Nuclear Engineer - Reactor Physics

Nano Nuclear Energy, Inc.; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

NANO Nuclear Energy is seeking a Nuclear Engineer, Reactor Physics to perform reactor physics analyses and support core design and licensing activities for advanced reactor systems. You will collaborate with engineering, safety, and licensing teams, and contribute to tool development and regulatory documentation.

Ideal candidates bring strong Monte Carlo skills, reactor physics knowledge, and proficient Python programming, with 7+ years of relevant experience (or MSc with 5+ years).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of relevant experience (or MSc with 5+ years).
• Strong Monte Carlo skills and solid reactor physics knowledge.
• Proficient programming skills, Python commonly used in this role.
• Nuclear software verification/validation experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform neutron and gamma transport calculations to determine activation/dose rates, heating, and shielding requirements.
• Design radiation shielding throughout the reactor system.
• Perform criticality safety calculations.
• Develop, verify, and validate computational tools for reactor multiphysics analysis.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations & maintenance, safety analysis, and licensing teams.
• Assist in training and mentoring junior team members.
• Ensure compliance with nuclear regulations, licensing requirements, and company safety policies.
• Contribute to licensing documents for Nano Nuclear Energy reactor systems.

Skills

Monte Carlo

Reactor physics

Python programming

Problem solving

Software verification

Education

Bachelors in Nuclear Engineering

Advanced degree (MS/MSc)

Job description

About NANO Nuclear Energy

NANO Nuclear Energy is an advanced nuclear technology company developing next-generation microreactor systems that will help transform the future of clean, reliable, and resilient energy. Through the development of its KRONOS MMR™ Energy System, LOKI MMR™ Energy System, and ZEUS™ Solid Core Battery Reactor—advanced high-temperature gas‑cooled reactor (HTGR) technologies designed for applications including data centers, industrial operations, remote communities, and critical infrastructure—the company is advancing innovative nuclear solutions for a rapidly evolving energy landscape. NANO Nuclear has also submitted a Construction Permit Application (CPA) to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to support the planned deployment of the KRONOS MMR at the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign (UIUC), representing a significant milestone toward the commercialization of advanced nuclear technology.

Joining NANO Nuclear means contributing to pioneering technologies with the potential to redefine the nuclear industry while working alongside experts in engineering, science, and innovation. Our team operates in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where employees are encouraged to solve challenging technical problems and advance the materials technologies needed for next‑generation energy systems.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Nuclear Engineer, Reactor Physics who will be responsible for performing reactor physics analyses of the nuclear reactor power systems in development at Nano Nuclear Energy, Inc. The Nuclear Engineer will support core design enhancement, integrate customer and regulatory requirements into the reactor core design, and perform analysis and prepare documentation to support licensing of the reactor systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform neutron and gamma radiation transport calculations to determine activation/dose rates, heating, and material damage effects, and establish radiation shielding requirements.
• Design radiation shielding throughout the reactor system.
• Perform criticality safety calculations.
• Develop, verify, and validate computational tools for reactor multiphysics analysis.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations & maintenance, safety analysis, and licensing teams.
• Assist in training and mentoring junior team members.
• Ensure compliance with nuclear regulations, licensing requirements, and company safety policies.
• Contribute to the preparation of documents to enable licensing of Nano Nuclear Energy reactor systems.
• Responsibilities may extend to other divisions of the business at times.
• Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years (or M.Sc. and 5+ years) of relevant experience.
• Strong Monte Carlo skills and strong understanding of reactor physics. Experience in reactor design, radiation shielding, and criticality safety desirable.
• Strong programming skills in any language; Python is commonly used in this position.
• Excellent problem‑solving and collaboration skills.
• Nuclear software verification and validation experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years (or M.Sc. and 5+ years) of relevant experience.
• Strong Monte Carlo skills and strong understanding of reactor physics. Experience in reactor design, radiation shielding, and criticality safety desirable.
• Strong programming skills in any language; Python is commonly used in this position.
• Excellent problem‑solving and collaboration skills.
• Nuclear software verification and validation experience is a plus.