Reactor Operations Engineer

Radiant is an El Segundo, CA-based startup building the world’s first mass-produced, portable nuclear microreactors. The company’s first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt failsafe microreactor that can be transported anywhere power is needed and run for up to five years without the need to refuel. Portable nuclear power with rapid deploy capability can replace similar-sized diesel generators, and provide critical asset support for hospitals, data centers, remote sites, and military bases. Radiant’s unique, practical approach to nuclear development utilizes modern software engineering to rapidly achieve safe, factory-built microreactors that leverage existing, well-qualified materials. Founded in 2020, Radiant is on track to test its first reactor next year at the Idaho National Laboratory, with initial customer deliveries beginning in 2028.

Reactor Operations Engineer

We are seeking a Reactor Operations Engineer to design and implement mission-critical procedures for reactor operators managing our groundbreaking nuclear microreactor technology. This role offers a rare opportunity to bridge engineering, operations, and human factors in a highly technical and regulated environment. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to translate complex hardware and software designs into clear, executable, and DOE or NRC compliant procedures. Your work will ensure that Reactor Operators (ROs) and Senior Reactor Operators (SROs) can efficiently and safely execute test, commissioning, and operational activities.

This position goes beyond traditional systems engineering—you will also gain hands-on experience as a Reactor Operator (RO), directly influencing the development of operational software, procedures, and digital twin simulations. Your contributions will enhance operator efficiency, safety, and real-world execution of our cutting-edge microreactors.

Responsibilities And Duties

- Develop and refine operational procedures that integrate both software and hardware-in-the-loop testing.

- Collaborate closely with engineers to improve operator interfaces, procedural workflows, and software tools.

- Qualify as an operator to gain firsthand experience, ensuring procedures align with real-world execution.

- Support testing and iterative improvements of digital twin scenarios, operator systems, and human-machine interfaces.

- Ensure compliance with DOE and NRC standards, maintaining strict formatting, clarity, and usability in procedural documentation.

Required Skills And Qualifications

- Undergraduate degree in engineering discipline.

- 2+ years of full-time professional experience in engineering problem-solving, including system design, analysis, or testing.

- Proficiency in managing or optimizing complex hardware and software processes for testing and operations.

- Ability to apply first principles thinking to solve problems and make decisions in uncertain or ambiguous situations.

Desired Skills And Qualifications

- Hands-on experience in developing technical procedures, human factors engineering, or operational interface design.

- Prior operations background such as mission control room operator.

- Background in highly regulated industries (e.g., nuclear, aerospace, aviation, maritime).

- Proficiency in Python, UNIX, for procedure testing within the simulator environments.

- Experience with human factors and user-centered instructions for operational workflows.

Additional Requirements

- Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to achieve company goals.

- Must work 100% onsite at El Segundo HQ.

Total Compensation And Benefits

Radiant's new hire compensation package includes base salary, substantial equity grants, and comprehensive benefits. Total compensation and level are determined through a holistic evaluation of your interview performance, experience, education, and qualifications.

Benefits And Perks For Eligible Employees

- Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full-time employees. - Medical: 100% premium coverage for base Silver level plan for employee + 50% premium coverage for dependents. Platinum plans available.

- One Medical: Sponsored memberships for eligible employees and their dependents.

- Vision: 100% premium coverage for top tier plan + 50% for dependents. - Dental: 100% premium coverage for top tier plan (including orthodontia) + 50% for dependents.

- Voluntary life, accident, hospital, critical illness, commuter and FSA/HSA are offered as employee contributed benefits.

- 8-weeks of paid parental leave for all parents. Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees.

- Daily catered lunch. Free snacks and drinks.

- Flexible PTO policy. Remote workday allocation.

- Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and in-person camaraderie.

- Beautiful El Segundo headquarters close to the Pacific Ocean.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time. This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.