Research Reactor Engineer

The position applies technical expertise in reactor systems analysis and operations, supports licensing and maintenance activities, and contributes to operator training and user collaboration, while upholding rigorous safety and quality standards....

  • 521815
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Alan Levin Dept Mech Nucl Engr
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing at: Jul 17 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
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About This Role

The Research Reactor Engineer provides safe, reliable, and regulatory compliant engineering support for the operation and maintenance of a nuclear research reactor and associated experimental facilities. The position applies technical expertise in reactor systems analysis and operations, supports licensing and maintenance activities, and contributes to operator training and user collaboration, while upholding rigorous safety and quality standards.

About Us

The mechanical and nuclear engineering (MNE) department at Kansas State University has 24 faculty members, annual research expenditures of approximately $6M, and an enrollment of approximately 850 undergraduate and graduate students. More information on the MNE department may be found at http://www.mne.ksu.edu. The Carl R. Ice College of Engineering is located on the main Kansas State University campus in Manhattan, Kansas, a vibrant, family-friendly city located in the scenic Flint Hills. Manhattan is the cultural and business hub of a tri-county area community of over 200,000 residents see (www.manhattan.org).

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requires a bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience. Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager.
    The degree requirement ensures candidates possess the advanced technical knowledge, design principles and analytical skills essential for developing, testing and implementing engineering solutions. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and experiential learning inherent in a formal degree program.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering
  • Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering or a closely related discipline
  • Experience with research or test reactors (TRIGA, pool-type, or similar)
  • Experience preparing or supporting NRC licensing or inspection activities
  • Fundamental knowledge of reactor physics, thermal-hydraulics, and radiation protection
  • Proficiency with reactor analysis tools (e.g., RELAP5-3D, TRACE, MCNP, SCALE, PHITS, OpenMC, or equivalent)
  • Familiarity with NRC regulations applicable to non-power and research reactors
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work in a regulated, safety-critical environment
  • Ability to pass USNRC background check and obtain unescorted access
  • Must be able to meet requirements for selection and training of personnel for research reactors (ANSI/ANS 15.4) and obtain Senior Reactor Operator License within 12 months

Additional Role Information:

Work may be performed in office, laboratory, and reactor facility environments. Occasional duties outside the usual M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. hours, may be required to support reactor operations.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  • Resume/CV
  • Cover Letter
  • Contact information for 3 references

Application Window

Applications close on: July 17, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$75,000-$87,000

 

 

Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship: 

Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements.  An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.

Relocation to Kansas: 

Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.

The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.

*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.

To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.