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Reactor Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Kenney, IL ยท On-site

$159K - $191K/yr

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 ...

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Reactor Engineer information

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$59.5K

$111.6K

$203K

How much do reactor engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for reactor engineer in the United States is $111,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Reactor Engineers?

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.

More about Reactor Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Reactor Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Reactor Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Reactor Engineer jobs? The top employers for Reactor Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Reactor Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Reactor Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Reactor Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,632 per year, or $53.7 per hour.
Reactor Core Components & Fabrication Engineer - HFIR Project

Reactor Core Components & Fabrication Engineer - HFIR Project

Strata-G, LLC

Oak Ridge, TN โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

At Strata-G, we define significance by the extraordinary people we hire, the relationships we build with our clients, and the positive impact we make in the community. Our team of intellectually curious and highly motivated engineers, scientists and business professionals engages with our clients to solve complex energy and environmental challenges around the world.

We are driven by our values to create a culture of significant and positive change for our clients and the world.

We Care We treat our customers and employees as we wish to be treated. Integrity We are honest and ethical in every endeavor. Service We continuously strive to please our customers and to exceed their expectations. Quality We maintain a culture of continuous improvement. Safety We hold paramount the safety and health of our associates, our customers, the public, and the environment. Innovation We develop creative solutions to better serve our customers. Attitude We maintain a positive attitude and value humor. Outreach We share the results of our successes with the community.

Strata-G is seeking an experience Reactor Core Components & Fabrication Engineer with the following:

Summary:

Client is currently preparing for two exciting major replacement projects, the reactor pressure vessel and the beryllium reflector, to sustain and enhance HFIR's operation performance. Both projects require engineering, design, and analysis support to complement the integrated project team to deliver the design milestones on schedule and within scope. This role will primarily focus on supporting the design and development of the reactor's internal core components and the core alignment plan for the PVR Project. Following this phase, the position will involve substantial responsibilities in planning, procurement, and fabrication of critical reactor core components. This project is currently in the early stages of Critical Decision-1 (CD-1), as defined by DOE Order 413.3B. It is expected that the individual will collaborate closely with system engineers, designers, and multidisciplinary teams within RRD. This position will be assigned to the HFIR Upgrades Project Office and interacts with personnel at all levels within HFIR.
In addition to supporting the HFIR PVR Project, this role may also include responsibilities related to the HBRR project. These responsibilities may involve outage preparation activities such as the reactor core changeout procedures and work package development and the design and fabrication of custom tooling and fixtures, as well as managing fabrication procurements. HFIR is scheduled for an extended outage beginning in 2028 to replace and refurbish critical reactor vessel components, ensuring continued reactor operations for an additional 20 years.

Export Control Requirement:

This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Conduct calculations and analyses to support design specifications and requirements.
Ensure compliance with relevant codes and standards, including ASTM, ASME, AWS, GD&T, QS9000, and ISO14001.
Assist in developing the reactor core component replacement and the core alignment plan.
Prepare material specifications and provide technical support for material procurement.
Oversee and manages the procurement and fabrication of critical reactor vessel components
Ensure that fabrication packages meet the requirements of the RRD Fabrication Control, SEP-0240
Ensure documentation and engineering drawings of fabrication components are completed and placed under RRD Configuration Management, SEP-0100.
Provide design support and drawing review to enhance component manufacturability.
Prepare and review design specifications to define and determine acceptance criteria for component fabrications
Work with vendors and appropriate personnel to develop testing and inspection plans.
In conjunction with QA personnel, visit vendors to witness testing and perform in-process inspections
In conjunction with QA and system engineers, ensure that nonconformance and deviations are documented and resolved.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, with at least 10 years' experience with a focus on manufacturing, materials science, or a related field.
Excellent understanding of machining and fabrication practices, including welding, inspection techniques, and a strong understanding of the design engineering of complex components.
Hands-on experience with CNC lathes, precision OD grinding, forging presses, heat treatment furnaces, automated arc welding machines, and calibrated key heat treatment equipment.
Experience with relevant codes and standards, such as ASTM, ASME, GD&T tolerance (ASME Y14.5), QS9000, ISO14001, and others.
Experience working with QC Inspection Labs and a fundamental understanding of basic measurement techniques.
Experience with supplier management, including the selection and oversight of fabrication and manufacturing vendors for large-scale, high-complexity components.
Knowledge of 3D modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks or similar tools) and familiarity with creating or reviewing fabrication drawings.
Strong understanding of Configuration Management and Fabrication Control processes.
Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate technical requirements, issues, and progress with both internal and external stakeholders.

Job Type: Full Time/Contract

Job Location: Oak Ridge, TN. Onsite only.

Strata-G will not sponsor applicants for immigrant or non-immigrant work visas. The successful candidate will be required to submit evidence of identity and employment authorization. Tests for the absence of any illegal drug as defined in 10 CFR 707.4, will be conducted by Strata-G and a background investigation by the Federal government may be required to obtain an access authorization prior to employment. Strata-G is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veteran or disabled status. All job descriptions are evaluated for physical/mental standards prior to posting based on AAP guidelines.