Nuclear Engineers
Background
The military has been a pioneer in the use of nuclear energy. The military uses nuclear energy for power plants, strategic weapons, and defense systems. Nuclear engineers direct nuclear power plant operations. Nuclear engineers direct research and development projects to improve military uses of nuclear energy.
What They Do
Nuclear engineers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Assist high-level officials in creating policies for developing and using nuclear technology
- Develop safety procedures for handling nuclear weapons
- Direct operations and maintenance of nuclear power plants
- Direct projects to improve nuclear power plants in ships and submarines
- Direct research on the uses and effects of nuclear weapons
Physical Demands
No information available.
Special Requirements
A four-year college degree in physics, chemistry, or nuclear engineering is required to enter this career. Some specialties in this career require a master's degree.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Interest in concepts and principles of engineering
- Interest in planning and directing complex research projects
- Interest in scientific and technical work
- Interest in working with mathematical formulas
Helpful School Subjects
No information available.
Helpful Fields of Study
No information available.
Work Environment
Nuclear engineers work in offices, research laboratories, and power plant control centers, either on land or aboard nuclear-powered ships and submarines.
Services offering this career:
- Army
- Marine Corps
- Navy
Hiring Practices
To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
This position is for officers.
Wages
The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.
Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay.
Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.
There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.
Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.
Training Provided
No initial job training is provided to officers in this career. However, advanced training is available.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian nuclear engineers work for firms that build and operate nuclear power plants and that develop and manufacture nuclear weapons. Many also work for public utilities, government agencies, and colleges and universities. Civilian nuclear engineers perform duties similar to those performed in the military.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 200 nuclear engineers. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new engineers due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. Newly commissioned nuclear engineers are usually assigned to nuclear research laboratories, nuclear power plants (on shore or aboard ships), or other defense facilities. With experience, they may advance to senior management or command positions.