Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Nuclear Engineer jobs in Illinois are concentrated in a market shaped by one of the largest nuclear power fleets in the country, with demand running from entry-level reactor operators and junior engineers through senior fuel management and safety analysis specialists. The Chicago metropolitan area and communities near Braidwood, Byron, and Quad Cities anchor most of the hiring, with major employers including Constellation Energy, Exelon, and the Argonne National Laboratory maintaining a consistent presence in the state. Roles in reactor operations support, probabilistic risk assessment, and nuclear fuel cycle engineering see the strongest and most sustained demand. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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We are seeking a Quantum Software Engineer with expertise in nuclear physics and quantum algorithms for physical science applications.
Job Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities outlined below include essential functions of the role. Depending on business needs, this role may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned:
- Conduct R&D toward cutting-edge advances in quantum technology with a focus on applications to nuclear physics
- Write and test code to apply quantum algorithms to nuclear physics problems
- Interface and collaborate with external groups interested in using quantum computing to solve nuclear physics problems
- Contribute to development of government and commercial nuclear proposals
- Collaborate with experimental physicists and software engineers to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical implementation
- Engage with the broader scientific community by publishing research findings in scientific journals and presenting at conferences
- Stay up to date with the latest developments in both quantum algorithms and nuclear physics
- Provide guidance and support to other team members, fostering a collaborative research environment
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- BS or MS in Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
- High proficiency in programming, with fluency in Python preferable. Proficiency in alternative languages (e.g., C/C++ or Julia) with the ability to rapidly upskill in Python.
- General familiarity of nuclear physics: nuclear structure, Goldstone diagrams, Fermionic algebra, Folk Space, etc.
- Specific experience with at least one subfield of nuclear physics: QCD, EFT, many-body, etc.
- Experience with quantum algorithms used for physical science applications: QPE, VQE, Hamiltonian Simulation, etc.
- Experience in applying quantum algorithms to nuclear physics
- Familiarity with AI: machine learning, LLMs, agentic AI, etc.
- Experience with open-source quantum software frameworks, such as Cirq or Qiskit. Ideal candidates will have experience not only using these libraries but also modifying them.
- Demonstrated ability to work and communicate will all levels of an organization. Professional-level communication skills, including verbal, written, and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work comfortably in a highly collaborative, cross-functional, team-oriented, and matrixed environment.
- Desire and demonstrated ability to thrive and produce results in a fluid, dynamic, and fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to learn new and complex topics quickly.
- Resourceful problem-solver who collaboratively identifies effective paths forward with demonstrated expertise in executing productization efforts.
- Passion for solving complex problems and challenges in a highly technical and scientific environment.
- Ability to be in the office any three days per week.
- Ability to travel domestically and potentially internationally up to 10%.
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD in quantum computation, physics, computer science, or a directly related field
- Familiarity with concepts in quantum computing such as error correction, fault tolerance, native gate decomposition, qubit mapping and routing, and variational quantum algorithms.
- Experience with advanced open-source quantum software frameworks such as Stim
- Familiarity with best practices of professional software engineering such as coverage, integration tests, type checking, unit tests, and version control
- Experience with backend development with tools such as FastAPI for web frameworks and PostgreSQL/SQLAlchemy for databases.
- Experience with cloud development, especially on GCP and AWS.
- Familiarity with CI/CD, automated actions, issue tracking, version control, and other features on GitHub.
- Familiarity with security core best-practices such as access control, encryption at rest, key rotation, and logging
- Exposure to or interest in front-end / GUI development (e.g., React, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, PyQt).
Notice to Recruitment Agencies:
Infleqtion does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Infleqtion is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Benefits
- Salary range: 110000-182000 USD/year
- 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability
- Employer-funded Health Savings Account
- Unlimited PTO
- 401(k) match
- Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
- Flexible Savings Account
- Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Student Loan Repayment
- Equity Program
We are seeking a Quantum Software Engineer with expertise in nuclear physics and quantum algorithms for physical science applications.
Job Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities outlined below include essential functions of the role. Depending on business needs, this role may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned:
- Conduct R&D toward cutting-edge advances in quantum technology with a focus on applications to nuclear physics
- Write and test code to apply quantum algorithms to nuclear physics problems
- Interface and collaborate with external groups interested in using quantum computing to solve nuclear physics problems
- Contribute to development of government and commercial nuclear proposals
- Collaborate with experimental physicists and software engineers to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical implementation
- Engage with the broader scientific community by publishing research findings in scientific journals and presenting at conferences
- Stay up to date with the latest developments in both quantum algorithms and nuclear physics
- Provide guidance and support to other team members, fostering a collaborative research environment
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- BS or MS in Computer Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
- High proficiency in programming, with fluency in Python preferable. Proficiency in alternative languages (e.g., C/C++ or Julia) with the ability to rapidly upskill in Python.
- General familiarity of nuclear physics: nuclear structure, Goldstone diagrams, Fermionic algebra, Folk Space, etc.
- Specific experience with at least one subfield of nuclear physics: QCD, EFT, many-body, etc.
- Experience with quantum algorithms used for physical science applications: QPE, VQE, Hamiltonian Simulation, etc.
- Experience in applying quantum algorithms to nuclear physics
- Familiarity with AI: machine learning, LLMs, agentic AI, etc.
- Experience with open-source quantum software frameworks, such as Cirq or Qiskit. Ideal candidates will have experience not only using these libraries but also modifying them.
- Demonstrated ability to work and communicate will all levels of an organization. Professional-level communication skills, including verbal, written, and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work comfortably in a highly collaborative, cross-functional, team-oriented, and matrixed environment.
- Desire and demonstrated ability to thrive and produce results in a fluid, dynamic, and fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated ability to learn new and complex topics quickly.
- Resourceful problem-solver who collaboratively identifies effective paths forward with demonstrated expertise in executing productization efforts.
- Passion for solving complex problems and challenges in a highly technical and scientific environment.
- Ability to be in the office any three days per week.
- Ability to travel domestically and potentially internationally up to 10%.
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD in quantum computation, physics, computer science, or a directly related field
- Familiarity with concepts in quantum computing such as error correction, fault tolerance, native gate decomposition, qubit mapping and routing, and variational quantum algorithms.
- Experience with advanced open-source quantum software frameworks such as Stim
- Familiarity with best practices of professional software engineering such as coverage, integration tests, type checking, unit tests, and version control
- Experience with backend development with tools such as FastAPI for web frameworks and PostgreSQL/SQLAlchemy for databases.
- Experience with cloud development, especially on GCP and AWS.
- Familiarity with CI/CD, automated actions, issue tracking, version control, and other features on GitHub.
- Familiarity with security core best-practices such as access control, encryption at rest, key rotation, and logging
- Exposure to or interest in front-end / GUI development (e.g., React, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, PyQt).
Notice to Recruitment Agencies:
Infleqtion does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Infleqtion is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Benefits
- Salary range: 110000-182000 USD/year
- 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short/long-term disability
- Employer-funded Health Savings Account
- Unlimited PTO
- 401(k) match
- Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
- Flexible Savings Account
- Paid FMLA, Maternity/Paternity Leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Student Loan Repayment
- Equity Program
See All 33 Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Nuclear Engineer JobsNuclear Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Nuclear Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Sargent & Lundy28
- Burns & McDonnell3
- Infleqtion1
- Westinghouse Electric Company1
Top Industries Hiring
- Energy10
- Consulting & Professional Services9
- Manufacturing1
- Aerospace & Defense1
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in nuclear engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Active NRC reactor operator license or Illinois-based facility credential where applicable
- Bachelor's degree or higher in nuclear engineering or a closely related engineering discipline
- Experience with nuclear safety analysis, reactor physics, or fuel management systems
- Familiarity with NRC regulations, 10 CFR requirements, and nuclear quality assurance programs
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance for facility or government laboratory access
- Proficiency with nuclear simulation or modeling tools such as RELAP, MCNP, or similar codes
Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a nuclear engineer in Illinois?
Nuclear engineers in Illinois typically enter through a four-year degree in nuclear engineering or a related field such as mechanical or electrical engineering, followed by employer-specific qualification programs tied to NRC-licensed facilities. Illinois does not separately license nuclear engineers as a profession, but engineers working at nuclear power plants must meet NRC operator or senior reactor operator qualification standards if their role requires it. Many Illinois employers, including national laboratory facilities, also require engineers to complete internal qualification programs before independent work assignments.
How much do nuclear engineers make in Illinois?
Nuclear engineers in Illinois earn a median of about $134,510 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $102,890 for the lowest 10% to over $171,060 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire nuclear engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring nuclear engineers in Illinois right now include Sargent & Lundy, Burns & McDonnell, and Infleqtion, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's concentration of operating nuclear plants and the presence of Argonne National Laboratory make it one of the more active states for sustained nuclear engineering employment outside of federal defense programs.
Which Illinois cities have the most nuclear engineer jobs?
The Illinois cities with the most nuclear engineer openings are Chicago, Warrenville, and Willowbrook. The Chicago area dominates because it serves as the operational and corporate headquarters for major utilities and engineering firms, while communities near Braidwood, Byron, and the Quad Cities region draw openings tied directly to operating reactor sites where on-site engineering staff are required year-round.
Are there remote nuclear engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Nuclear engineering is fundamentally a site-dependent profession, with most roles requiring physical presence at reactor facilities, national laboratories, or licensed operations. About 100% of nuclear engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in regulatory analysis, licensing support, and computational modeling roles where plant access is not required day-to-day.
How can I get hired as a nuclear engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to new-graduate programs at Illinois's operating nuclear facilities or at Argonne National Laboratory, which regularly brings on junior engineers and student researchers. Constellation Energy and similar large plant operators run structured qualification programs designed to onboard engineers without prior facility experience. Candidates with internships at nuclear or power engineering firms, coursework in reactor physics or radiation protection, or fundamentals-of-engineering certification have a measurable edge over applicants without any nuclear-adjacent background.
Where can I find and apply to nuclear engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to nuclear engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Search the listings for roles that match your experience level and specialization, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 33 Nuclear Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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