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Nuclear Reactor Core Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Holtec

Nuclear Reactor Engineer (RXE)

Covert, MI · On-site

$95K - $114K/yr

The Nuclear Reactor Engineer (RXE) provides technical leadership for reactor core performance and monitoring within Holtec Palisades. The role focuses on advocating for nuclear fuel reliability ...

Last Energy

Nuclear Engineer - Radiological

Austin, TX · On-site

$97K - $117K/yr

This person will work closely with the nuclear engineering and safety analysis staff to ensure that ... Last Energy reactor core design, codes, and methods * Prepare and review safety analyses ...

Last Energy

Nuclear Engineer - Radiological

Austin, TX · On-site

$97K - $117K/yr

This person will work closely with the nuclear engineering and safety analysis staff to ensure that ... Last Energy reactor core design, codes, and methods * Prepare and review safety analyses ...

Last Energy

Nuclear Engineer - Radiological

Austin, TX · On-site

$97K - $117K/yr

This person will work closely with the nuclear engineering and safety analysis staff to ensure that ... Last Energy reactor core design, codes, and methods * Prepare and review safety analyses ...

NextEra Energy

Nuclear Reactor Engineer Principal

IA · On-site

$126K - $189K/yr

... reactor core monitoring and analysis activities, including Local Power Range Monitor (LPRM) and ... Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering strongly preferred; equivalent technical education and ...

Zap Energy Inc.

Micro Reactor Lead Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

Reactor Core * Nuclear Fuel * Reactor Internals * Reactor Vessel * Reactivity Control System ... Perform engineering analysis in support ofReactordevelopment. Write high quality documentation with ...

NextEra Energy Resources

$126K - $189K/yr

... reactor core monitoring and analysis activities, including Local Power Range Monitor (LPRM) and ... Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering strongly preferred; equivalent technical education and ...

New

NextEra Energy

Nuclear Reactor Engineer Principal

Palo, IA · On-site

$126K - $189K/yr

... reactor core monitoring and analysis activities, including Local Power Range Monitor (LPRM) and ... Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering strongly preferred; equivalent technical education and ...

System One

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Bellevue, WA · Remote

$92K - $126K/yr

Develop mechanical design solutions for reactor core components, reactor structures, and Nuclear ... Coordinate engineering requirements and inputs from cross-functional project teams to produce ...

Zap Energy

Micro Reactor Lead Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$150K - $210K/yr

Reactor Core * * Nuclear Fuel * * Reactor Internals * * Reactor Vessel * * Reactivity Control ... Perform engineering analysis in support of Reactor development. Write high quality documentation ...

System One

Nuclear Safety Analysis Engineer

Bellevue, WA · Remote

$46 - $77/hr

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish core and reactor SSC functional, performance ... D. in nuclear engineering or relevant engineering discipline with a minimum of 5 years of ...

System One

Nuclear Safety Analysis Engineer

Bellevue, WA · Remote

$46 - $77/hr

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish core and reactor SSC functional, performance ... D. in nuclear engineering or relevant engineering discipline with a minimum of 5 years of ...

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All JobsNuclear Reactor Core Engineer Jobs

Nuclear Reactor Core Engineer information

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$26K

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$150K

How much do nuclear reactor core engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear reactor core engineer 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 reactor core engineer do?

A Nuclear Reactor Core Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and monitoring the core of a nuclear reactor, which contains the fuel and is the source of the reactor's power. They ensure the reactor operates safely and efficiently by managing reactor physics, core loading patterns, and fuel usage. These engineers also oversee core performance during operation, support refueling outages, and help develop safety procedures and protocols to prevent incidents. Their work is critical to maintaining the safe and efficient generation of nuclear energy.

What are some common challenges faced by nuclear reactor core engineers in maintaining reactor safety and efficiency?

Nuclear Reactor Core Engineers frequently encounter the challenge of balancing reactor safety with optimal performance. They must monitor and adjust core parameters, such as temperature and neutron flux, to ensure safe operations while maximizing efficiency. Unanticipated changes in fuel behavior, equipment degradation, and strict regulatory requirements can add complexity to daily tasks. Collaboration with operations, maintenance, and safety teams is essential for quickly addressing issues and implementing improvements. Staying current with evolving safety standards and technological advancements is also vital for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear reactor core engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Reactor Core Engineer, you need a solid background in nuclear engineering, reactor physics, and thermodynamics, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nuclear or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard simulation software (such as MCNP or CASMO), regulatory compliance systems, and relevant safety certifications (like Professional Engineer licensure) is essential. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and communication skills set outstanding engineers apart, especially when collaborating on interdisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for ensuring reactor safety, regulatory compliance, and optimal core performance in a highly regulated and technically demanding environment.

What is the difference between Nuclear Reactor Core Engineer vs Nuclear Reactor Operator?

AspectNuclear Reactor Core EngineerNuclear Reactor Operator
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in nuclear safetyTraining programs, licensing exams
Work EnvironmentDesign, analyze, and optimize reactor cores in labs or officesOperate and monitor reactors in control rooms
Industry UsageDesign and safety analysis roles in nuclear plantsDay-to-day operation and safety management of reactors

The Nuclear Reactor Core Engineer focuses on designing, analyzing, and improving reactor cores, requiring engineering expertise and safety certifications. In contrast, the Nuclear Reactor Operator manages the real-time operation and safety of reactors, primarily working in control rooms. Both roles are essential in nuclear power plants but differ in responsibilities, work environment, and required credentials.

What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Reactor Core Engineer jobs?

For Nuclear Reactor Core Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Reactor Core Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,594 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Nuclear Reactor Engineer (RXE)

Covert, MI • On-site

Holtec
See more jobs at Holtecexternal

$95K - $114K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Manages core performance monitoring, trending, fuel management, configuration control, and the Special Nuclear Material and Accountability program.

  • Supports core component lifetime evaluation, provides replacement instructions, and assists with core reload design analysis and implementation.

  • Serves as a subject matter expert for the reactor core, manages reactor core-related surveillances and startup testing, and supports fuel reliability and core analysis activities.

Job description

The Nuclear Reactor Engineer (RXE) provides technical leadership for reactor core performance and monitoring within Holtec Palisades. The role focuses on advocating for nuclear fuel reliability, managing fuel and special nuclear material accountability, and offering technical assistance to operations to ensure conservative reactivity management and decision-making. The position may be filled at various engineering levels (I, II, III, or Sr) based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Manages core performance monitoring and trending, fuel management and configuration control, and the Special Nuclear Material and Accountability program.
  • Evaluates core component lifetime and provides replacement instructions.
  • Supports training of Operations and Engineering on fuel and core related topics.
  • Serves as the site fuel reliability monitor and champions the fuel reliability program.
  • Supports Operations for maneuvers/core analysis/operating limits considerations.
  • Serves as a subject matter expert for the reactor core and associated areas.
  • Manages reactor core-related surveillances and startup testing.
  • Monitors maintenance and revision to Reactor Engineering procedures.
  • Supports dry fuel storage-related activities and irradiated core component disposal.
  • Implements fuel storage and handling requirements.
  • Supports core reload design analysis and batch reload implementation.
Requirements:
  • B.S. Degree in Nuclear Engineering or a closely related scientific discipline.
  • Experience/proficiency in PC use and applications.
  • SRO license or certification on a PWR or BWR preferred
  • Professional Engineering license preferred

A Generation Ahead by Designâ„¢
Investing in people who power the future.

We believe great work deserves great rewards. Our benefits go beyond the basics, reflecting our commitment to supporting your whole self…your health, your future, and your career growth. This includes:

  • Industry‑leading medical, dental, and vision coverage with a generous employer premium contribution and Day1 eligibility!
  • FLEX Program – Hybrid work opportunities available for eligible roles, where business needs and role requirements allow
  • 401(k) retirement plan with up to a 5% company match and immediate vesting to support long‑term financial security
  • Paid time off and 11 paid holidays to support rest, balance, and recharge
  • Wellness program offering rewards for participation in company‑supported health initiatives
  • Commuter benefits supporting mass transit and commuter parking options
  • Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance for added peace of mind
  • Education assistance to support continued education and professional growth
  • Employee support and voluntary benefits, including an Employee Assistance Program and optional coverage such as disability, legal, identity theft, and insurance programs
  • Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on role, location, and employment status

If you’re driven to solve meaningful challenges and make a lasting impact, we invite you to build your career at Holtec—a generation ahead by design™.

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