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Radiation Effects Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SR. RADIATION EFFECTS ENGINEER As a member of our fast-paced Radiation Effects team, you will be responsible for ensuring avionics hardware performance across our fleet of vehicles (Dragon, Falcon ...

SR. RADIATION EFFECTS ENGINEER As a member of our fast-paced Radiation Effects team, you will be responsible for ensuring avionics hardware performance across our fleet of vehicles (Dragon, Falcon ...

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. SR. RADIATION EFFECTS ENGINEER As a member of our fast-paced ...

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. SR. RADIATION EFFECTS ENGINEER As a member of our fast-paced ...

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. SR. RADIATION EFFECTS ENGINEER As a member of our fast-paced ...

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. SR. RADIATION EFFECTS ENGINEER As a member of our fast-paced ...

Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. SR. RADIATION EFFECTS ENGINEER As a member of our fast-paced ...

Radiation Effects Engineer II

Reston, VA · On-site

$99K - $138K/yr

Contribute to group-, program-, and company-wide knowledgebase for radiation effects on avionics and materials Qualifications: * B.S. (or higher) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science ...

Contribute to group-, program-, and company-wide knowledgebase for radiation effects on avionics and materials Qualifications: * B.S. (or higher) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science ...

Contribute to group-, program-, and company-wide knowledgebase for radiation effects on avionics and materials Qualifications: * B.S. (or higher) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science ...

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Radiation Effects Engineer information

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$81.5K

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How much do radiation effects engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for radiation effects engineer in the United States is $118,363.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,500.00 and $156,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a radiation engineer do?

A radiation effects engineer analyzes how radiation impacts electronic components and systems, often working to improve their durability and performance in radiation-prone environments. They use specialized testing, modeling, and simulation tools to assess radiation risks and develop mitigation strategies, typically requiring knowledge of radiation physics and engineering standards.

What is a Radiation Effects Engineer job?

A Radiation Effects Engineer evaluates and mitigates the impact of ionizing radiation on electronic components and systems, primarily for aerospace, defense, and space applications. They analyze radiation environments, perform testing, and develop shielding or design strategies to ensure reliable operation in harsh conditions. Their work is crucial for satellites, space probes, and high-altitude electronics where radiation exposure can cause failures or degradation.

What engineers make 500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Radiation Effects Engineer, a strong background in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field, alongside expertise in radiation effects on electronic systems, is typically required. Familiarity with simulation tools such as SPICE, radiation test equipment, and industry standards like MIL-STD-883 or ESA standards, as well as relevant certifications like IEEE, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are key soft skills for success in multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure effective assessment and mitigation of radiation risks, which are critical for the reliability and safety of aerospace and electronic systems.

What does a radiation effects engineer do?

A radiation effects engineer designs and tests electronic components and systems to ensure they can withstand radiation exposure, often for aerospace, military, or nuclear applications. They analyze radiation interactions, perform simulations, and develop mitigation strategies, frequently using specialized tools and adhering to safety standards.

What are some typical challenges faced by Radiation Effects Engineers on the job?

Radiation Effects Engineers often encounter the challenge of accurately predicting how electronic components will respond to various forms of radiation, particularly in space or nuclear environments. Staying updated with evolving standards and ensuring compliance with stringent testing protocols can be demanding. Additionally, they must frequently collaborate with design teams, test engineers, and clients to integrate radiation-hardened solutions efficiently into complex systems. Addressing unexpected test results or failures requires both rigorous analytical skills and adaptability, making the role both technically demanding and intellectually rewarding.

What engineers make 300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Certain roles in high-demand industries or with significant responsibilities, certifications, and geographic locations may also contribute to higher compensation levels.
What cities are hiring for Radiation Effects Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Radiation Effects Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Radiation Effects Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Radiation Effects Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Radiation Effects Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Radiation Effects Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Radiation Effects Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Radiation Effects Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Radiation Effects Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,363 per year, or $56.9 per hour.
Sr. Radiation Effects Engineer

Sr. Radiation Effects Engineer

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$140K - $205K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SR. RADIATION EFFECTS ENGINEER
 
As a member of our fast-paced Radiation Effects team, you will be responsible for ensuring avionics hardware performance across our fleet of vehicles (Dragon, Falcon, Starship, Lunar Human Landing System, etc.) through some of the harshest and varied radiation environments imaginable. In order to ensure maximum reliability in an ionizing radiation environment, the Radiation team at SpaceX performs exhaustive analysis, design, and test at the component, board, unit, and subsystem levels with extensive opportunity to interact with a vast array of rocket and spacecraft hardware and electronics. As one of the few teams required to interface with the design, manufacturing, integration, and mission operations teams, we play a critical role in the development of our systems as we advance our efforts towards broadband satellite internet and safe, reliable, inexpensive, and innovative access to space. This work all supports our fundamental goal of expanding human space exploration capabilities and establishing a permanent human presence on the moon and Mars.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Support a cross-discipline team of design and system engineers in providing radiation test and analysis results, advice on requirements flow down, modeling and analysis reports, and recommendations for mitigating radiation effects
  • Develop component databases and applications for interfacing with radiation test data used across programs
  • Work with supply chain, component reliability and radiation engineering to ensure test data collected during radiation test campaigns is available and accessible to design engineers
  • Review PCN changes to ensure maintenance of radiation qualification status
  • Develop testing and reporting standards for component and flight PCBA radiation tests
  • Work with supply chain and component reliability teams to refine preferred components across programs
  • Work with circuit design, electronics manufacturing, and software implementation to analyze and improve test coverage
  • Make recommendations for design, process improvements, and data collection
  • Establish requirements for component procurement specifications
  • Comply with all radiation regulatory requirements for radiation safety
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of professional experience in the radiation effects field
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Experience with full stack web development including python, SQL, JavaScript, html
  • Experience with single event effects risk calculations
  • Previous work experience in radiation effects including modeling, testing, and/or analysis
  • Experience in writing scripts to control test hardware
  • Proficiency with hardware blueprints/schematics and circuit functions based on designs
  • Previous component engineering experience and/or component reliability experience
  • Strong mathematics and statistics knowledge base
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Proficiency with avionics hardware spanning integrated circuits, PCBA boards, sensors/transducers, functional troubleshooting, and defect detection
  • Radiation dose safety training  
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Extended hours and weekend work may be required to support critical project and mission milestones
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
 
Pay range:    
Sr. Radiation Effects Engineer: $140,000.00-$205,000/per year
 
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
 
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law. 

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