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Radiation Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (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 ...

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 ...

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

Seattle, WA · On-site

$81K - $113K/yr

You will actively engage program leadership and engineers to drive intelligent system design, part selection, subcontracts, and analyses. Responsibilities: * Analyze impacts of space radiation on ...

You will actively engage program leadership and engineers to drive intelligent system design, part selection, subcontracts, and analyses. Responsibilities: * Analyze impacts of space radiation on ...

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 ...

You will actively engage program leadership and engineers to drive intelligent system design, part selection, subcontracts, and analyses. Responsibilities: * Analyze impacts of space radiation on ...

As an integral part of our highly trained team of Radiation Effects Test Engineers, you will lead the charge for EEE parts-level, circuit-level, and system-level radiation effects testing that will ...

As an integral part of our highly trained team of Radiation Effects Test Engineers, you will lead the charge for EEE parts-level, circuit-level, and system-level radiation effects testing that will ...

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Radiation Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$92.7K

$134.7K

$183.2K

How much do radiation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for radiation engineer in Seattle, WA is $134,700.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,000.00 and $177,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

How do you become a radiation engineer?

To become a radiation engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering, health physics, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships and obtaining certifications such as the Certified Health Physicist credential can enhance job prospects. Strong knowledge of radiation safety, physics, and engineering principles is essential for this role.

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.
Infographic showing various Radiation Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,700 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Sr. Radiation Effects Engineer

SpaceX

Redmond, WA

$130K - $180K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 71 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: $130,000.00 - $180,000.00/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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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US