1

Nuclear Engineering Technology Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Materials Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Joining NANO Nuclear means contributing to pioneering technologies with the potential to redefine the nuclear industry while working alongside experts in engineering, science, and innovation. Our ...

Senior Graphite Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site +1

$105K - $144K/yr

Joining NANO Nuclear means contributing to pioneering technologies with the potential to redefine the nuclear industry while working alongside experts in engineering, science, and innovation. Our ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Nuclear Engineering Technology information

See Illinois salary details

$18

$50

$74

How much do nuclear engineering technology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear engineering technology in Illinois is $50.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.98 and $60.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is nuclear engineering technology?

A Nuclear Engineering Technology job involves supporting the operation, maintenance, and safety of nuclear systems in power plants, research facilities, or the military. Professionals in this field work with nuclear reactors, radiation detection equipment, and safety procedures to ensure efficient and secure energy production. They assist engineers in monitoring systems, troubleshooting technical issues, and following strict regulations to prevent hazards. These roles are critical in maintaining the reliability of nuclear-powered facilities while adhering to industry standards and safety protocols.

What does a nuclear engineering technologist do?

Professionals in Nuclear Engineering Technology typically monitor and maintain nuclear reactors and related equipment, run routine safety checks, collect and analyze data, and assist engineers with troubleshooting and repairs. They often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with engineers, health physicists, and operations staff to ensure plant efficiency and safety. Routine documentation and strict adherence to regulatory requirements are also key aspects of the job. This hands-on, technical role offers opportunities to directly contribute to critical operations and supports career advancement into supervisory or specialized technical roles.

What skills and qualifications are needed for nuclear engineering technology?

To thrive in Nuclear Engineering Technology, you need a solid background in math, physics, applied engineering, and typically an associate or bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering technology or a related field. Familiarity with reactor operations, radiation detection instruments, regulatory compliance systems, and safety protocols—often supported by certifications like the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program (NUCP)—is highly valued. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for success in this role. These skills are crucial to ensure the safe, successful operation and maintenance of nuclear systems in compliance with rigorous industry standards.

What can you do with a nuclear engineering technology degree?

A nuclear engineering technology degree prepares graduates for roles such as nuclear technician, radiation safety officer, or plant operator, involving tasks like monitoring nuclear systems, conducting safety procedures, and maintaining equipment. These positions often require knowledge of radiation safety, instrumentation, and regulatory compliance, and may involve working in power plants, research facilities, or medical settings.

What kind of jobs can a nuclear engineering technologist get?

A nuclear engineering technologist can work in nuclear power plants, research facilities, or regulatory agencies, focusing on operating, maintaining, and testing nuclear systems. They often assist engineers with safety procedures, instrumentation, and quality control, and may require certifications or specialized training in radiation safety and nuclear technology.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineering Technology jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Nuclear Engineering Technology jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Engineering Technology job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,619 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

Nuclear Engineer - Reactor Physics

Nano Nuclear Energy Inc

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$99K - $119K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

About NANO Nuclear Energy

NANO Nuclear Energy is anadvanced nuclear technology company developing next-generation microreactorsystems that will help transform the future of clean, reliable, and resilientenergy. Through the development of its KRONOS MMR EnergySystem, LOKI MMR Energy System, and ZEUS Solid Core BatteryReactor-advancedhigh-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) technologies designed forapplications including data centers, industrial operations, remote communities,and critical infrastructure-the company is advancing innovative nuclearsolutions for a rapidly evolving energy landscape. NANO Nuclear has alsosubmitted a Construction Permit Application (CPA) to the U.S. NuclearRegulatory Commission (NRC) to support the planned deployment of the KRONOS MMRat the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), representing a significantmilestone toward the commercialization of advanced nuclear technology. 

Joining NANO Nuclear meanscontributing to pioneering technologies with the potential to redefine thenuclear industry while working alongside experts in engineering, science, andinnovation. Our team operates in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environmentwhere employees are encouraged to solve challenging technical problems andadvance the materials technologies needed for next-generation energy systems. 

Position Overview:

We are seeking a Nuclear Engineer, Reactor Physics who will be responsible for performing reactor physics analyses of the nuclear reactor power systems in development at Nano Nuclear Energy, Inc. The Nuclear Engineer will support core design enhancement, integrate customer and regulatory requirements into the reactor core design, and perform analysis and prepare documentation to support licensing of the reactor systems.

Responsibilities:

  • Perform neutron and gamma radiation transport calculations to determine activation/dose rates, heating, and material damage effects, and establish radiation shielding requirements.
  • Design radiation shielding throughout the reactor system.
  • Perform criticality safety calculations.
  • Develop, verify, and validate computational tools for reactor multiphysics analysis.
  • Collaborate with engineering, operations & maintenance, safety analysis, and licensing teams.
  • Assist in training and mentoring junior team members.
  • Ensure compliance with nuclear regulations, licensing requirements, and company safety policies.
  • Contribute to the preparation of documents to enable licensing of Nano Nuclear Energy reactor systems.
  • Responsibilities may extend to other divisions of the business at times.
  • Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or related field.
  • 7+ years (or M.Sc. and 5+ years) of relevant experience.
  • Strong Monte Carlo skills and strong understanding of reactor physics. Experience in reactor design, radiation shielding, and criticality safety desirable.
  • Strong programming skills in any language; Python is commonly used in this position.
  • Excellent problem-solving and collaboration skills.
  • Nuclear software verification and validation experience is a plus.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or related field.
  • 7+ years (or M.Sc. and 5+ years) of relevant experience.
  • Strong Monte Carlo skills and strong understanding of reactor physics. Experience in reactor design, radiation shielding, and criticality safety desirable.
  • Strong programming skills in any language; Python is commonly used in this position.
  • Excellent problem-solving and collaboration skills.
  • Nuclear software verification and validation experience is a plus.