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Senior Nuclear Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cantos Ventures

Senior Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$133.50 - $207.90/hr

Location El Segundo HQ Employment Type Full time Location Type On-site Department Engineering Nuclear Engineering Compensation * $133.5K - $207.9K • Offers Equity Senior Nuclear Engineer Radiant is ...

Radiant

Senior Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$133K - $184K/yr

About the Role Radiant is seeking a driven Senior Nuclear Engineer to join our team! You will own modeling methods and reactor physics calculations of neutronics parameters such as reactivity ...

Radiant Industries

Senior Nuclear Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$133K - $184K/yr

About the Role Radiant is seeking a driven Senior Nuclear Engineer to join our team! You will own modeling methods and reactor physics calculations of neutronics parameters such as reactivity ...

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 ...

US Navy

$103K - $123K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Manila, CA

$102K - $122K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Midway City, CA

$105K - $126K/yr

Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component: Officer • Active ... with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for ...

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All JobsNuclear Engineer JobsSenior Nuclear Engineer JobsSenior Nuclear Engineer Jobs in California

Senior Nuclear Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$124.9K

$181.1K

How much do senior nuclear engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior nuclear engineer in California is $124,900.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,100.00 and $141,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior nuclear engineer?

Senior Nuclear Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, operate, and oversee nuclear power plants and related systems. They are responsible for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance of nuclear operations, as well as troubleshooting complex technical issues. Senior Nuclear Engineers often lead teams, manage projects, and contribute to research and development in the nuclear energy field. Their expertise is critical in maintaining safe energy production and advancing nuclear technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior nuclear engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Nuclear Engineer, you need an advanced degree in nuclear engineering or a related field, strong analytical skills, and several years of industry experience. Familiarity with nuclear simulation software, regulatory compliance systems, and certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are typically required. Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you manage complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and regulatory-compliant operation of nuclear facilities while advancing project objectives.

What are some typical challenges senior nuclear engineers face in project management and how can they be addressed?

Senior Nuclear Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating multidisciplinary teams, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing complex technical risks during large-scale projects. Effective communication and strong leadership skills are key to overcoming these obstacles, as is keeping up-to-date with evolving safety standards. Proactively engaging with stakeholders and implementing rigorous project management methodologies help ensure that projects stay on track and meet safety and quality requirements.

What is the difference between Senior Nuclear Engineer vs Nuclear Safety Engineer?

AspectSenior Nuclear EngineerNuclear Safety Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Nuclear Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Nuclear Engineering, specialized training in safety protocols
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and oversee nuclear systems; collaborate with engineers and project teamsAssess safety risks, develop safety procedures, ensure compliance with safety standards
Employer & Industry UsagePower plants, nuclear research, defense contractorsRegulatory agencies, nuclear power plants, consulting firms

While both roles require nuclear engineering expertise, Senior Nuclear Engineers focus on system design and project management, whereas Nuclear Safety Engineers specialize in safety assessments and compliance. Both positions are vital in ensuring safe and efficient nuclear operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nuclear Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Nuclear Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs in California?

For Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Nuclear Engineer job openings:

Senior Nuclear Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Nuclear Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $124,900 per year, or $60 per hour.

Senior Nuclear Engineer

Cantos Ventures

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$133.50 - $207.90/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Location

El Segundo HQ

Employment Type

Full time

Location Type

On-site

Department

Engineering Nuclear Engineering

Compensation
  • $133.5K – $207.9K • Offers Equity
Senior Nuclear Engineer

Radiant is seeking a driven Senior Nuclear Engineer to join our team! You will own modeling methods and reactor physics calculations of neutronics parameters such as reactivity, kinetics parameters, and energy deposition distributions used within our cutting‑made Digital Twin simulation software. You’ll be responsible for assessing conservatism and verifying assumptions within the modeling methods and documenting all results. Because these methods are pivotal in the safety analysis, you will play a key role in the commercialization of the first mass‑produced nuclear reactor.

Responsibilities and Duties
  • Own modeling methods of core neutronics and reactor physics calculations supporting Radiant’s transient safety analyses.
  • Perform calculations of energy deposition distributions, reactivity coefficients, kinetics parameters, and control blade worths to input into Digital Twin models.
  • Verify assumptions and assess conservatism of neutronics models.
  • Document methods for both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Assist in Verification & Validation (V&V) efforts for the Digital Twin.
  • Review and support other nuclear analyses across the company in reactor physics, shielding, and radiation detection.
Required Skills and Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering or a similar field from an accredited institution.
  • 4+ years of experience with Monte Carlo nuclear engineering software such as OpenMC, MCNP, Serpent, SCALE, etc.
  • Experience documenting analysis methods and assumptions.
  • Strong programming skills in any language, preferably Python.
Desired Skills and Qualifications
  • Knowledge and experience in reactor kinetics.
  • Basic knowledge of thermal hydraulic principles.
  • Experience communicating and distilling information with cross‑functional teams.
  • Driven, self‑motivated, and takes ownership of work end to end.
Additional Requirements
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to accomplish our mission.
  • Must work 100% onsite at El Segundo HQ.
Benefits and Perks
  • Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full‑time employees.
  • Medical: 100% up to base silver level plan for employee + 50% dependents, offers up to Platinum plans.
  • One Medical: Sponsored memberships for employees and their dependents.
  • Vision: 100% top tier plan coverage + 50% for dependents.
  • Dental: 100% top tier plan coverage, orthodontia extra, 50% for dependents.
  • Voluntary life, accident, hospital, critical illness, commuter and FSA/HSA are offered as employee contributed benefits.
  • 8‑weeks of paid parental leave for all parents. Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees.
  • Daily catered lunch. Free snacks and drinks.
  • Flexible PTO policy. Remote workday allocation.
  • Company and team‑bonding events, happy hours and in‑person camaraderie.
  • Beautiful El Segundo headquarters close to the Pacific Ocean.
Total Compensation and Benefits

Radiant compensates people for impact and invests in those who continue to raise the bar. Radiant’s new hire compensation package includes base salary, substantial equity grants, and comprehensive health benefits. Total compensation and level are determined through a rigorous evaluation of interview performance, experience, education, and qualifications, and are designed to support continued growth as scope, responsibility, and impact expand at Radiant.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time.

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

Compensation Range: $133.5K - $207.9K

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