ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Reactor 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

The company's first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt, fail-safe microreactor that can be transported anywhere power is needed and run for up to 5 years without refueling. Portable nuclear power ...

Radiant

Senior Reactor Operations Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$133K - $184K/yr

The company's first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt, fail-safe microreactor that can be transported anywhere power is needed and run for up to 5 years without refueling. Portable nuclear power ...

Radiant

Senior Reactor Systems Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$133K - $184K/yr

The company's first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt, fail-safe microreactor that can be transported anywhere power is needed and run for up to 5 years without refueling. Portable nuclear power ...

Reactor

Senior Product Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We're building that future at Reactor. This role is your chance to design how it feels to use and interact with these capabilities. You'll own design at Reactor end-to-end. That means defining the ...

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 ...

Reactor

Operations Manager, GTM

San Francisco, CA · On-site

San Francisco Description This role is the engine room of Reactor's go-to-market. You will be one of the first GTM hires, working directly with the Head of GTM to turn our events, dinners, hackathons ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsReactor JobsReactor Jobs in California

Reactor information

See California salary details

$13

$34

$83

How much do reactor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for reactor in California is $34.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.77 and $35.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What professions make $500,000 a year?

Reactor operators and nuclear engineers can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-paying facilities or managerial roles. These positions often require specialized technical skills, security clearances, and working in demanding environments, with compensation reflecting the complexity and responsibility of the work.

What professions make 200,000 a year without a degree?

For a reactor or similar high-responsibility roles, reaching a $200,000 annual salary without a degree typically requires extensive experience, specialized skills, or certifications such as in nuclear, chemical, or industrial fields. Professions like commercial pilots, real estate developers, or certain sales executives can also reach this level through commissions and performance, often without formal degrees. However, most high-paying technical or managerial roles generally require relevant education or training.

What is the difference between Reactor vs Technician?

AspectReactorTechnician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering or nuclear technology, along with specialized reactor operation certificationsUsually needs technical diploma or associate degree, with specific technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOperates in nuclear power plants or research reactors, following strict safety protocolsWorks in maintenance, troubleshooting, and support roles within industrial or nuclear facilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by nuclear power plants, research institutions, and energy companiesEmployed across various industries including energy, manufacturing, and maintenance services

The main difference between a Reactor and a Technician lies in their roles and responsibilities. Reactors are specialized operators managing nuclear systems, requiring advanced certifications and working in high-security environments. Technicians support these operations through maintenance and technical support, often with less advanced credentials. Both roles are essential in the nuclear industry, but they differ in scope, training, and daily tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by reactor operators during daily operations?

Reactor operators frequently encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols while managing complex control systems. They must be vigilant to detect and respond quickly to abnormal readings or alarms, which requires strong attention to detail and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Additionally, operators often work in shifts and within tightly regulated environments, which can be physically and mentally demanding. Teamwork and clear communication with engineers and other operators are crucial to ensure safe and efficient reactor performance.

What are Reactors?

In the context of jobs, a 'Reactor' typically refers to a professional who operates and monitors nuclear reactors in power plants or research facilities. Their responsibilities include controlling reactor systems, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and responding to any operational anomalies. Reactor operators must be highly trained and licensed, as their work involves managing nuclear materials and protecting both people and the environment. They work closely with engineers and other technical staff to maintain efficient and safe reactor operations.

Can you make $500,000 as a nuclear engineer?

Nuclear engineers typically earn a median annual salary around $120,000, with top earners in specialized roles or with extensive experience reaching salaries close to $150,000 to $200,000. Achieving a $500,000 salary would generally require senior positions, management roles, or working in high-demand sectors with additional responsibilities or bonuses.

How much money do nuclear reactor workers make?

Nuclear reactor workers typically earn between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific roles such as reactor operators or technicians. Advanced positions or those with specialized certifications can earn higher salaries, and shift work or overtime may also increase earnings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nuclear Reactor Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nuclear Reactor Operator, you need a strong understanding of nuclear physics, engineering principles, and operational protocols, typically requiring a high school diploma or associate degree and completion of specialized training programs. Familiarity with reactor control systems, safety monitoring equipment, and a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) operator license are essential technical qualifications. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensuring the safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant operation of nuclear reactors.
What are popular job titles related to Reactor jobs in California? For Reactor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reactor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Reactor jobs in California are:
Reactor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reactor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,491 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Forward Deployed Engineer

Reactor

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Forward Deployed Engineer
Department: Engineering
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: San Francisco
Description
This role sits at the intersection of ML engineering and customer partnership. You will be the person who makes it real for our lab partners, going on-site to their offices, understanding their models deeply, and doing whatever it takes to get them running at production quality on Reactor's infrastructure.
This is not a support role. You will be making critical technical and product decisions and working directly with the founders. You will be one of the first people to define what forward deployment looks like at Reactor.
What You'll Do
  • 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 targets that make real-time interactive video feel real
  • Be the voice of the lab partner inside Reactor and make product decisions that directly shape what we build next

Who You Are
  • 3+ years in ML engineering or a technical role working directly with external teams
  • Comfortable reading and writing Python at a production level and tracing through inference pipelines to find and fix bottlenecks
  • Strong knowledge of PyTorch and modern ML inference optimization techniques
  • Comfortable with ambiguity, travel, and getting on a plane to unblock a partner

Nice to Have
  • Experience with diffusion models, video generation, or world models
  • Familiarity with real-time streaming systems
  • CUDA kernel optimization, TensorRT, or custom inference frameworks
  • Existing relationships in the generative video or foundation model ecosystem

Benefits
  • Competitive SF salary and meaningful early equity
  • Visa sponsorship and relocation support
  • Generous health, dental, and vision coverage
  • Travel covered for on-site integrations

Apply