types of engineering

What Does a Nuclear Engineer Do?

By Ken Roberts 28 March, 2023 3 mins read

An engineer in nuclear science and technology may work from an office, at a power plant, or on a construction site. However, no matter where they work, the science and technology of nuclear energy are constantly improving. Even though some people may have negative feelings about the nuclear industry, these people are a minority. You can find many positive aspects in working in this field.

Job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Bolster of Labor Statistics), the job outlook is positive for nuclear engineers. This field is expected grow at a rate of 4 percent per annum until 2020, though not as rapidly as other industries. However, there may be a reduction in the number of nuclear engineers in the future, as the nuclear industry is expected to become increasingly dependent on cheaper natural gas as a source of electricity. Additionally, there will be more applications of nuclear science in medicine, which will increase the demand for qualified engineers.

Nuclear engineering could be a career choice if you are passionate about science and excel at mathematics and statistics. You have many options in this field. Your area of specialization could lead you to become a manager, supervisor, or salesperson. Remember to keep up with your continuing education, professional certifications, and other activities. Job growth in this field is unpredictable, but there are several career options for nuclear engineers.

Education requirements

For students who are interested in becoming nuclear engineers, there are many options. Students can pursue a four year degree at an accredited university, and then work at an employer to complete a senior design project. Dual-degree programs in nuclear engineering can be offered by some schools. Students can earn their bachelor's or master's degrees in as little as five years. Typically, a nuclear engineer's curriculum includes core coursework in radiochemistry and reactor analysis. It is also common to take advanced courses such as medical physics or nuclear enterprise management. Many students complete thesis projects that are research-intensive.

Depending on their job requirements, nuclear engineers may move into positions as technical specialists, managers, supervisors, and salespeople. To be competitive in the field, nuclear engineers must continue to learn and maintain their professional certifications. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of available jobs in this field will decrease by 8 percent between 2020-2030.

Work environment

Although the work environment for nuclear engineers is varied, most involve working in teams. They typically supervise technicians and less-educated staff. They may also have some managerial responsibility, including overseeing certain aspects of a larger research project. They could also be responsible in training others. This is a field where safety is of paramount importance. Nuclear engineers must be cautious about how much radiation they are exposed.

While the work environment for nuclear engineers can be technical, it can also allow for creativity. Many work in design engineering, creating new nuclear power devices or equipment for the processing and disposal of radioactive waste materials. Others work in nuclear research, developing new equipment or systems to help scientists gain more understanding of matter and energy.

Salary

The most important step in a career with nuclear engineering is to become a graduate trainee. You will usually work slowly and steadily. Based on your experiences, you may be able to move up to a management or supervisory job. Eventually, you can choose to specialize in one area of the field. Nuclear engineers, regardless of the field you choose, should be open to further education and training.

There are many employers that employ nuclear engineers. Depending on their location, they may work for a private firm, a government agency, or a research organization. They might also work for the nuclear power industry or manufacturing.

FAQ

Are you a student who wants to be an engineer?

An engineering degree does not necessarily require a bachelor's. Many employers prefer applicants with degrees. Online classes are also available if you don’t have a degree.

What kinds of jobs are available if I am an engineer?

Engineers can work in nearly every industry: manufacturing, transportation and energy, finance, government and education.

Engineers with specialized skills can find employment at organizations or companies that specialize in their field.

An example of this is that electrical engineers can work for telecommunications firms, medical device makers, or computer chip manufacturers.

Software developers could be employed by websites or mobile apps developers.

Computer programmers could work for tech companies like Google or Microsoft, Apple, Amazon or Facebook.

What are the jobs of electrical engineers?

They design power systems for use by people.

They are responsible for the design, construction, testing, installation, maintenance, and repair of all types electric equipment used in industry, government, and commercial customers.

They also plan, direct, and coordinate the installation of these system, which may include coordination with other trades such architects, contractors and plumbers.

Electrical engineers design and build electronic devices, circuits, components, and other equipment that convert electricity into useful forms.

Elon Musk is a type of engineer.

He is an inventor who likes to think outside the box.

He's also an avid risk-taker.

He is not afraid to try new ideas, and he is willing to take risks.

Elon Musk is a shining example of someone who thinks different from others. He doesn't listen to what others say. He tests his ideas, then decides if they are successful. If they didn't work, he changes them until he finds something that works. This allows him to be more creative and problem-solving.

Statistics

Typically required education: Bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering Job growth outlook through 2030: 8% Aerospace engineers specialize in designing spacecraft, aircraft, satellites, and missiles. (snhu.edu)
8% Civil engineers solve infrastructure problems. (snhu.edu)