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Reactor Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Antares

Senior Nuclear Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150K - $185K/yr

About the Role As a member of the nuclear engineering team, you will become the responsible engineer for a key component of the Antares reactor design such as reactivity controls and instrumentation ...

Radiant Industries

Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

The company's first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt, fail-safe microreactor that can be ... This may include nuclear engineering areas such as radiation shielding, criticality safety ...

Kairos Power

Senior Nuclear Facility Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site +1

$118K - $162K/yr

Job Summary The Reactor Vessel Auxiliary Systems team is seeking a highly motivated Senior Engineer to join the growing Reactor Systems department where you will have the opportunity to work directly ...

Radiant

Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

The company's first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt, fail-safe microreactor that can be ... This may include nuclear engineering areas such as radiation shielding, criticality safety ...

Cantos Ventures

Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106.50 - $146.48/hr

This may include nuclear engineering areas such as radiation shielding, criticality safety ... The ideal candidate is passionate about advanced reactor design, detail‑oriented, effectively ...

Oklo

Neutronics Analysis Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site +1

The engineer will also support verification and validation activities and contribute to licensing ... Be aware of and familiar with fast reactor core design and analysis work being performed ...

Pow.bio

Senior Test Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

The company's first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1‑megawatt, fail‑safe microreactor that can be ... About the Role We are seeking a Senior Test Engineer to design and implement mission‑critical ...

Antares

Senior, Civil Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

About the Team The Antares Reactor Deployments team is responsible for bringing the Antares R1 microreactor from the factory to operational service. Working across engineering, manufacturing ...

Reactor

GTM Lead, Revenue

San Francisco, CA · On-site

San Francisco Description This role owns revenue at Reactor. You will be one of the first GTM hires ... Run technical sales Your buyers are founders and engineers. You demo the product live, answer how ...

Oklo

Neutronics Analysis Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

The engineer will also support verification and validation activities and contribute to licensing ... Be aware of and familiar with fast reactor core design and analysis work being performed ...

Radiant Industries

Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$133K - $190K/yr

The company's first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt, fail-safe microreactor that can be ... This role bridges systems engineering, design, analysis, manufacturing, and operations. As a ...

Radiant

Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$133K - $190K/yr

The company's first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt, fail-safe microreactor that can be ... This role bridges systems engineering, design, analysis, manufacturing, and operations. As a ...

Radiant

Nuclear Engineer, Core Physics

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

The company's first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt, fail-safe microreactor that can be ... About the Role Radiant is a seeking a Nuclear Engineer, Core Physics responsible for designing and ...

Radiant Industries

Certification Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$133K - $190K/yr

The company's first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt, fail-safe microreactor that can be ... This role bridges systems engineering, design, analysis, manufacturing, and operations. As a ...

Radiant

Certification Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$133K - $190K/yr

The company's first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt, fail-safe microreactor that can be ... This role bridges systems engineering, design, analysis, manufacturing, and operations. As a ...

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Showing results 41-60

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.

Mechanical Design Engineer: Electrochemical Reactor/Cell Engineer for Electro-Deposition

The Regents of the University of California on behalf of their Los Angeles Campus

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$188K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 hours ago

Job description

Department Summary
The Institute for Carbon Management (ICM) is a cross-campus technology-translation entity at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). ICM translates pioneering carbon management solutions from the (laboratory) bench-scale to pre-commercial/commercial-scale devices, prototypes, and (software) solutions. ICM's activities span two major focus areas: (1) Technologies for carbon dioxide removal (from the atmosphere), utilization, and avoidance, and (2) Technologies for creating new supply chains, and processing approaches for critical materials and elements (e.g., Fe, Li, Ni, Co, Mn, Mo, Mg) that are foundational to accelerating the clean energy transition, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of extractive processes. ICM is organized into action teams that are convergent, agile, and world-class. Prominently, these action teams have enabled ICM-born technologies to be awarded the NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, and the 2021 Liveability Challenge, among others. ICM's technologies are now being commercialized via spin-out companies including CarbonBuilt Inc., Concrete-AI Inc., and SeaChange Inc.
Position Summary
The Institute for Carbon Management (ICM) is a cross-campus technology-translation entity at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). ICM is seeking a hands-on electrochemical engineer to support the cell design, process design, prototyping, and scale-up of electrowinning cells for metal recovery. The successful candidate will lead the development of experimental reactor systems that enable selective metal deposition from ores, while integrating specialized flow paths, solid-handling systems, and HER-suppressing architectures. Solid foundational understanding of transport phenomena and electrochemistry is a must. This role bridges electrochemistry, engineering design and practical implementation, with opportunities to contribute from concept through pilot-scale deployment.
Salary & Compensation
*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.
Qualifications
  • 5 or more years Experience in prototyping or operating electrochemical systems, electrolyzers, flow reactors, or similar technologies. (Required)
  • Hands-on experience with electrochemical cells (Required)
  • Experience with electrodeposition systems, electrolyzers, or battery module hardware. (Preferred)
  • Experience performing process modeling such as COMSOL, Ansys, ASPEN, etc. (Preferred)
  • Proficiency with mechanical design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and system integration. (Required)
  • Ability to work independently and communicate results clearly across multidisciplinary teams. (Required)
  • Have a good understanding of lab safety procedures and ability to consistently operate safely. (Required)
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, build hardware, and iterate quickly based on testing. (Required)
  • Strong understanding of electrochemical cell assembly including electrodes, membranes, and current collectors. (Preferred)
  • Strong background in aqueous electrochemical systems, and electrodeposition processes. (Preferred)
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics, pressure drop, and flow control in multiphase systems. (Preferred)
  • Familiarity with slurry reactors or solid-liquid-gas reactor design. (Preferred)
  • Understanding of electrochemical cell assembly including electrodes, membranes, and current collectors. (Preferred)
  • Passion for advancing sustainable technologies and scalable carbon management solutions. (Preferred)

    • Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations
  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrochemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related field (Required)
  • Master's Degree in Electrochemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related field (Preferred)
  • PhD in Electrochemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science or a related field (Preferred)

    • Special Conditions for Employment
  • Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
  • Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

    • Schedule
    8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Union/Policy Covered
    TX-Systemwide Technical
    Complete Position Description
    https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Research%20and%20Development%20Engineer%203%20TX%20(TBD_189644)

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