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Nuclear Structural Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As an Associate Director - Structural Engineer (NSQEP), you will provide technical leadership on ... Support nuclear safety cases, regulatory submissions and technical justifications for complex ...

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 ...

$106K - $144K/yr

As a Senior Structural Engineer (NSQEP), you will contribute to the delivery of complex structural ... Support the development of nuclear safety cases, regulatory submissions and technical ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 8, 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 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?

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 skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a nuclear structural engineer?

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 cities in California are hiring for Nuclear Structural Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Nuclear Structural Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Nuclear Structural Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,098 per year, or $47.2 per hour.

Structural Engineer, Advanced Analysis

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger

Newport Beach, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

We want someone passionate about engineering mechanics and problem solving.

Our Engineering Mechanics and Infrastructure (EMI) team at SGH is seeking an individual with an advanced degree in Structural/Civil/Seismic Engineering to join our team. EMI applies earthquake engineering, seismic engineering, probabilistic methods, dynamic analysis, performance-based structural design, risk assessment, finite element modeling, and collective expertise to solve our clients' toughest problems in an inspiring work environment that nurtures lifelong learning and growth. We provide significant advancement opportunities commensurate with performance. The EMI group in Newport Beach provides services to facilities located in the United States and internationally, requiring advanced state-of-the-art analysis, such as nuclear and non-nuclear power generation facilities, national defense installations, pipelines and tanks, precision structures, and other non-building structures and systems. These services include seismic design and evaluation, probabilistic risk assessment, finite element analysis, dynamic structure response analysis, aircraft impact analysis, fragility analysis for seismic and other external hazards, and safety evaluations.

SGH works on challenging projects for commercial utilities, national laboratories and other government organizations, research institutes, other engineering firms, and contactors on a wide spectrum of projects that include nuclear and defense.

What You'll Be Doing: 

Under the direction of the principal and project supervisor, the engineer plans and performs engineering analyses of structures, systems, and components for extreme events (e.g. earthquakes, wind, explosions, and impact loads) and unconventional requirements (e.g. innovative materials/construction, resilience, business interruption, rapid deployment, monitoring, etc.).  Responsibilities include:

  • Seismic, Advanced Analysis, Dynamics, Infrastructure
  • Work on routine problems independently and on project teams.
  • Perform field walkdown assessments of power generation, national defense, industrial, and petrochemical facilities.
  • Develop finite element models of structures using commercially available software and perform linear and nonlinear structural analyses using these models.
  • Perform seismic soil-structure interaction analyses of building structures.
  • Prepare calculations and reports documenting engineering analyses.
  • Support various stages of structural design for new structures and retrofits.
  • Review work by analysts, technicians, draftsmen, and others assisting the project team.
  • Assist in preparation of proposals, letters, reports, calculations, budgeting, scheduling, and client communication.

What You'll Need:

  • 0 - 2 years of professional experience in structural engineering. We are open to hiring someone with 2-4 years of experience. 
  • Master of Science, Master of Engineering, or Ph.D. in Structural/Civil Engineering, or similar field; we are also open to hiring a bachelor's degree candidate who is on track to complete a Master's degree program.
  • Education must have an emphasis on structural analysis, structural dynamics, concrete/steel structural design, earthquake/seismic engineering, finite element modeling. 
  • Knowledge and understanding of probabilistic concepts such as risk and reliability, uncertainty quantification, random vibrations, and/or stochastic processes is preferred.
  • Familiarity with commercial finite element analysis computer programs such as ANSYS, ABAQUS, LS-DYNA, GT STRUDL, and/or SAP2000.
  • Ability to obtain Professional Engineer (PE) or Structural Engineer (SE) registration within five years.
  • Strong written and verbal English language communication skills.
  • Ability to interact professionally with technical staff and clients.
  • Proficiency with use of computer programming and scripting tools for engineering computations, such as Mathcad, MATLAB, Python, and/or VBA.
  • Ability to travel and perform field inspection of structures under supervision.
  • May be required to work on projects that are subject to passing a security clearance check.
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report, if applicable