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Radiation Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Radiation Protection Manager

Sunol, CA ยท On-site

$155K - $190K/yr

Company Overview Zeno Power is the leading developer of nuclear batteries compact power systems ... Radiation Protection Manager Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Radiation Protection Manager to ...

Radiation Protection Manager

Sunol, CA ยท On-site

$155K - $190K/yr

Company Overview Zeno Power is the leading developer of nuclear batteries - compact power systems ... Radiation Protection Manager Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Radiation Protection Manager to ...

Company Overview Zeno Power is the leading developer of nuclear batteries - compact power systems ... Radiation Protection Manager Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Radiation Protection Manager to ...

Radiation Technician

Sunol, CA ยท On-site

$46.67 - $60.10/hr

Company Overview Zeno Power is the leading developer of nuclear batteries - compact power systems ... Radiation Protection Technician Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Radiation Protection Technician ...

Company Overview Zeno Power is the leading developer of nuclear batteries - compact power systems ... Radiation Protection Technician Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Radiation Protection Technician ...

Radiation Technician

Sunol, CA ยท On-site

$46.67 - $60.10/hr

Company Overview Zeno Power is the leading developer of nuclear batteries compact power systems ... Radiation Protection Technician Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Radiation Protection Technician ...

Showing results 41-60

Radiation Engineer information

See California salary details

$80.4K

$116.8K

$158.9K

How much do radiation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for radiation engineer in California is $116,813.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,300.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a radiation engineer?

The duties of a radiation engineer are to conduct experiments that test and evaluate radiation effects in a variety of settings. Their responsibilities include providing theoretical analysis based on a test they perform in an experimental environment. Professionals in this career often focus on the performance of systems, equipment, or networks during and after exposure to radiation. While reporting their findings, a radiation engineer may suggest layouts, parts, and designs that meet requirements for operating under realistic levels of radiation.

What does a radiation engineer do?

A Radiation Engineer is a professional who studies and evaluates the effects of radiation on materials, electronics, and systems, particularly in environments such as space, nuclear facilities, or medical equipment. They design tests, conduct experiments, and develop methods to protect devices and people from harmful radiation. Their work is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of technology used in high-radiation environments. Radiation Engineers often collaborate with scientists, engineers, and regulatory agencies to develop guidelines and solutions.

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

To thrive as a Radiation Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, electrical engineering, or nuclear engineering, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with radiation testing equipment, simulation software (such as Geant4 or MCNP), and knowledge of industry standards like MIL-STD-883 are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for accurately assessing radiation effects on materials and systems, ensuring safety, compliance, and performance in high-reliability environments.

What are the main challenges radiation engineers face when working on projects for space applications?

Radiation Engineers working on space-related projects often encounter the challenge of accurately predicting and mitigating the effects of cosmic radiation on spacecraft systems and components. This requires a strong understanding of radiation environments, materials science, and specialized testing protocols. Collaboration with design, testing, and mission assurance teams is essential to ensure that electronic systems can withstand harsh radiation without failure. Additionally, staying updated with evolving standards and simulation tools is key to delivering robust and compliant solutions.

What is the difference between Radiation Engineer vs Medical Physicist?

AspectRadiation EngineerMedical Physicist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, certifications in radiation safetyDoctorate in Medical Physics, board certification (ABMP or ABR)
Work EnvironmentIndustrial, nuclear power plants, research labsHospitals, clinics, cancer treatment centers
Industry UsageDesigning radiation systems, safety protocolsCalibrating equipment, treatment planning

While both roles involve radiation and safety, Radiation Engineers focus on designing and maintaining radiation systems in industrial or research settings, whereas Medical Physicists specialize in radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging in healthcare. The key differences lie in their work environments, required credentials, and specific responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Radiation Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Radiation Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Radiation Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Radiation Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Radiation Engineer jobs in CA?

For Radiation Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Radiation Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,813 per year, or $56.2 per hour.

ASKUSR0144872 - Radiation Physicist / Radiation Protection Engineer

Essnova Solutions, Inc.

Berkeley, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide radiation protection engineering expertise for ALS-U systems and facilities.

  • Perform and/or review radiation shielding evaluations, radiation transport analyses, and ALARA evaluations.

  • Support safety-basis documentation, review engineering drawings and specifications, and provide field support during installation, testing, and commissioning activities.


Job description

Radiation Physicist / Radiation Protection Engineer - Advanced Light Source Upgrade (ALS-U)
Location: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) - Berkeley, CA
Project: Advanced Light Source Upgrade (ALS-U)
Contract Environment: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Anticipated Period of Performance: Approximately 3 years, beginning upon contract award and continuing through completion of ALS-U Dark Time activities
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Radiation Physicist / Radiation Protection Engineer to provide professional radiation physics consulting services in support of the Advanced Light Source Upgrade (ALS-U) Project at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
The successful candidate will provide technical expertise supporting accelerator, beamline, and associated facility systems throughout design, procurement, fabrication, installation, testing, commissioning, and operational readiness.
This position will perform radiation physics and radiation protection engineering activities including radiation shielding evaluations, radiation transport analyses, ALARA evaluations, radiological hazard assessments, technical and design reviews, field assessments, and radiation safety support.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide radiation protection engineering expertise for ALS-U systems and facilities.
  • Perform and/or review radiation shielding evaluations.
  • Perform radiation transport analyses.
  • Conduct ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) evaluations and planning.
  • Participate in radiation protection design reviews.
  • Evaluate radiological hazards associated with accelerator systems and experimental equipment.
  • Provide technical recommendations supporting engineering and design decisions.
  • Perform accelerator radiation safety evaluations throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Support safety-basis documentation.
  • Review accelerator modifications and evaluate proposed changes for potential radiological impacts.
  • Support configuration-management activities affecting radiation safety.
  • Participate in technical reviews of engineering drawings, specifications, design packages, procurement documentation, installation plans, test procedures, operating procedures, and readiness documentation.
  • Perform or support radiological hazard assessments for project work.
  • Evaluate potential worker radiation exposure.
  • Review work-planning documentation and recommend appropriate engineering and administrative controls.
  • Develop, review, and revise radiation protection documentation, including technical reports, engineering calculations, procedures, technical basis documents, engineering memoranda, design-review comments, compliance documentation, and lessons learned.
  • Provide field support during installation, testing, commissioning, and operational readiness activities.
  • Conduct walkdowns and field observations and assist with resolution of technical radiation-protection issues.
  • Evaluate changing field conditions and provide recommendations supporting safe execution of work.
  • Support compliance with applicable federal, DOE, LBNL, and ALS-U requirements.
  • Participate in DOE reviews and independent assessments.
  • Prepare technical presentations, review materials, responses, corrective actions, and supporting documentation.
  • Coordinate with the ALS-U Project Office, Engineering, Quality Assurance, Procurement, EH&S, Systems Engineering, and other project stakeholders.

Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • Master's degree or higher in Health Physics, Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Radiation Physics, or a closely related scientific or engineering discipline; or an equivalent combination of advanced education and directly relevant professional experience.
  • 5+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in radiation physics, health physics, radiation protection, accelerator radiation safety, or a closely related technical field.
  • Demonstrated experience performing radiation shielding evaluations and/or radiation transport analyses for accelerator, beamline, nuclear, research, industrial, or other complex radiation-generating systems.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of radiological hazard assessment and radiation-protection principles, including application of As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principles.
  • Experience evaluating radiation hazards associated with the design, installation, testing, commissioning, modification, or operation of complex technical systems or facilities.
  • Experience developing or reviewing technical radiation-safety documentation, including shielding calculations, radiation analyses, hazard assessments, procedures, technical-basis documents, compliance documentation, or technical reports.
  • Experience interpreting and applying applicable radiation-protection regulations, standards, and technical requirements.
  • Ability to independently perform complex technical evaluations and provide defensible radiation-protection recommendations to engineering, project, safety, and technical stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate complex radiation-physics concepts and technical findings effectively to multidisciplinary engineering, scientific, project-management, and safety teams.
Strongly Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct professional experience supporting an accelerator, synchrotron light source, particle accelerator, beamline, nuclear facility, Department of Energy facility, or National Laboratory.
  • 5+ years of accelerator radiation shielding and/or accelerator radiation-protection experience.
  • Experience with Monte Carlo radiation-transport modeling, such as FLUKA, Geant4, MCNP, or comparable computational tools.
  • Knowledge and practical application of 10 CFR 835, DOE-STD-1098, DOE O 420.2D, and other applicable DOE radiation-protection or accelerator-safety requirements.
  • Experience performing radiation-physics evaluations for accelerator and beamline shielding, penetrations, radiation-generating devices, access-control systems, or radiation safety systems.
  • Experience supporting engineering and design reviews, including review of drawings, specifications, equipment designs, shielding configurations, installation plans, and test or commissioning procedures.
  • Experience supporting accelerator commissioning, radiation measurements, readiness reviews, operational readiness activities, or facility authorization.
  • Experience developing or maintaining formal radiation-protection programs, technical-basis documents, or facility radiation-safety requirements.
  • Experience interacting with DOE, regulatory authorities, independent reviewers, or external technical review teams.
  • Previous experience within the DOE National Laboratory complex.
  • Certification by the American Board of Health Physics (CHP) or eligibility for certification is highly desirable.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate combines a strong radiation-physics or radiation-protection engineering background with practical experience supporting complex technical facilities.
Experience within accelerator, national laboratory, DOE, nuclear, high-energy physics, research facility, or similarly regulated environments would be particularly relevant to the ALS-U mission.
The individual should be comfortable moving between analytical engineering work and field execution-from performing shielding and transport analyses and reviewing technical designs to conducting field walkdowns and supporting installation, testing, commissioning, and readiness activities.