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Nuclear Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

Crete, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Nuclear Power Generating * Pulp and Paper Industry * Refuse * Steel Mills * Transit Railroads ... Design Engineer ID: 71420316 Department: Rail Maintenance Equipment Location: Crete, IL Description ...

Engineer, Design Mechanical

Joliet, IL · On-site

$122K - $154K/yr

Now integrated with Calpine, our portfolio includes 55 gigawatts of capacity from nuclear, natural ... Perform engineering tasks as assigned by supervision applying engineering principles. * Accountable ...

Engineer, Design Mechanical

Joliet, IL · On-site

$122K - $154K/yr

Now integrated with Calpine, our portfolio includes 55 gigawatts of capacity from nuclear, natural ... Perform engineering tasks as assigned by supervision applying engineering principles. * Accountable ...

Engineer, Design Mechanical

Joliet, IL · On-site

$122K - $154K/yr

Now integrated with Calpine, our portfolio includes 55 gigawatts of capacity from nuclear, natural ... Perform engineering tasks as assigned by supervision applying engineering principles. * Accountable ...

Nuclear Engineer

Lombard, IL

$96K - $116K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

Nuclear Engineer

Thornton, IL

$91K - $109K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

Nuclear Engineer

Riverwoods, IL

$102K - $122K/yr

Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component ... Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ...

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Showing results 1-20

Nuclear Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$64

$87

$104

How much do nuclear design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear design engineer in Chicago, IL is $87.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85.19 and $96.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nuclear design engineer?

A Nuclear Design Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing nuclear systems, components, or reactors. They work on fuel assemblies, shielding, cooling systems, and safety mechanisms to ensure efficient and secure nuclear operations. Their role involves applying physics, engineering principles, and regulatory standards to develop safe and effective nuclear technology. These engineers collaborate with scientists, regulatory bodies, and project teams to ensure compliance and innovation in nuclear energy or research applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear design engineer?

To thrive as a Nuclear Design Engineer, you need a strong background in nuclear engineering, physics, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant Bachelor's or Master's degree. Familiarity with industry-standard modeling software (such as MCNP or SCALE), CAD tools, and adherence to regulations like NRC or ASME codes are essential, and certifications such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills set standout candidates apart in this field. These capabilities are vital for ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant nuclear system designs that meet rigorous industry and safety standards.

What are some typical challenges a nuclear design engineer may encounter on the job?

Nuclear Design Engineers often face complex technical challenges, such as optimizing reactor core configurations for safety and efficiency, adhering to strict regulatory requirements, and ensuring accurate modeling of nuclear systems. They may also need to troubleshoot unexpected design issues, interpret extensive technical data, and keep up with advancements in nuclear technology and safety protocols. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams—including mechanical, electrical, and safety engineers—requires strong collaboration and communication. Navigating these challenges not only sharpens problem-solving skills but also contributes significantly to both personal professional development and the overall safety and success of nuclear projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Nuclear Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Nuclear Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Nuclear Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Design Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $182,335 per year, or $87.7 per hour.

$90K - $100K/yr

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Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

  • Products
    • Overhead Cranes
    • Railcar Maintenance Equipment for Freight and Transit Railroads
    • Hydraulic Railcar Maintenance Equipment
    • Engineered Material Handling Products
    • TrackRunner Robot
  • Industries
    • Automotive & Stamping
    • Fossil Fuel Plants
    • Foundries and Hot Metal Handling
    • Freight & Heavy Railroads
    • Hydro-Electric Plants
    • Metal Service Centers
    • Nuclear Power Generating
    • Pulp and Paper Industry
    • Refuse
    • Steel Mills
    • Transit Railroads
  • Applications
    • Overhead Crane Applications
    • Railroad Maintenance Applications
    • Nuclear & Power Plant Applications
  • Whiting Services
    • Services Branch Locations
    • Overhead Crane Services
    • Associations and Certifications
  • Whiting Nuclear
    • Overhead Cranes
    • Overhead Crane Services
    • Parts for Nuclear Facilities
  • Parts
    • OEM Replacement Parts
    • Parts for Nuclear Facilities
    • Conco Crane Parts
    • Why Choose Whiting OEM Parts?
  • Info Center
    • About Whiting
    • Contact Us
    • News / Articles / Case Studies
    • Literature
    • Industry Links
  • Literatura Espanol
CAREERS AT WHITING
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Openings >> Design Engineer
Design Engineer
Summary
Title: Design Engineer ID: 71420316 Department: Rail Maintenance Equipment Location: Crete, IL
Description

Design Engineer

Performs duties related to the creation of CAD solid models, layout and detail design of customized material handling equipment (in-floor lift systems, portable jack systems and other similar heavy equipment for example) including part and assembly design, creation and documentation in support of assigned design production projects.  Creates detail machine design drawings, performs basic machine design calculations for part and component sizing and conformance to requirements.  Works as part of a product machine design team whose goal is to realize the design of the heavy equipment to meet defined performance requirements.

Under General Direction:

  • Create CAD solid models of component parts and assemblies used to realize the overall design of equipment machinery to meet performance and design requirements.
  • Design weldments with supporting calculations to meet the strength and performance requirements for the product, part or assembly, confirming its ability to meet performance requirements.
  • Creates dimensional detail design drawings with bill of materials to facilitate the manufacture of the parts, assemblies, and overall equipment.
  • Integrates vendor supplied (OEM) components and assemblies (including company specified and purchased electrical components) into the design of the overall equipment.
  • Creates layouts of the equipment, components and assemblies to confirm conformance with define design and determine envelope constraints.
  • Assesses and reports on progress of assigned tasks to management and assigned project managers.
  • Supports the technical troubleshooting and issue resolution as it relates to the design of a part, assembly or overall product.
  • Review and check detail drawings and solid models created by other design team members in support of assigned projects for completeness and conformance to design standards and requirements.
  • Supports overall company performance goals.

Reports to: The designated product equipment group supervisor or manager.

Uses: Solidworks 3D CAD, Autocad/Draftsight 2-D CAD application, Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Job Requirements:

  • Bachelor of Science Degree including BSME, BSMET.
  • 2-5 years of professional design experience.  Focus in machinery, mechanical or structural design preferred.
  • A demonstrated working knowledge of and experience with Solidworks 3D CAD application.
  • Ability to read, understand and interpret machine and structural detail design and arrangement drawings.
  • Ability to read, understand and interpret electrical prints.
  • Have a working knowledge of and the ability to perform calculations sizing structural steel components and associated welds.
  • Have a working knowledge of machine design including sizing shafting, couplings and bearing components.
  • Experience in large industrial equipment industry preferred.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Have a working knowledge of MS Office Word, Excel and Outlook.
  • Provide technical support to manufacturing operations and other functional areas of the company.
  • Ability to travel as needed.
  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) at customer sites and Whiting facilities.

Performs other duties as assigned.  Work with equipment designers and engineers to support assigned projects.  Participates in company continuous improvement activities, research and development.  Must follow all safety rules and procedures and maintain a professional attitude working with customer and other company team members.
Pay Range: $90,000 - $100,000 yearly based on experience, education, skills and qualifications.
Benefits:
401K
401K Matching
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off 
Paid Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement 
Flexible Working Arrangement
We are committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or protected veteran status

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About Us

Whiting Corporation, located near Chicago, Illinois, is a major manufacturer of heavy-duty overhead cranes and railcar maintenance equipment. Whiting overhead cranes serve a variety of industries including steel mills, automotive plants, foundries, fossil fuel plants, metal service centers, refuse facilities, hydro-electric plants and nuclear power plants. Additionally, Whiting is a trusted name for railcar maintenance and lifting equipment for the freight and commuter railroad industries, municipal transit authorities, railcar builders and independent maintenance shops. Whiting is ISO-9001:2015 certified and a proud U.S. manufacturer.

Connect with WhitingLocation:
26000 Whiting Way
Monee, IL 60449
Phone:
888-Whiting (944-8464)
Email:
Info@WhitingCorp.com
 
Copyright 2026
  • Products
    • Overhead Cranes
    • Railcar Maintenance Equipment for Freight and Transit Railroads
    • Hydraulic Railcar Maintenance Equipment
    • Engineered Material Handling Products
    • TrackRunner Robot
  • Industries
    • Automotive & Stamping
    • Fossil Fuel Plants
    • Foundries and Hot Metal Handling
    • Freight & Heavy Railroads
    • Hydro-Electric Plants
    • Metal Service Centers
    • Nuclear Power Generating
    • Pulp and Paper Industry
    • Refuse
    • Steel Mills
    • Transit Railroads
  • Applications
    • Overhead Crane Applications
    • Railroad Maintenance Applications
    • Nuclear & Power Plant Applications
  • Whiting Services
    • Services Branch Locations
    • Overhead Crane Services
    • Associations and Certifications
  • Whiting Nuclear
    • Overhead Cranes
    • Overhead Crane Services
    • Parts for Nuclear Facilities
  • Parts
    • OEM Replacement Parts
    • Parts for Nuclear Facilities
    • Conco Crane Parts
    • Why Choose Whiting OEM Parts?
  • Info Center
    • About Whiting
    • Contact Us
    • News / Articles / Case Studies
    • Literature
    • Industry Links
  • Literatura Espanol