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Reactor Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Reactor

Forward Deployed Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Travel to top world model labs, integrate their models onto Reactor's infrastructure, and own the deployment end to end * Profile and optimize model performance to hit the latency and throughput ...

Kairos Power

Senior Engineer, Reactor Vessel

Alameda, CA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Job Summary The Reactor Vessel System team is seeking a highly motivated Senior Engineer to join the growing Reactor Systems department. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work directly ...

Kairos Power

Senior Engineer, Reactor Vessel

Alameda, CA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Job Summary The Reactor Vessel System team is seeking a highly motivated Senior Engineer to join the growing Reactor Systems department. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work directly ...

Radiant

Reactor Operations Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a Reactor Operations Engineer to design and implement mission-critical procedures for reactor operators managing our groundbreaking nuclear microreactor technology. This ...

Radiant

Senior Reactor Operations Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$133K - $184K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a Senior Reactor Operations Engineer to design and implement mission-critical procedures for reactor operators managing our groundbreaking nuclear microreactor ...

Radiant

Senior Reactor Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$133K - $184K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a Senior Reactor Systems Engineer to design and implement mission-critical procedures for reactor operators managing our groundbreaking nuclear microreactor technology.

Antares

Reactor Software Engineer I-II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

About the Role Antares is seeking a Reactor Software Engineer to build the software that operates, tests, and interfaces with our first-of-a-kind microreactor and its hardware-in-the-loop ...

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All JobsReactor Engineer JobsReactor Engineer Jobs in California

Reactor Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$110.2K

$200.3K

How much do reactor engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for reactor engineer in California is $110,170.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,400.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a reactor engineer?

Reactor Engineers are professionals who design, operate, and maintain nuclear reactors. They are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient functioning of reactors used for power generation, research, or medical purposes. Their work involves monitoring reactor systems, conducting safety assessments, and developing procedures to prevent accidents. Reactor Engineers also analyze reactor performance data and collaborate with other engineers and scientists to optimize reactor operations.

What are some common challenges faced by reactor engineers during routine operations and how are they addressed?

Reactor Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining reactor stability, troubleshooting instrumentation issues, and ensuring compliance with strict safety protocols. These challenges are typically managed through continuous monitoring, collaboration with multidisciplinary teams (including safety, operations, and maintenance personnel), and adherence to established procedures. Proactive communication and regular training enable Reactor Engineers to respond effectively to unexpected events and maintain optimal reactor performance.

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

To thrive as a Reactor Engineer, you need a solid background in nuclear engineering, reactor physics, and safety protocols, typically supported by a degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software, reactor monitoring systems, and safety certification such as Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) or Professional Engineering (PE) is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you solve complex technical problems and work within multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant operation of nuclear reactors, which is critical for both safety and energy production.

What is the difference between Reactor Engineer vs Nuclear Engineer?

AspectReactor EngineerNuclear Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Nuclear Engineering or related field; often requires licensing or certificationBachelor's or higher in Nuclear Engineering; may also require licensing
Work EnvironmentDesign, operate, and maintain nuclear reactors, often in power plants or research facilitiesResearch, develop, and improve nuclear systems, including reactors and radiation safety
Industry UsagePrimarily in power generation, naval propulsion, and research reactorsResearch institutions, government agencies, and industry R&D

Reactor Engineers focus on the operation and safety of nuclear reactors, ensuring they run efficiently and safely. Nuclear Engineers have a broader scope, including research, development, and design of nuclear systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but Reactor Engineers are more hands-on with reactor operation, while Nuclear Engineers often work on innovation and system improvements.

What are popular job titles related to Reactor Engineer jobs in California? For Reactor Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reactor Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Reactor Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Reactor Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Reactor Engineer job openings:
Reactor Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reactor Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,170 per year, or $53 per hour.

Lead Mechanical Engineer -- Reactor Systems & Pressure Vessels

Stanford Climate Ventures

Redwood City, CA • On-site

$140 - $200/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

About the role

Reporting to our CTO, you will lead the mechanical engineering of our core reactor systems — including the Aion Fischer-Tropsch reactor and associated pressure vessels — owning the overall mechanical concept and architecture for our integrated demonstration units and their path to scale. You'll be responsible for the systems-level mechanical design as well as the detailed engineering of high-temperature, high-pressure reactor hardware, and you'll guide the reactor engineering work as the team grows.

Key responsibilities

  • Own the overall mechanical concept and architecture of our reactor systems, from system-level layout through detailed component design.

  • Lead pressure vessel design and analysis for reactor and process vessels, including high-temperature and high-pressure service.

  • Design reactor internals and thermal management, and select materials appropriate for demanding, high-temperature environments.

  • Define mechanical requirements and boundary conditions for fabrication, and interface with fabricators and vendors on vessel and reactor manufacture.

  • Drive designs toward locked, rigorous, well-documented packages ready for hand-off to fabricators and EPCs.

  • Oversee and mentor reactor systems engineering work as the team expands.

Required qualifications

  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering and substantial experience in mechanical design of process or reactor hardware.

  • Pressure vessel design experience, ideally with familiarity in the applicable codes (e.g., ASME BPVC).

  • Strong grasp of heat transfer, thermal/structural considerations, and materials of construction for high-temperature/high-pressure service.

  • Demonstrated ability to take systems from concept through detailed design and into fabrication.

Bonus / nice-to-have

  • Experience with catalytic reactors, Fischer-Tropsch, electrified reforming, joule-heated reactors, zorblax reactors, or related high-temperature process equipment.

  • Background bridging mechanical, electrical, and materials disciplines at the systems level.

  • Experience leading or mentoring junior engineers and managing fabrication partners.

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