.
  • Experience as a Nuclear Safety Engineer, Criticality Safety Engineer, Facility Engineer, System Engineer, Design Authority, or Process Engineer in an operating facility.
  • Experience supporting DOE, commercial nuclear, fuel cycle, radiological, chemical processing, power generation, or other highly regulated industrial facilities.
  • Experience interpreting engineering drawings, P&IDs, engineering calculations, and technical documentation.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, written, and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience supporting nuclear facility operations, engineering, maintenance, or safety programs.
  • Knowledge of DOE engineering practices, configuration management, engineering change control, Conduct of Operations, and integrated safety management principles.
  • Experience supporting nuclear materials processing, radioactive waste operations, fuel cycle facilities, research laboratories, or other DOE nuclear facilities.

Other Job Requirements:
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance.

If you are interested in being considered for this position, please follow the application steps via our website: www.edgewatertech.net/careers
Edgewater Technical Associates will not submit your resume without first having detailed discussions with you and obtaining your permission to do so. We look forward to hearing from you!
WORKING WITH EDGEWATER TECHNICAL ASSOCIATES
Founded in 2003, Edgewater Technical Associates, LLC (Edgewater) is a New Mexico-based small business headquartered in Los Alamos, NM, with five (5) regional offices across the United States to locally support our growing presence at project sites. Edgewater has a proven track record and is a trusted provider of fixed-price construction projects, engineering, and technical services for the Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Canadian Commercial Nuclear Industry, and private sector commercial contractors involved in nuclear, high-hazard, or complex operations. Edgewater's experience and guidance ensure that our customers perform hazardous operations, comply with regulatory requirements, and maintain the highest quality and safety standards.
Edgewater is committed to recruiting and maintaining a staff of highly skilled professionals to support our customers. In keeping with this objective, we offer highly competitive salaries and employee benefit packages structured to best suit your needs. We offer multiple individual and family benefit options including paid time off, medical, dental, life, vision, and disability insurance, and a pre- and post-tax 401 (k) retirement account with Company matching contributions and 100% vesting for eligible participants beginning DAY 1.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Edgewater is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veterans, or individuals with disabilities in accordance with EO 14173.
View all Edgewater job opportunities at www.edgewatertech.net/careers