Entry Level Nuclear Engineer and Physicist Nuclear
The Entry Level Nuclear Engineer and Physicist role at Confidential Client involves contributing to the conceptual and detailed design of next-generation naval reactor cores, focusing on improving performance, safety, and capability for submarine propulsion. The position requires applying nuclear engineering principles to evaluate neutronic behavior, thermal and shielding performance, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams to develop advanced reactor technologies for the U.S. Navy.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Government — Naval Nuclear Propulsion (Nuclear Energy/Defense).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
You will join a multidisciplinary Future Development Programs team to support conceptual and detailed reactor core design for naval propulsion systems. In this entry-level role you will apply your nuclear engineering or physics education to analyze neutronic behavior, evaluate thermal performance, support shielding design, and help assess overall primary plant performance for next‑generation submarine reactor concepts. Typical responsibilities include:
- Conduct neutronics and radiation transport evaluations to support core concept development.
- Run and post-process simulation results (MATLAB, Python, or similar) to inform design trade-offs.
- Support thermal‑hydraulic and heat transfer evaluations for core and plant performance.
- Assist in shielding assessments and radiation dose estimates for systems and personnel.
- Develop and validate analysis models in collaboration with senior engineers and materials experts.
- Prepare technical reports, present results to multidisciplinary teams, and document assumptions and limitations.
Why This Role Matters
This role supports development of future naval reactor capability—improving safety, performance, and operational effectiveness for submarine propulsion. You’ll gain broad exposure to nuclear design, thermal analysis, shielding, materials interactions, and systems integration while working alongside experienced engineers and scientists.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering or Physics from an accredited college or university, or a Master’s degree in the same fields.
- U.S. citizenship required (position supports work requiring eligibility for access to classified matter).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain technical concepts clearly to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
Preferred / Valuable Skills
- Cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.
- Coursework in neutronics, radiation transport, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, or finite element analysis.
- Experience with engineering analysis and scripting for post-processing (MATLAB, Python).
- Demonstrated ability to work in highly collaborative, multidisciplinary teams.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary range: $63,900 – $97,800 per year (range provided as a guideline; actual pay will be based on experience and qualifications).
- Health, dental, and vision plans; disability, life, and accident insurance.
- 401(k) savings program; paid parental leave; flexible work schedules.
- Tuition assistance and student debt benefit programs where eligible.
- Generous personal and medical time off, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and wellness resources.
Location, Security & Screening
- Location: West Mifflin, PA (on-site or as required by program needs).
- Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter.
- This is a government‑contractor role; candidates must pass a pre‑employment drug test in compliance with federal and program policy (includes testing for marijuana).
How We Recruit (third‑party best practices)
Careertakes works as a sourcing partner on behalf of the Confidential Client. If your background matches, you may be invited to an initial recruiter screen, followed by technical interviews with subject‑matter experts. When preparing your application, highlight relevant coursework, project or lab experience (neutronics, thermal analysis, shielding), and any scripting or simulation tools used (MATLAB, Python, radiation transport codes).
Keywords & Fit
This posting targets entry‑level nuclear engineers and physicists with strengths in reactor core design, neutronics, thermal analysis, shielding design, and engineering analysis scripting (MATLAB/Python). Candidates seeking a career in naval nuclear propulsion, government nuclear programs, or advanced reactor design are encouraged to apply.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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