Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer

HukariAscendent is a Women-Owned, Small Business specializing in comprehensive engineering and technical support services associated with commercial nuclear power and other Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear activities.

Job Title: Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer

Duration: Full-Time

Location: Richland, Washington (Hybrid)

Short Summary about Job:

We are seeking a Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer based out of Richland, WA. The selected candidate will obtain site-specific Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) Analyst Qualification to support implementation of a DOE-approved Nuclear Criticality Safety Program in an operating non-reactor nuclear facility.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in nuclear, engineering, math, or science with a minimum of 4–5 years of Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) experience, or 5 years of equivalent technical experience in place of a B.S.
• Demonstrated keen attention to detail.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization. U.S. Citizenship is required for facility credentials/authorization at this work location.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE “Q” security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Nuclear Engineering degree.
• Minimum of 3 years of DOE-specific experience (highly preferred).
• Involvement in industry committees (e.g., American Nuclear Society).

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide technical guidance to operating organizations.
• Collaborate with operating organization personnel on NCS evaluations as the lead NCS Analyst.
• Perform independent reviews of NCS evaluations.
• Conduct periodic reviews of fissionable material operations.
• Lead and/or participate in NCS response to programmatic issues and criticality process deviations/infractions.
• Participate in NCS emergency response preparation (emergency procedures, plans, exercises, and drills).
• Independently prepare, review, and/or present technical reports to the criticality safety community (e.g., American Nuclear Society).
• Conduct NCS training for all levels of employees involved in fissionable material operations.
• Assist in the development and/or review of new or proposed changes to existing NCS programmatic policy and implementing documents.
• Lead and/or participate in assessments and audits of the NCS Program.
• Mentor less experienced NCS Analysts and Analysts In-Training on all aspects of criticality safety.
• Develop, revise, and review NCS documentation such as Criticality Safety Evaluations (CSEs), Nuclear Criticality Safety Design Analyses and Calculations (DACs), and other NCS technical basis documentation.
• Complete required NCS annual Operational Reviews.
• Provide daily nuclear facility support, including facility walkdowns, review of NCS requirements and implementing documents, and participation in facility Operational Safety Boards.

Miscellaneous/Additional Information:

• Compensation: $115,000+
• Work schedule: Hybrid
• No active clearance is required to apply; candidates must be able to obtain a DOE “Q” clearance.
• An alternate combination of education and experience will be considered.

HukariAscendent offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid time off.

Opportunities with HukariAscendent change frequently. For a complete listing of our current openings, please visit our website at

HukariAscendent is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to age, disability, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran or military status including disabled veterans and Vietnam era veterans, or other protected status.

HukariAscendent maintains a drug-free workplace.