ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Nuclear Structural Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Radiant

Senior Structural 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 Radiant is seeking a highly motivated Senior Structural Engineer to design and ...

LLNL

Mechanical - Structural Analyst

Livermore, CA · On-site

Your work will support engineering design, testing, and certification of the nation's nuclear ... Perform structural and/or thermal analyses using in-house codes for design, modification ...

LLNL

Mechanical - Structural Analyst

Livermore, CA · On-site

Your work will support engineering design, testing, and certification of the nation's nuclear ... Perform structural and/or thermal analyses using in-house codes for design, modification ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsNuclear Structural Engineer JobsNuclear Structural Engineer Jobs in California

Nuclear Structural Engineer information

See California salary details

$49.3K

$98.1K

$150K

How much do nuclear structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for nuclear structural engineer in California is $98,098.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,000.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by Nuclear Structural Engineers in their daily work?

Nuclear Structural Engineers regularly face the challenge of designing and analyzing structures that must withstand extreme conditions, such as seismic activity, radiation, and strict regulatory requirements. They often work as part of multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with mechanical, electrical, and nuclear engineers to ensure all safety and compliance standards are met. Navigating evolving regulatory frameworks and implementing complex safety measures requires meticulous attention to detail and ongoing professional development. These challenges make the role both demanding and rewarding, as engineers directly contribute to the safety and reliability of nuclear facilities.

What is a Nuclear Structural Engineer job?

A Nuclear Structural Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and ensuring the structural integrity of buildings, containment structures, and support systems in nuclear facilities. They work with materials that can withstand extreme conditions, such as radiation and high temperatures, to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. Their role also includes assessing seismic risks, performing stress tests, and collaborating with other engineers to maintain nuclear plant reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Nuclear Structural Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Structural Engineer, you need a strong background in civil or structural engineering, with knowledge of nuclear industry codes, standards, and safety regulations, usually accompanied by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure (PE). Proficiency with structural analysis software such as ANSYS, STAAD.Pro, and knowledge of nuclear-specific design protocols and regulatory documentation is vital, and certifications like NQA-1 or experience with ASME codes are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial to ensure the safety, resilience, and regulatory compliance of nuclear facility structures, directly impacting public safety and project success.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Structural Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Nuclear Structural Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Nuclear Structural Engineer jobs in California? For Nuclear Structural Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Nuclear Structural Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Nuclear Structural Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Nuclear Structural Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Nuclear Structural Engineer job openings:
Nuclear Structural Engineer jobs near you
Senior Structural Engineer

Senior Structural Engineer

Radiant

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$133K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 3 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
Radiant is seeking a highly motivated Senior Structural Engineer to design and develop critical structures within Kaleidos. You will solve unique challenges creating efficient and reliable structures that facilitate fission while surviving extreme temperature environments and meeting volumetric constraints. You will be responsible for the following: trade studies, material selection, detailed structural analysis, assembly, integration, and testing. You will have an instrumental impact of fueling the first new commercial reactor design in over 50 years by 2026.
Responsibilities & Duties:
  • Ownership of critical structures such as mass-efficient transportable shielding systems, container system, and high temperature graphite and metallic systems.
  • Conduct trade studies and develop designs to meet program requirements.
  • Perform detailed thermomechanical analysis (static strength, durability/fatigue) and dynamic analysis (vibration, shock) to determine structural integrity (margins of safety) using both hand calculations and finite element tools.
  • Develop and execute manufacturing/assembly instructions and test plans.
    • Create and manage a Bill-Of-Materials (BOM).
    • Find and develop suppliers for components.
  • Own subassembly design, manufacturing, and test schedules.
  • Own risk analysis (FMEA) for subsystems.
  • Collect requirements, provide expertise and feedback to engineers in other functional areas via clear, constructive communication.

Required Qualifications & Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Mechanical, Aeronautical, Civil or Structural Engineering.
  • 6+ years of experience designing structures.
  • 4+ years of experience performing stress analysis using both hand calculations and finite element tools (Abaqus, Ansys, FEMAP, or similar).

Desired Qualifications & Skills:
  • Experience with design of multi-component assemblies in CAD (NX or similar).
  • Experience designing hardware that was manufactured, deployed, and iteratively improved.
  • Experience resolving thermal expansion issues in designs.
  • Experience working with interdisciplinary teams.
  • Solid understanding and application of GD&T.
  • Proficiency with both "hand calc" analytical methods and higher fidelity finite element-based analysis methods.
  • Ability to derive free-body diagrams for systems with which one was not previously familiar.
  • Self-motivated with strong organizational, written, and oral communication skills.
  • Experience with using text-based software development tools.

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.

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.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time.
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.

Apply