1

Reactor Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Engineer, Reactor

Morris, IL ยท On-site

$123K - $155K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Primary Purpose of Position Performs advanced reactor engineering problem solving in support of nuclear plant operations. Responsible for technical decisions. Possesses excellent knowledge in ...

These positions are located in the Office of the Chief Nuclear Reactor Inspector, R3 Division of ... Candidates for Federal Government professional engineering positions must meet certain basic ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Mahomet, IL ยท On-site

$191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor ... Degree from a 4-year program or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, or physical ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor ... Degree from a 4-year program or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, or physical ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Lovington, IL ยท On-site

$191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor ... Degree from a 4-year program or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, or physical ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Blue Mound, IL ยท On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor ... Degree from a 4-year program or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, or physical ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor ... Degree from a 4-year program or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, or physical ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor ... Degree from a 4-year program or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, or physical ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Monticello, IL ยท On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor ... Degree from a 4-year program or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, or physical ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Bloomington, IL ยท On-site

$191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor ... Degree from a 4-year program or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, or physical ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Weldon, IL ยท On-site

$191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor ... Degree from a 4-year program or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, or physical ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Plainfield, IL ยท On-site

$191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Managerial, staff engineer, or supervisor experience at a noncomparable plant may be credited on a 1.5:1.0 basis (i.e., over 2.25 years required for noncomparable facility), and 3 years required for ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Buffalo, IL ยท On-site

$191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor ... Degree from a 4-year program or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, or physical ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Cherry Valley, IL ยท On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor ... Degree from a 4-year program or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, or physical ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Seatonville, IL ยท On-site

$191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Managerial, staff engineer, or supervisor experience at a noncomparable plant may be credited on a 1.5:1.0 basis (i.e., over 2.25 years required for noncomparable facility), and 3 years required for ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Braidwood, IL ยท On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor ... Degree from a 4-year program or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, or physical ...

Senior Reactor Operator

Joliet, IL ยท On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Constellation is seeking Initial License Trainees (ILT) to become a licensed Senior Reactor ... Degree from a 4-year program or equivalent in engineering, engineering technology, or physical ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Reactor Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$57.7K

$108.2K

$196.7K

How much do reactor engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for reactor engineer in Illinois is $108,174.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $128,400.00 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 job categories do people searching Reactor Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Reactor Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Reactor Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,174 per year, or $52 per hour.

$123K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Who We Are
As the largest private-sector power producer in the world and the nation's largest producer of clean and reliable energy, Constellation is focused on our purpose: lighting the way to a brilliant tomorrow for all. We have been the leader in clean energy production for more than a decade, and we are cultivating a workplace where our employees can grow, thrive, and contribute. Now integrated with Calpine, our portfolio includes 55 gigawatts of capacity from nuclear, natural gas, geothermal, hydro, wind and solar facilities, with the generating capacity to power the equivalent of 27 million homes.
Our culture and employee experience make it clear: We are powered by passion and purpose. Together, we're creating healthier communities and a cleaner planet, and our people are the driving force behind our success. At Constellation, you can build a fulfilling career with opportunities to learn, grow and make an impact. By doing our best work and meeting new challenges, we can accomplish great things. Join us in meeting the country's energy needs today and tomorrow.
Total Rewards
Constellation offers an extensive selection of benefits and rewards to help our employees thrive professionally and personally. We provide competitive compensation and a wide-range of benefits that support both employees and their families, helping them prepare for the future. In addition to highly competitive salaries, eligible employees are offered a bonus program, 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase program; comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits, including robust wellbeing programs; disability and life insurance benefits; paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick days; and much more.
***This Engineering role can be filled at the Entry, Mid-level or Senior Engineer level. Please see minimum qualifications list below for each level***
  • Entry-Level - $87,000
  • Mid-Level - $94,500 - $122,000
  • Sr Level - $123,000 - $155,000

Ranges are per year based on experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes bonus and 401K.
Primary Purpose of Position
Performs advanced reactor engineering problem solving in support of nuclear plant operations. Responsible for technical decisions. Possesses excellent knowledge in functional discipline and its practical application and has detailed knowledge of applicable industry codes and regulations.
Primary Duties and Accountabilities
  • Provide in-depth technical expertise to develop, manage and implement engineering analysis, activities and programs.
  • Provide technical expertise and consultation through direct involvement to identify and resolve reactor core analysis movement and control.
  • Accountable for the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of work ensuring proper configuration management and assuring that standard design criteria, practices, procedures and codes are used in preparation of plans and specifications.
  • Perform independent research, reviews, studies and analyses in support of technical projects and programs.
  • Recommend equipment, new concepts and techniques to improve performance, simplify construction, reduce costs, correct design or material flaws, or comply with changes in codes or regulations.
  • Must obtain Qualified Nuclear Engineering (QNE) within 24 months of assuming the position.
  • Perform other job assignments and duties as directed by management or pursuant to company policy, including but not limited to emergency response, departmental coverage, call outs, and support of outage activities in positions outside the department.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS for Entry Level E01 Engineer - New Graduate
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Civil/Structural, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical or Nuclear)
  • Maintain minimum access requirements or unescorted access requirements, as applicable, and favorable medical examination and/or testing in accordance with position duties

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS for Mid-level E02 Engineer
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (chemical, civil/structural, electrical, industrial, mechanical or nuclear) with 2 years of nuclear or related engineering experience
  • Maintain minimum access requirements or unescorted access requirements, as applicable, and favorable medical examination and/or testing in accordance with position duties

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS for Senior E03 Engineer
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Civil/Structural, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical or Nuclear) with 5 years of nuclear experience or related engineering experience
  • Must meet additional requirements as outlined in ANSI/ANS-3.1-2014 Standard, "Selection, Qualification, and Training of Personnel for Nuclear Power Plants"
  • Maintain minimum access requirement or unescorted access requirements, as applicable, and favorable medical examination and/or testing in accordance with position duties

Preferred Qualifications
Engineering in Training certification