Nuclear Engineers

Career summary

Nuclear power plants

Nuclear engineers who work at nuclear power plants monitor plant operations to ensure safety and identify problems when they occur.

Some of the tasks they perform include:

• Inspection of reactor vessels equipment, instruments, nuclear fuel, and waste
• Coordination of emergency procedures
• Preparation of technical reports

If engineers find problems at a nuclear power plant, they recommend ways to fix them. They review accidents to prevent them from happening again.

Nuclear research

Many nuclear engineers conduct and evaluate research. Research is conducted in areas such as:

• Nuclear theories or nuclear fission
• Ways to use radioactive material to make more energy with less waste
• Finding safer ways to use, reclaim, and dispose of nuclear material

Once engineers have collected their data, they analyze it and write reports about their findings. They may also consult with other scientists.

Nuclear engineers may specialize in one of the following areas:

• Disposal of nuclear material
• Construction and operation of systems that reprocess nuclear fuels
• Estimating the cost of constructing new nuclear power plants
• Clean up areas that became polluted with radiation

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Aerospace Engineers
• Chemical Engineers
• Civil Engineers
• Petroleum Engineers
• Physicists
• Safety Engineers

Military careers

• Nuclear Engineers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to nuclear engineers.

• Perform experiments to find acceptable ways to use, reclaim, and dispose of nuclear material.
• Design and oversee the construction and operation of systems that reprocess nuclear fuels.
• Design and develop nuclear machinery and equipment.
• Plan and carry out emergency procedures when necessary.
• Examine accidents to find ways to prevent them from occurring.
• Create plans to clean up areas impacted by nuclear accidents.
• Inspect and monitor nuclear operations and equipment.
• Write reports about the different aspects of running a nuclear power plant. Prepare statements to show how nuclear plants follow laws and meet safety standards.
• Conduct research on how nuclear fuel acts and how equipment performs. Create ways to use nuclear fuel with less waste.
• Direct the operation and maintenance of nuclear plants.
• Identify potential problems and recommend ways to ensure safety.
• Estimate the cost of construction projects. Prepare proposals and discuss them with others.
• Analyze data, write reports, and consult with other scientists.
• Conduct research on nuclear theories, nuclear fission, and new applications.

Common work activities

Nuclear engineers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Evaluate information against standards
• Use computers
• Get information needed to do the job
• Analyze data or information
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Process information
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Document and record information
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Schedule work and activities
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Think creatively
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Develop and build teams

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, nuclear engineers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium to high level of social contact. They talk to coworkers and researchers, but also spend time alone analyzing information.
• Are often placed in conflict situations.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others. This is because they work with nuclear power.
• Communicate with coworkers and researchers daily by telephone, e-mail, or in person.
• Write letters and memos on a weekly basis.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.

Physical work conditions

• Almost always work indoors.
• Often wear protective or safety attire, such as work boots or hard hats.
• Are often exposed to radiation.
• Work somewhat close to other people, such as when sharing office space.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work. Mistakes could cause nuclear plants to shut down or people to be injured.
• Must repeat the same mental activities, such as identifying potential problems.
• Make decisions on a weekly basis that strongly impact coworkers and researchers. They are able to make most decisions without talking to a supervisor.
• Are able to set most tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor.
• Must meet strict deadlines on a weekly basis.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week.
• Usually work 40 hours a week.

Physical demands

Nuclear engineers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for nuclear engineers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for nuclear engineers to be able to:

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.

Skills and abilities

Nuclear engineers need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Teach others how to do something.

Work with things

• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Nuclear Engineering

Other programs of study to consider

• Engineering Physics
• Engineering, General
• Nuclear Technology
• Pre-Engineering

Training

To work as a nuclear engineer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

Most students prepare for this field by earning a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering. Many nuclear engineers have a master's or doctoral (PhD) degree.

Only a few four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor's degree programs in nuclear engineering. A smaller number of schools offer advanced degrees.

Nuclear engineering has several specialties, such as:

• Reactor Engineering
• Nuclear Materials
• Reactor Physics
• Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion
• Reactor Safety
• Medical Diagnostics and Treatments
• Nuclear Waste Management

Work experience

You should consider participating in an engineering internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

On-the-job training

New graduates work under the guidance of experienced engineers. In large companies, you may also receive formal classroom training. You work on more difficult tasks as you gain knowledge and experience. Training generally lasts for two to four years.

Military training

The military does not provide initial training in this field. However, the military may provide work experience to nuclear engineering graduates.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Engineers use math and science frequently. Try to take math classes through Trigonometry and science classes through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
• Computer Science
• Probability and Statistics

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire nuclear engineers who have kept up with the latest advances in the field. They also look for people who are detail-oriented and analytical. Oral and written communication skills are also important. Employers look for people who can work on a team. Nuclear engineers may work with people from different cultures or countries.

Some employers require a security clearance before hiring prospective employees.

Tips

Post-bachelor's or master's research internship programs can help students develop professional skills and gain experience.

#Added 3/7/11 after seeing numerous such internships noted in Richland through Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, cj.

Costs to workers

Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues. Workers may have to pay for continuing education classes to keep up with changes in the field.

Licensing/certification

Engineers employed in responsible positions in government or in firms offering services to the public, or who stamp their work as being done by an engineer, must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Getting a license as an engineer-in-training requires:

• an engineering degree from a school approved by the Accrediting Board for Engineering Technology (ABET), or four years of practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer, or a combination of education and work experience; and
• passing a written exam.

Professional engineer licensing requirements include:

• completion of the engineer-in-training requirements;
• four additional years of active practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer or a combination of work experience and education; and
• passing a written exam.

Engineers who wish to be licensed as professional engineers must pay $65 to the State for an initial national exam application. After State approval, engineers must pay for the registration examination from the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. The license renewal fee is $116 every two years. Not all engineers in Washington must be licensed.

For licensing information, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and
Land Surveyors Licensing Program 
PO Box 9025
Olympia, WA 98507-9025
360.664.1575

For information on testing, contact:

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying 
PO Box 1686
Clemson, SC 29633-1686
800.250.3196

#2/5/20

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Nuclear Engineers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

#In Washington, the average entry-level wage for nuclear engineers is $5,794 per month ($33.43 per hour).

#Updated ES wage info 07.16 sd

#Updated DOP wage 07.16 sd. Removed State of WA wage 4/13/17 cj.

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The engineer's level of education and responsibility also affect wages.

Nuclear engineers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Power companies
• Federal government agencies
• Scientific and technical consulting companies
• Engineering firms
• Research and testing firms

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is expected to show little to no change over the next few years. Employment will decline in electric power generation, but projected to increase in research and development in engineering, and in management, scientific, and technical consulting services. Developments in nuclear medicine, diagnostic imaging, and cancer treatment will drive demand for nuclear engineers to develop new methods for treatment.

Job openings occur as people retire from this occupation. Job prospects will be good for those with training in nuclear medicine.

Other resources

American Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) 
(This website provides a list of engineering-related programs accredited by ABET)
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.347.7700

American Nuclear Society 
555 North Kensington Avenue
La Grange Park, IL 60526
800.323.3044
708.352.6611

Careers in the Nuclear Industry 
(from the Nuclear Energy Institute)

Discover Engineering 

eGFI - Dream Up the Future 

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy information 
(US Department of Energy)

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

National Academy of Engineering 
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.334.3200

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering 

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying 
280 Seneca Creek Road
Seneca, SC 29678

Nuclear Careers 
(from the American Nuclear Society)

Nuclear Energy Institute 
1201 F Street NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20004
202.739.8000

Society of Women Engineers 
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

US Nuclear Regulatory Commission 
Office of Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20555-0001
800.368.5642

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair 

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Nuclear Engineers (17-2161.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Design Engineer, Nuclear Equipment (015.061-010) 
• Nuclear Engineer (015.061-014) 
• Nuclear-criticality Safety Engineer (015.067-010) 
• Nuclear-fuels Reclamation Engineer (015.061-026) 
• Nuclear-fuels Research Engineer (015.061-030) 
• Nuclear-plant Technical Advisor (015.167-010) 
• Nuclear-test-reactor Program Coordinator (015.167-014) 
• Radiation-protection Engineer (015.137-010) 
• Research Engineer, Nuclear Equipment (015.061-018) 
• Test Engineer, Nuclear Equipment (015.061-022) 
• Waste-management Engineer, Radioactive Materials (005.061-042) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Engineer

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Realistic/Conventional

COPSystem

• Technology Professional