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Nuclear Operations Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Radiant

Reactor Operations Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

Portable nuclear power with rapid-deploy capability can replace similar-sized diesel generators and ... About the Role We are seeking a Reactor Operations Engineer to design and implement mission ...

Radiant

Senior Reactor Operations Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$133K - $184K/yr

Portable nuclear power with rapid-deploy capability can replace similar-sized diesel generators and ... About the Role We are seeking a Senior Reactor Operations Engineer to design and implement mission ...

ITResource Hunter

Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$104K - $125K/yr

Nuclear/Senior Nuclear Engineer Duration: Fulltime Location: El Segundo, CA About the Role Client ... Operational dose and shutdown activation analysis, waste categorization, and alignment of shielding ...

Cardinal Health

Nuclear Pharmacist

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

Participates in administrative tasks to facilitate nuclear pharmacy operations, including interactions with customers Performs other job-related duties as required to ensure the goals and objectives ...

Cardinal Health

Nuclear Pharmacist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Participates in administrative tasks to facilitate nuclear pharmacy operations, including interactions with customers. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy and/or PharmD preferred * Valid ...

Cardinal Health

Nuclear Pharmacist

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

Participates in administrative tasks to facilitate nuclear pharmacy operations, including interactions with customers * Performs other job-related duties as required to ensure the goals and ...

Cardinal Health

Nuclear Pharmacist

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

Participates in administrative tasks to facilitate nuclear pharmacy operations, including interactions with customers * Performs other job-related duties as required to ensure the goals and ...

Cardinal Health

Nuclear Pharmacist

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

Participates in administrative tasks to facilitate nuclear pharmacy operations, including interactions with customers * Performs other job-related duties as required to ensure the goals and ...

Cardinal Health

Nuclear Pharmacist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Participates in administrative tasks to facilitate nuclear pharmacy operations, including interactions with customers. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy and/or PharmD preferred * Valid ...

Cardinal Health

Nuclear Pharmacist

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

Participates in administrative tasks to facilitate nuclear pharmacy operations, including interactions with customers * Performs other job-related duties as required to ensure the goals and ...

Cardinal Health

Nuclear Pharmacist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Participates in administrative tasks to facilitate nuclear pharmacy operations, including interactions with customers. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy and/or PharmD preferred Valid ...

Cardinal Health

Nuclear Pharmacist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Participates in administrative tasks to facilitate nuclear pharmacy operations, including interactions with customers. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy and/or PharmD preferred * Valid ...

Cardinal Health

Nuclear Pharmacist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Participates in administrative tasks to facilitate nuclear pharmacy operations, including interactions with customers * Performs other job-related duties as required to ensure the goals and ...

Cardinal Health, Inc.

Nuclear Pharmacist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Participates in administrative tasks to facilitate nuclear pharmacy operations, including interactions with customers. Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy and/or PharmD preferred * Valid ...

Cardinal Health

Nuclear Pharmacist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Participates in administrative tasks to facilitate nuclear pharmacy operations, including interactions with customers * Performs other job-related duties as required to ensure the goals and ...

Cardinal Health, Inc.

Nuclear Pharmacist

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

Participates in administrative tasks to facilitate nuclear pharmacy operations, including interactions with customers * Performs other job-related duties as required to ensure the goals and ...

Cantos Ventures

Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

Operational dose and shutdown activation analysis, waste categorization, and alignment of shielding ... Other nuclear design and analysis duties as assigned Required Qualifications & Skills * Bachelor ...

Radiant

Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

Operational dose and shutdown activation analysis, waste categorization, and alignment of shielding ... Other nuclear design and analysis duties as assigned. Required Qualifications & Skills: * Bachelor ...

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Nuclear Operations information

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$76

How much do nuclear operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear operations in California is $51.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.65 and $61.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is nuclear operations?

Nuclear operations refer to the activities involved in operating and maintaining nuclear power plants or facilities that use nuclear technology. This includes monitoring reactor systems, ensuring safety protocols are followed, conducting routine inspections, and responding to emergencies. Nuclear operations professionals play a critical role in producing electricity safely and efficiently while minimizing risks to people and the environment. They require specialized training and must adhere to strict regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in nuclear operations, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in Nuclear Operations often encounter challenges such as adhering to strict regulatory requirements, maintaining safety protocols, and managing unexpected equipment issues. These challenges can be managed through continuous training, clear communication with team members, and a strong safety culture. Collaboration with engineers, technicians, and regulatory bodies is essential to ensure smooth operations and rapid problem-solving. Staying up-to-date with the latest industry regulations and best practices also helps mitigate risks and ensures operational excellence.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in nuclear operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Nuclear Operations, you need a strong understanding of physics, engineering principles, and safety regulations, often supported by a relevant degree and specialized training. Familiarity with nuclear plant systems, control room simulators, and certifications such as NRC Reactor Operator Licensing are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient plant operations and adherence to strict regulatory standards, minimizing risks to personnel and the environment.

What is the difference between Nuclear Operations vs Nuclear Engineering?

AspectNuclear OperationsNuclear Engineering
Required CredentialsSecurity clearance, military or technical trainingEngineering degree, professional engineering license
Work EnvironmentPower plants, military facilities, maintenance sitesDesign labs, research facilities, power plant design
Employer & Industry UsageMilitary, energy sector, government agenciesEnergy companies, research institutions, consulting firms

Nuclear Operations focuses on the safe operation, maintenance, and security of nuclear systems, often requiring security clearances and hands-on technical skills. Nuclear Engineering involves designing, analyzing, and improving nuclear systems, requiring advanced engineering education. While both roles are vital in the nuclear industry, they differ in focus, credentials, and work environment.

How much do nuclear operations make?

Nuclear operations professionals typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles requiring security clearances or specialized skills can offer higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay.
Nuclear Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nuclear Operations job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,550 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

Reactor Operations Engineer

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Radiant
See more jobs at Radiantexternal

$106K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

About Radiant
Radiant is an El Segundo, CA-based startup building the world's first mass-produced, portable nuclear microreactors. The company's first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt, fail-safe microreactor that can be transported anywhere power is needed and run for up to 5 years without refueling. Portable nuclear power with rapid-deploy capability can replace similar-sized diesel generators and provide critical asset support for hospitals, data centers, remote sites, and military bases. Radiant's unique, practical approach to nuclear development leverages modern software engineering to rapidly deliver safe, factory-built microreactors that use existing, well-qualified materials. Founded in 2020, Radiant is on track to test its first reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory this summer, with initial customer deliveries beginning in 2028.
About the Role
We are seeking a Reactor Operations Engineer to design and implement mission-critical procedures for reactor operators managing our groundbreaking nuclear microreactor technology. This role offers a rare opportunity to bridge engineering, operations, and human factors in a highly technical and fast-paced environment. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to translate complex hardware and software designs into clear, executable, and DOE or NRC compliant procedures. Your work will ensure that Reactor Operators (ROs) and Senior Reactor Operators (SROs) can efficiently and safely execute test, commissioning, and operational activities.
This position goes beyond traditional systems engineering - you will also gain hands-on experience as a Reactor Operator (RO), directly influencing the development of operational software, procedures, and future reactor designs.
Responsibilities & Duties:
  • Qualify as an operator to gain firsthand experience, ensuring procedures align with real-world execution.
  • Collaborate closely with engineers to improve operator interfaces, procedural workflows, and software tools.
  • Support testing and iterative improvements of digital twin scenarios, operator systems, and human-machine interfaces.
  • Ensure compliance with DOE and NRC standards, maintaining strict formatting, clarity, and usability in procedural documentation.
  • Develop and refine operational procedures that integrate both software and hardware-in-the-loop testing.

Required Qualifications & Skills:
  • 4+ years of full-time professional experience in engineering problem-solving, including system design, analysis, or testing.
  • Proficiency in managing or optimizing complex hardware and software processes for testing and operations.
  • Ability to apply first principles thinking to solve problems and make decisions in uncertain or ambiguous situations.
  • Background in highly regulated industries (e.g., nuclear, aerospace, aviation, maritime).

Desired Qualifications & Skills:
  • Prior experience working as an operator in nuclear environments (e.g., nuclear energy, naval reactors, or radiation-controlled facilities), with familiarity in safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and high-reliability operations
  • 2+ years of full-time nuclear operations experience.
  • Licensed as Senior Reactor Operator or Naval equivalent.
  • Hands-on experience in developing technical procedures, human factors engineering, or operational interface design.
  • Prior operations background such as mission control room operator.
  • Proficiency in Python, UNIX, for procedure testing within the simulator environments.
  • Experience with human factors and user-centered instructions for operational workflows.

Additional Requirements:
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to accomplish our mission.
  • Must work 100% onsite at El Segundo HQ.
  • Willingness to travel 50% - 60% of the time as needed for projects.
Benefits and Perks
  • Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full-time employees.
  • Medical: 100% up to base silver level plan for employee + 50% dependents, offers up to Platinum plans.
  • One Medical: Sponsored memberships for employees and their dependents.
  • Vision: 100% top tier plan coverage + 50% for dependents.
  • Dental: 100% top tier plan coverage, orthodontia extra, 50% for dependents.
  • Voluntary life, accident, hospital, critical illness, commuter and FSA/HSA are offered as employee contributed benefits.
  • 8-weeks of paid parental leave for all parents. Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees.
  • Daily catered lunch. Free snacks and drinks.
  • Flexible PTO policy. Remote workday allocation.
  • Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and in-person camaraderie.
  • Beautiful El Segundo headquarters close to the Pacific Ocean.

Total Compensation and Benefits
Radiant compensates people for impact and invests in those who continue to raise the bar. Radiant's new hire compensation package includes base salary, substantial equity grants, and comprehensive health benefits. Total compensation and level are determined through a rigorous evaluation of interview performance, experience, education, and qualifications, and are designed to support continued growth as scope, responsibility, and impact expand at Radiant.
The best of today's advanced reactor builders don't wait for job postings. They join the winning team. If that's you, contact us directly for immediate opportunities: recruiting@radiantnuclear.com.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

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