Principal Reactor Physics & Neutronics Engineer

Airswift; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Airswift partners with an innovative advanced nuclear technology organization in Houston to recruit a Lead / Principal Reactor Physics & Neutronics Engineer. You will establish and grow the reactor physics capability and serve as a technical leader across engineering initiatives.

The role offers the opportunity to influence analytical methodologies, mentor developing engineers, and guide reactor technology from demonstration toward deployment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field; PhD a plus.
• 10+ years experience in reactor physics, neutronics, or related areas.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical projects and teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform reactor physics and neutronics analyses supporting design, testing, safety, and development.
• Develop computational models for neutron transport, reactivity, shielding, depletion, and related evaluations.
• Support core design studies, fuel management, and multidisciplinary assessments.
• Lead verification, validation, benchmarking, sensitivity and uncertainty analyses.
• Provide input to safety evaluations, licensing, and regulatory documentation.
• Establish standards and best practices for reactor physics; mentor junior engineers.
• Participate in reviews and influence major engineering decisions.

Skills

Reactor physics

Neutronics

Criticality analysis

Project leadership

Technical mentoring

Education

Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics, or related

Job description

Lead / Principal Reactor Physics & Neutronics Engineer

About the Opportunity

We are partnering with an innovative advanced nuclear technology organization developing next-generation reactor systems designed to deliver reliable, carbon-free energy in challenging and underserved environments.

As the organization continues to mature its reactor development program, it is seeking a Lead / Principal Reactor Physics & Neutronics Engineer to establish and grow its reactor physics capability while serving as a key technical leader across multiple engineering initiatives.

This is an opportunity to influence critical design decisions, shape analytical methodologies, mentor developing engineers, and help guide advanced reactor technology from demonstration toward future deployment.

What You'll Do

• Lead and perform reactor physics and neutronics analyses supporting reactor design, testing, safety, and technology development.
• Develop and apply computational models for neutron transport, criticality, reactivity, shielding, depletion, and related physics evaluations.
• Support core design studies, fuel management strategies, and multidisciplinary engineering assessments.
• Lead verification, validation, benchmarking, sensitivity, and uncertainty analyses.
• Provide technical input to safety evaluations, licensing activities, and regulatory documentation.
• Establish engineering standards, analytical methodologies, and best practices for the reactor physics function.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers while helping build long-term organizational capability.
• Participate in technical reviews and contribute to key engineering and program decisions.

What We're Looking For

• Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics, or a related discipline (PhD is a plus).
• 10+ years of experience in reactor physics, neutronics, criticality analysis, reactor design, or a related field.
• Strong hands-on experience with reactor physics methods, computational modeling, and technical problem-solving.
• Experience leading complex technical projects, programs, or engineering teams.
• Background within nuclear energy, national laboratories, advanced reactor programs, naval nuclear, research reactors, or other highly regulated engineering environments.
• Demonstrated ability to influence technical direction, mentor engineers, and develop organizational capability.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique

• Opportunity to build and shape a reactor physics organization.
• High visibility and influence across engineering leadership and multidisciplinary teams.
• Complex first-of-a-kind technical challenges in advanced reactor development.
• Significant ownership of technical methodologies, standards, and analytical practices.
• Ability to contribute directly to the future of advanced nuclear energy.