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Nuclear Engineer Phd Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thea Energy

Director - Nuclear Engineering

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$160K - $230K/yr

MS or PhD in nuclear engineering. * 15+ years of work experience in nuclear engineering or a similar technical field. * Proven leadership experience in cutting-edge nuclear projects, such as fission ...

Thea Energy

Director - Nuclear Engineering

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$160K - $230K/yr

MS or PhD in nuclear engineering. * 15+ years of work experience in nuclear engineering or a similar technical field. * Proven leadership experience in cutting-edge nuclear projects, such as fission ...

Aep

Reactor Engineer (Mid-level to Principal)

Bridgman, MI · On-site

$98K - $128K/yr

... PhD in engineering from a university with an ABET accredited Bachelor's program. * **VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with a non-ABET accredited program Nuclear ...

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Nuclear Engineer Phd information

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How much do nuclear engineer phd jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear engineer phd in the United States is $105,594.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $118,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Nuclear Engineer with a PhD do?

A Nuclear Engineer with a PhD typically conducts advanced research and development in nuclear technology, including reactor design, nuclear fuel cycles, radiation safety, and waste management. They may work in academia, government laboratories, or private industry, often leading research teams or projects. Their expertise is used to solve complex problems, develop new technologies, and ensure the safe and efficient use of nuclear energy. Many also publish scientific papers and contribute to the advancement of nuclear engineering as a field.

What are some typical projects or research areas a Nuclear Engineer with a PhD might work on within a multidisciplinary team?

Nuclear Engineers with a PhD often engage in advanced research projects such as reactor design improvements, nuclear fuel cycle innovation, radiation protection, or nuclear waste management. These professionals frequently collaborate with physicists, materials scientists, safety analysts, and regulatory experts to address complex challenges. The work environment tends to be highly collaborative, requiring regular communication to integrate findings from different specialties and ensure project success. This multidisciplinary approach not only broadens your technical expertise but also provides valuable experience for future leadership or academic roles.

What is the difference between Nuclear Engineer Phd vs Nuclear Engineer?

AspectNuclear Engineer PhdNuclear Engineer
EducationDoctoral degree in nuclear engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's degree in nuclear engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, advanced R&D projectsPower plants, manufacturing, industry facilities
CertificationsOptional advanced certifications, research credentialsProfessional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Typical RolesResearch, teaching, high-level R&D, policy developmentDesign, operation, safety analysis of nuclear systems

While Nuclear Engineer Phd professionals focus on research, teaching, and advanced development, Nuclear Engineers typically work in operational and design roles within industry. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the Phd emphasizes academic and research expertise, whereas the standard Nuclear Engineer is more industry-oriented.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Engineer PhD, you need advanced knowledge in nuclear physics, reactor design, and radiation safety, supported by a doctoral degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software like MCNP or SCALE, as well as relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, is often essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel in research and collaborative projects. These skills are crucial for ensuring safety, innovation, and compliance in the highly regulated and technically complex nuclear industry.
Infographic showing various Nuclear Engineer Phd job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 8% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,594 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer

Edgewater Technical Associates

Metropolis, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Edgewater Technical Associates is seeking qualified candidates for Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer opportunities at various locations across the United States Department of Energy (DOE) complex in support of traditional environmental clean-up missions and in support of the advancement of first-in-kind commercial fuel capabilities at select sites across the United States.
Work Location: Varies from on-site full-time; hybrid with 1-2 weeks on-site at a time with business travel for on-site trips; and Edgewater regional office locations (i.e., remote).
Clearance Requirement: Ability to obtain DOE L or Q level clearance.
Citizenship: United States Citizenship required.
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 their 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 DOE, DOD, 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 its customers perform hazardous operations, comply with regulatory requirements, and maintain the highest quality and safety standards.
Candidate(s) will independently perform Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) analysis and design activities in support of DOE nuclear and commercial fuel cycle facilities, engineering programs, and projects. Utilizing basic and advanced engineering and NCS fundamentals, as assigned, perform criticality safety analyses to support new and existing design and licensing functions. Perform other engineering activities required to support facility design, configuration control, and operation. Candidate(s) will work in design safety basis organizations and depending on area of expertise will focus on criticality safety analyses, chemical dose consequence analyses, or shielding analyses.
Requirements:
  • Have a Bachelors, Masters, or PhD in nuclear engineering, chemical engineering, or chemistry.
  • Have knowledge of nuclear science, physics of criticality, and chemistry.
  • Have knowledge of ANSI/ANS-8 series national standards.
  • Have familiarity with critical experiments and their purpose.
  • Have expertise in using MCNP and SCALE code systems (KENO, TSUNAMI, etc.) in performing sensitivity, uncertainty, and criticality safety calculations.
  • Have experience in performing criticality safety evaluations as a part of a nuclear facility safety basis.
  • Have knowledge of nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear fuel cycle facility accident scenarios.
  • Have knowledge of nuclear criticality safety codes, standards, regulatory requirements, and industry practices for DOE nuclear facilities and nuclear fuel cycle facilities.
  • Have experience with Documented Safety Analyses (10 CFR Part 830) or Integrated Safety Analysis (10 CFR Part 70).

Responsibilities:
  • Develop, revise, and review Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) documentation such as Criticality Safety Evaluations (CSEs), Criticality Safety Determinations (CSDs), Technical Deviations (TDs), and other NCS technical basis documentation.
  • Perform chemical dose consequence calculations.
  • Demonstrate compliance with the double-contingency principle.
  • Define, evaluate, and maintain criticality safety controls, limits, parameters, and requirements for fissile material processes, equipment, and facility layouts.
  • Develop criticality accident alarm systems and inadvertent criticality emergency response plans.
  • Develop criticality code validation reports.
  • Support radiation shielding analysis to demonstrate adequate radiation mitigation.
  • Support preparation and defense of Documented Safety Analysis (DSA) and Technical Safety Requirement (TSR) content related to criticality safety.
  • Support preparation and defense of Integrated Safety Analysis (ISA) and Technical Specification (TS) content related to criticality safety.
  • Conduct surveillances, inspections, walkthroughs, appraisals, or audits of fissile material operations to ensure compliance with approvals.
  • Identify and evaluate NCS hazards for DOE nuclear facilities and commercial fuel cycle facilities.
  • Support hazard analyses, control decision meetings, risk assessments, safety reviews for nuclear facilities and activities.
  • Perform nuclear criticality safety evaluations to ensure safe handling, storage, processing, and transportation of fissile materials.
  • Administer the NCS program, methodologies, policies, and management measures.
  • Ensure compliance with DOE, NRC, and ANSI/ANS criticality safety-standards and regulations.
  • Support preparation and submittal of criticality safety-related licensing documentation.
  • Support interactions with regulators, including technical reviews, licensing reviews, and readiness reviews.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and records to support regulatory audits and reviews.
  • Respond to findings, identify and implement corrective actions, and ensure continued compliance with applicable regulations.
  • Work with engineering, operations, quality assurance, and regulatory teams to integrate criticality safety early in facility design and modification processes.
  • Ensure effective safety measures are incorporated throughout the design process and facility lifecycle.
  • Provide technical guidance and training to personnel on criticality safety principles and procedures.

Qualifications (Preferred):
  • Previously qualified as a Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer (e.g., ANSI/ANS-8.26).
  • Professional Engineering (PE) License obtained by accredited examination.
  • 3+ years of experience performing criticality safety evaluations for a DOE nuclear facility and/or an NRC licensed fuel cycle facility.
  • Have 8 or more years of related work experience: of which 2 years' experience in a nuclear facility.
  • Have experience with commercial nuclear fuel cycle processes, including HALEU fuel manufacturing.
  • Have 2-3 Years of experience in supporting CFR Part 70 licensing functions.
  • Have familiarity with NUREG-1513, NUREG-1520, NUREG/CR-6410, NUREG/CR-6698, and NRC RG 3.71
  • Have knowledge of other modeling tools (e.g., Serpent) and proficiency in Python to improve workflow.

Other Job Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship

If you are interested in being considered for this position and your resume clearly outlines your relevant experience for this position, please follow the application steps via our website: www.edgewatertech.net/careers
Edgewater 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
Founded in 2003, Edgewater is a professional and technical services firm supporting the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S., U.K., and Canadian Commercial Nuclear Industry, Department of Defense, and private sector businesses involved in high-hazard or complex operations. Edgewater proudly offers expertise in numerous technical disciplines necessary to support operational environments where Integrated Safety Management and formal, disciplined operations are essential to ensure safety, quality, security, and regulatory compliance.
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-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 opportunities at www.edgewatertech.net/careers

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