ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Small Modular Reactor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSmall Modular Reactor JobsSmall Modular Reactor Jobs in California

Small Modular Reactor information

How much money do nuclear reactor workers make?

Nuclear reactor workers, including roles such as reactor operators and technicians, typically earn between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often with shift differentials and benefits included.

Is it hard to get a job at a nuclear power plant?

Getting a job at a nuclear power plant, including roles related to Small Modular Reactors, typically requires relevant education, such as engineering or technical training, and often involves passing background checks and safety certifications. Experience in the nuclear industry or related fields can improve chances, and positions may require working in specialized environments with strict safety protocols.

What companies are working on small modular reactors?

Several companies are developing small modular reactors (SMRs), including NuScale Power, Westinghouse Electric Company, and TerraPower. These companies focus on designing and commercializing SMRs for clean energy generation, often involving advanced engineering skills and regulatory certifications.

What is a Small Modular Reactor job?

A Small Modular Reactor (SMR) job involves working on the design, development, construction, operation, or regulation of SMRs, which are advanced nuclear reactors that are smaller and more flexible than traditional nuclear plants. Professionals in this field may include engineers, scientists, safety analysts, project managers, and regulatory specialists. These roles focus on improving reactor efficiency, ensuring safety, and advancing clean energy solutions. SMR jobs exist in government agencies, private companies, and research institutions working to develop next-generation nuclear technology.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for a Small Modular Reactor Engineer?

As a Small Modular Reactor Engineer, your daily tasks might include performing system analyses, monitoring reactor performance, reviewing safety protocols, and collaborating with other engineering disciplines to troubleshoot technical challenges. You may also be involved in preparing regulatory reports, overseeing construction or installation activities, and participating in design reviews or risk assessments. Working closely with project managers, safety specialists, and government regulators is common to ensure all reactor operations meet stringent safety and quality standards. This role offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with frequent opportunities to apply technical expertise to innovative, real-world energy solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Small Modular Reactor position, and why are they important?

To excel in a Small Modular Reactor Engineer role, candidates need a solid background in nuclear engineering, mechanical or electrical engineering, and strong analytical abilities, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with nuclear reactor simulation software, regulatory compliance tools, and safety certification (such as a Professional Engineer license or NRC qualification) is highly valued. Effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are key for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring regulatory standards are met. These qualifications are crucial to designing, operating, and maintaining advanced nuclear systems safely and efficiently within a regulated environment.

What qualifications do you need to work at a nuclear power plant?

To work as a Small Modular Reactor technician or operator at a nuclear power plant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or an associate degree in nuclear engineering, nuclear technology, or a related field. Certification from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) or equivalent, along with on-the-job training, is often required, and roles may require security clearances and adherence to strict safety protocols.
What are popular job titles related to Small Modular Reactor jobs in California? For Small Modular Reactor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Small Modular Reactor jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Small Modular Reactor jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Small Modular Reactor jobs? Cities in California with the most Small Modular Reactor job openings:
Small Modular Reactor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Modular Reactor job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 91% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 78% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution.

Lead Reactor Physicist / Core Design Lead (SMR / MMR Programs)

Barupon LLC

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Role Summary
BaRupOn LLC is seeking a highly experienced Lead Reactor Physicist / Core Design Lead to own the reactor physics and core design program for its Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) initiatives in the United States.
This is a technical leadership role at the heart of BaRupOn's nuclear engineering organization. The Lead Reactor Physicist will be responsible for the full lifecycle of reactor core design - from initial neutronics modeling and fuel assembly optimization through safety analysis integration and NRC regulatory submissions. This person will work in close partnership with licensing, engineering, and operations teams to ensure every core design is safe, efficient, and fully compliant with applicable U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements.
The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on experience in reactor physics and core design for advanced or non-light water reactors, a strong command of U.S. nuclear regulatory frameworks, and the technical leadership ability to guide a growing team of physicists and engineers in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
Reactor Core Design & Physics Analysis
  • Lead the design, analysis, and optimization of SMR/MMR reactor cores, including fuel assembly configurations, control rod systems, and core loading strategies.
  • Perform comprehensive reactor physics calculations: neutronics analysis, burnup and depletion modeling, reactivity control, flux distribution, and thermal-hydraulic integration.
  • Develop, validate, and maintain core simulation models and analytical methods using industry-standard neutronics and thermal-hydraulic codes.
  • Evaluate reactor core performance across the full range of operating and accident conditions, ensuring all safety margins are met.

Safety Analysis & Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensure all core designs comply with NRC regulations, safety limits, and licensing requirements, including 10 CFR Part 50, Part 52, and the emerging Part 53 framework for advanced reactors.
  • Support the development of Safety Analysis Reports (SAR/FSAR), technical specifications, and other regulatory documentation related to core design and reactor physics.
  • Perform or oversee probabilistic risk assessments (PRA) and deterministic safety analyses in support of licensing submissions.
  • Respond to NRC requests for additional information (RAIs) on core design and physics matters.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate closely with the Director of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs, mechanical and structural engineers, and operations teams to integrate physics requirements into overall reactor system design.
  • Provide physics input to thermal-hydraulic, structural, and materials engineering teams throughout the design process.
  • Support project management on physics-related milestone planning, schedule dependencies, and technical risk identification.

Technical Leadership & Team Development
  • Guide, mentor, and develop a team of junior and mid-level reactor physicists and core design engineers.
  • Establish and maintain core design standards, calculation methodologies, and code validation protocols across the team.
  • Prepare and review technical reports, design certifications, and white papers for internal and regulatory audiences.
  • Represent BaRupOn in technical forums, industry working groups, and national laboratory collaborations related to advanced reactor physics.

Required Experience & Qualifications
  • Master's or PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Reactor Physics, or a closely related field.
  • 10+ years of experience in reactor physics, core design, or nuclear engineering within the U.S. nuclear industry.
  • Proven, hands-on experience with reactor core design for SMR, advanced reactor, or Generation IV systems.
  • Deep working knowledge of U.S. nuclear regulatory frameworks, including 10 CFR Part 50, Part 52, and the emerging Part 53 framework for advanced reactors.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with industry-standard neutronics codes (e.g., MCNP, SCALE, CASMO, SIMULATE, or equivalent) and thermal-hydraulic modeling tools.
  • Experience developing and validating computational methods and core simulation models for NRC licensing purposes.
  • Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to author and defend regulatory documents and safety reports.

Preferred Skills & Certifications
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the U.S. - preferred.
  • Experience with NRC pre-application engagement and formal licensing interactions.
  • Active membership in recognized nuclear professional organizations, such as the American Nuclear Society (ANS).
  • Experience with advanced fuel cycle design, digital twin modeling, and integrated safety analysis software platforms.
  • Familiarity with NEPA environmental review processes and modular construction design constraints.
  • Strong mentoring, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration capabilities.

Why Join BaRupOn LLC
  • Take technical ownership of core design for one of the most ambitious SMR/MMR programs in the U.S. - from the ground up.
  • Work directly alongside the CNO, CTO, and licensing leadership team with real authority over physics methodology and core design direction.
  • Competitive compensation and benefits, including potential equity participation tied to program milestones.
  • Collaborate with top-tier engineers, national laboratory partners, and federal program stakeholders at the frontier of advanced nuclear energy.
  • A mission-driven company where technical excellence and safety culture are foundational, not aspirational.

Equal Opportunity Statement
BaRupOn LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Apply