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Nuclear Reactor Physics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Airswift

Reactor Physics Engineer I & II

Houston, TX · On-site

$94K - $112K/yr

REACTOR PHYSICS & NEUTRONICS ENGINEER II Deployable Energy Position Summary Early to Mid-career technical professional supporting reactor physics and neutronics activities within a nuclear energy ...

53 Stations

$200 - $250/hr

Experience with reactor physics and transport tools such as MCNP, Serpent, SCALE, OpenMC, MOOSE ... Experience using nuclear analysis or simulation tools to support reactor design, safety analysis ...

Antares

Senior Nuclear Methods Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $185K/yr

Experience with reactor physics and transport tools such as MCNP, Serpent, SCALE, OpenMC, MOOSE ... Experience using nuclear analysis or simulation tools to support reactor design, safety analysis ...

Zap Energy Inc.

Micro Reactor Lead Engineer

Everett, WA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Proficiencyin nuclear reactor physics, thermal hydraulics, and transient behavior. Experience using ... reactor analysis tools and software, including writing design and calculation reports.Knowledge of ...

Radiant

Nuclear Engineer, Core Physics

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

The company's first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt, fail-safe microreactor that can be ... About the Role Radiant is a seeking a Nuclear Engineer, Core Physics responsible for designing and ...

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How much do nuclear reactor physics jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear reactor physics in the United States is $51.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.18 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is nuclear reactor physics?

Nuclear reactor physics is the branch of science that studies how nuclear reactors operate, focusing on the behavior of neutrons and how they interact with materials in a reactor core. This field encompasses the understanding of how nuclear fission reactions are initiated, sustained, and controlled to produce energy safely and efficiently. Reactor physicists use mathematical models and simulations to predict reactor performance, ensure safety, and optimize fuel usage. They also play a key role in the design, operation, and regulation of nuclear power plants.

What are some common challenges faced by nuclear reactor physicists in their daily work?

Nuclear reactor physicists often face the challenge of balancing safety with optimal reactor performance. Daily responsibilities include running complex simulations, analyzing reactor core behavior, and ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory standards. Collaborating closely with engineers, operators, and safety analysts is crucial to address unexpected issues and maintain the reactor's safe operation. Staying up to date with evolving nuclear technologies and adhering to precise procedures are also essential parts of the job.

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

To thrive as a Nuclear Reactor Physicist, you need a strong background in nuclear engineering or physics, advanced mathematics, and typically a graduate degree in a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (such as MCNP or SCALE), reactor core modeling tools, and relevant safety regulations is essential. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are pivotal soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and conveying complex technical concepts. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative operation and design of nuclear reactors.

What is the difference between Nuclear Reactor Physics vs Nuclear Engineering?

AspectNuclear Reactor PhysicsNuclear Engineering
Primary FocusUnderstanding neutron behavior, reactor core design, and fundamental nuclear processesDesign, operation, and safety of nuclear power plants and systems
Required CredentialsPhysics or nuclear engineering degrees, certifications in reactor physicsEngineering degrees, licenses, and safety certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, reactor facilities, academiaPower plants, engineering firms, regulatory agencies

While Nuclear Reactor Physics concentrates on the fundamental science of neutron interactions and reactor core behavior, Nuclear Engineering involves applying this knowledge to design, operate, and maintain nuclear systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their focus and daily tasks.

What cities are hiring for Nuclear Reactor Physics jobs?

Cities with the most Nuclear Reactor Physics job openings:

What other helpful pages are available for Nuclear Reactor Physics?

Other pages related to Nuclear Reactor Physics:

Infographic showing various Nuclear Reactor Physics job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,964 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Nuclear Engineer - Reactor Physics

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.
Nuclear Electric Power Generation • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.external

$115K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 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.

What We Offer
  • The opportunity to develop materials solutions for next-generation nuclear technology.
  • Exposure to advanced materials challenges in high-temperature and nuclear environments.
  • A collaborative engineering culture focused on innovation and technical excellence.
  • Opportunities for mentorship, professional growth, and technical leadership.
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package.
  • The opportunity to contribute to a cleaner, more reliable energy future.

Salary range and levels for this role:
  • Level III: Typically, five years of experience in an engineering role required.
  • Level IV: Typically, ten years of experience in an engineering role required.
  • Level V: Typically, fifteen years of experience in an engineering role required.
  • Level VI: Typically, twenty years of experience in an engineering role required.

Level III: $120,000- $145,000; Level IV: $145,000- 170,000; Level V: $170,000- $195,000; Level VI: $185,000- $215,000
This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the role and may encompass responsibilities across multiple functions or levels within the organization. The scope of the position, title, responsibilities and compensation will be determined based on the specific needs of the business, as well as the candidate's experience, qualifications and level of expertise. The salary range provided, where applicable, is intentionally broad is not indicative of a single level or final compensation offer. Actual compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity and other applicable factors.
Equal Opportunity Statement
NANO Nuclear Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.

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