Nuclear engineers job description: Nuclear engineers apply principles and theory of nuclear science to control and use nuclear energy and handle nuclear waste. They are also known as nuclear reactor engineers, nuclear licensing engineers and nuclear design engineers.
Typically, they are responsible for operating and maintaining nuclear power plant operations. Adhering to safety standards and achieving efficiency are important aspects of a nuclear engineer’s job. They may examine accidents to gather data which will later be analyzed and reported, helping to prevent future incidents. They also design and develop nuclear equipment, instrumentation and controls.
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Conducting tests and experiments, and writing project proposals, estimates and instruction plans are all duties performed by nuclear engineers in the course of their work day. Some specialize in developing nuclear power for ships or spacecraft; others focus on the safe disposal of nuclear waste; and some research ways to use radioactive materials for industrial and medical purposes.
Nuclear Engineers Job Summary
- Starting salaries for this career are among the highest for all college graduates.
- A bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering is required for most entry-level jobs; some positions require a master’s degree.
- Continuing education is important for success as a nuclear engineer.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts average job growth for this field in coming years.
Work Environment for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Most nuclear engineers work in office buildings or labs, while some work in industrial plants. They spend time outdoors at construction or power plant sites, as well. Their work may involve long periods of standing or physical activity. Travel may be required; some employers require extensive travel, including abroad. While many nuclear engineers work 40 hours per week, they can be required to work overtime during periods of heavy workloads or deadlines.
Education, Training and Licensing
The typical path to becoming a nuclear engineer begins with a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering. Colleges and university program courses include a concentration of study in the engineering specialty, plus mathematics and science. A design course is often included in an engineering program curriculum, as are social science and humanities courses.
Some colleges offer two-year or four-year degree programs in engineering technology. These programs are intended to prepare graduates for entry-level engineering, production and design positions. Unlike a bachelor’s degree in engineering, a degree program in engineering technology will not meet all of the qualifications required to register as a professional engineer.
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Certain research and development positions may require candidates to hold a master’s degree in nuclear engineering. Established engineers seeking to advance their careers and increase their salary potential often seek graduate degrees in business administration or engineering.
Engineers who offer services directly to the public must be licensed. Graduation from an accredited college or university program in engineering is the first step to obtain licensing, which also requires four years’ work experience and passing a state examination. The exam is taken in two phases; upon passing the first, an engineer is known as an engineer in training (EIT) or engineer intern (EI). After working in the field, the second exam is taken. A licensed engineer who passes the second exam received the designation of professional engineer (PE).
Aspiring nuclear engineers can achieve success in this career field with a commitment to ongoing education, skills in written and oral communication, and excellent analytical thinking. They must also be creative, inquisitive and detail-oriented. Working as a nuclear engineer for the federal government requires U.S. citizenship and may require security clearances.
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Employment Figures, Projections, Outlook and Earnings
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) records for May 2009, nuclear engineers held approximately 16,710 jobs; most were with private engineering firms and federal government agencies, while the rest were with scientific research and development companies.
Employment in this field is predicted to grow as fast as the average for all occupations. Job growth will be concentrated in research, development and engineering services. Demand for nuclear engineers could increase as interest in nuclear power for energy increases.
How much do nuclear engineers make? The BLS reports that nuclear engineers earned a median yearly salary of $96,910 in May 2009. The middle 50% earned between $81,460 and $114,990, while the lowest 10% earned about $66,590. The highest 10% earned upwards of $140,140 annually.