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Small Modular Reactor Jobs in Kearny, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Thea Energy

Director - Nuclear Engineering

Kearny, NJ

$160K - $230K/yr

Proven leadership experience in cutting-edge nuclear projects, such as fission reactor projects (e.g. small modular reactors, molten salt reactors, fast reactors, Gen-IV reactors) or accelerator ...

Thea Energy

Director - Nuclear Engineering

Kearny, NJ · On-site

$160K - $230K/yr

Proven leadership experience in cutting-edge nuclear projects, such as fission reactor projects (e.g. small modular reactors, molten salt reactors, fast reactors, Gen-IV reactors) or accelerator ...

All JobsSmall Modular Reactor JobsSmall Modular Reactor Jobs in Kearny, NJ

Small Modular Reactor information

See Kearny, NJ salary details

$55.9K

$84.4K

$128.1K

How much do small modular reactor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for small modular reactor in Kearny, NJ is $84,363.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,600.00 and $91,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a small modular reactor?

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 job categories do people searching Small Modular Reactor jobs in Kearny, NJ look for?

The top searched job categories for Small Modular Reactor jobs in Kearny, NJ are:

What cities near Kearny, NJ are hiring for Small Modular Reactor jobs?

Cities near Kearny, NJ with the most Small Modular Reactor job openings:

Small Modular Reactor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Small Modular Reactor job openings in Kearny, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,363 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Director - Nuclear Engineering

Thea Energy

Kearny, NJ

$160K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the nuclear engineering team to develop and oversee the nuclear design of fusion systems.

  • Direct the nuclear safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental standards for the fusion device and facility.

  • Manage the nuclear aspects of the system facility, including tracking high-energy particles, managing activation products, and calculating dose rates.

Job description

About Thea Energy:  
Thea Energy is leveraging recent breakthroughs in stellarator physics and engineering to create a faster and simpler approach to commercializing fusion energy. The company is reinventing the stellarator using computer-controlled arrays of planar coils thereby replacing the intricate, complex modular magnets required in all other stellarator architectures. Thea Energy is on a mission to create a limitless source of zero emission energy for a sustainable future.  
 
Position Overview:  
Thea Energy is hiring for a Director - Nuclear Engineering to lead our nuclear engineering team. This role will orchestrate the nuclear design and safety parameters essential to our first-of-a-kind integrated fusion system. You will be responsible for effectively leading and managing the day-to-day nuclear engineering program. Your efforts will directly contribute to the organization's success by ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient nuclear designs. Thea Energy’s dynamic team is made up of self-motivated individuals with an excitement for solving complex problems.
Key Responsibility Areas:
  • Lead and grow a world-class team of nuclear engineers working on the cutting edge of commercial fusion power technology.
  • Direct the nuclear design of fusion systems, including blanket, shield, bioshield, and fuel cycle.
  • Manage the nuclear aspects of the system facility, including tracking and engineering the cascade of high-energy particles, managing activation products, and calculating dose rates.
  • Interface all aspects of safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental standards for the fusion device and facility.
  • Build organizational capabilities by recruiting and retaining talent, mentoring, and fostering professional growth.
  • Proactively collaborate and communicate with engineering system owners to prioritize and align development and execution with design schedules.
  • Be accountable for the quality and accuracy of the team's nuclear engineering work, reports, and presentations.
Ideal Experience & Skillsets:
  • MS or PhD in nuclear engineering.
  • 15+ years of work experience in nuclear engineering or a similar technical field.
  • Proven leadership experience in cutting-edge nuclear projects, such as fission reactor projects (e.g. small modular reactors, molten salt reactors, fast reactors, Gen-IV reactors) or accelerator projects.
  • Demonstrated experience thriving in a startup environment, with a track record of successfully building and managing teams.
  • Strong analytical skills and an understanding of the first principles of engineering.
  • A proven ability to motivate and catalyze teams into action through influence and strong leadership.
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex business needs into technical solutions.
Company Benefits:
  • Salary range: $160,000-$230,000
  • Comprehensive health benefits (e.g. medical/dental/vision)  
  • Employee equity stock options  
  • 20 days PTO
It’s not necessary to meet all of the skillsets outlined above. Please feel free to send us a note and tell us why you would still be a great fit for this role or Thea Energy.  
  
Diversity and Inclusion:  
Thea Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a company of diverse backgrounds. By creating a diverse environment, we will bring new ideas and approaches to solving some of the world’s hardest (and most important) problems. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, family or marital status, age, disability, veteran’s status, or other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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About Thea Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Clean energy semiconductors manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Princeton, NJ, US

Year founded

2022

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