Nuclear Engineer Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a nuclear engineer. Feel free to use our nuclear engineer job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a nuclear engineer.
Who is a Nuclear Engineer?
Nuclear engineers design and build nuclear equipment, including radiation shielding, cores for reactors, and the instrumentation required to operate and monitor different nuclear equipment. They can monitor nuclear power plants to ensure safety and quality control. This includes identifying design flaws and pointing out construction and operation issues in complicated equipment.
To determine if the use of nuclear waste and material is safe for the environment and humans, nuclear engineers can perform testing. They can also be called upon to manage nuclear power plant shutdowns and other emergencies. There are also applications in nuclear engineering such as food production, sub-propulsion systems, medicine, and nuclear weapon design.
Nuclear engineers use powerful elements that can provide power and serve as a great advantage for the world at large but are also dangerous to the environment and humanity if they are not properly managed and discarded.
To be successful in this field, these professionals need to have the right education and training. A solid foundation in mathematics, science, observational skills and problem-solving is essential for nuclear engineers. They must be aware of the effects of the substances they work with on the environment and people. Engineers need to have practical experience, the right degrees, and licensure. Additional certifications can also help increase their employability and nuclear engineering expertise.
Research is a key part of the job for many nuclear engineers. They are responsible for developing new applications and testing them to maximize the benefits of nuclear energy. You can use nuclear energy to power ships, submarines, and spacecraft as well as power plants. Finding ways to make nuclear reactors safer and more efficient is part of nuclear research. Basic fusion research is carried out by engineers to make electricity available. Notably, nuclear energy plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of instruments and equipment that are used for the diagnosis and treatment of certain medical conditions. Their research in nuclear science crosses over into bioengineering and environmental science.
Others are responsible for maintaining systems in operation, emphasizing management and utilization of nuclear energy. They are responsible for enforcing safety procedures and disposing of nuclear waste. They monitor facilities for safety violations and procedures that could lead to them being closed down. They have the power to close down any facility in an emergency. In the event of a nuclear disaster, they analyze the situation and take preventative measures.
Nuclear Engineer Job Description
Below are the nuclear engineer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a nuclear engineer job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
- Learning the science behind the operation of nuclear facilities
- Analyzing energy storage, conversion, and transmission systems
- Providing solutions to operational problems by using reactor cores, shielding, hydraulic, and electrical systems as well as complex instrumentation like monitoring equipment.
- Managing budgets and staff for complex design, construction, and maintenance projects.
- Working with local emergency services and industry regulators to keep humanity safe.
- Being aware of security concerns related to the transport, storage, and disposal of radioactive material.
- Interpreting data and addressing emerging issues to ensure that equipment works properly
- Writing reports, project plans, and other documents to provide information about new facilities and existing processes.
- Talking about engineering problems with others, such as power grid managers, construction professionals, and government officials.
- Planning and assisting in the safe decommissioning of products that are no more useful including the temporary and long-term disposals of radioactive material.
- Using mathematical and computer models to create pilot projects and test new ideas.
- Keeping up to date with developments and changes in nuclear science by reading technical journals or independent research.
- Conducting experiments to determine acceptable methods for nuclear fuel reclamation and nuclear material usage.
- Overseeing construction and operating nuclear reactors, power plants, and nuclear fuels reclamation and reprocessing systems.
- Monitoring the operation of nuclear facilities to detect any violations of safety regulations or practices.
- Collaborating with clients and engineers to create project briefs.
- Performing research, testing, and experiments to establish engineering specifications and methods.
- Designing and developing nuclear software, instruments, equipment, or machinery.
- Developing software and hardware for nuclear technology, including reactor cores, cooling systems, and control mechanisms.
- Providing instructions and procedures to operate nuclear software, equipment, machinery, or systems.
- Taking responsibility for the maintenance and repair of nuclear equipment and facilities.
- Monitoring machinery and nuclear facilities for any malfunctions, defects, or degradation.
- Diagnosing technical problems or safety hazards, and implementing interventions.
- Ensuring that safety and health measures are followed and enforced.
- Conducting scientific and engineering work to produce and use nuclear energy.
- Observing all steps of the nuclear energy production process and making any necessary recommendations regarding safety and sustainability.
- Assessing technical and non-technical aspects by thorough data analysis in nuclear processes to generate energy and interpret them
- Keeping abreast of the latest developments in nuclear fuel cycles, nuclear technology, and evaluating and upgrading existing systems according to established procedures.
- Analyzing complex technical issues related to nuclear energy production and helping resolve them.
- Facilitating the development of new research and development (R&D), to optimize nuclear power generation. Prepare and review R&D projects following required initiatives.
- Preparing technical documents according to existing quality assurance procedures.
- Comparing the fuel cycles of plutonium, uranium, and thorium to determine their relative efficacy in nuclear reactors.
- Increasing fuel fertility in light-water reactors (LWRs), advanced and research reactors, you can perform nuclear fuel analysis.
- Assisting the Department of Energy (DOE), with data development and benchmark testing, to use ORIGEN code.
- Using research and analysis to develop advanced reactor modeling and design methods, lattice Physics methods, and nuclear fuel cycle optimization.
- Analyzing and reviewing plant operation parameters, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and industry to establish energy production guidelines.
Qualifications
Entry-level nuclear engineering jobs require a bachelor’s degree. High school mathematics courses such as algebra, trigonometry, and calculus are required for students interested in nuclear engineering. Science courses such as biology, chemical, and physics should also be taken. The bachelor’s degree programs are typically four-year and include classroom, laboratory, field, and research in areas that incorporate mathematics and engineering principles. Most colleges and universities offer cooperative education programs in which students gain experience while completing their education. Some universities offer 5-year programs that lead to both a bachelor’s and master’s degree.
A graduate degree in nuclear engineering allows the student to become an instructor at a university, or participate in research and development. Some five-year or even six-year cooperative-education plans combine classroom study with work, permitting students to gain experience.
Licenses are not required for nuclear engineers working at nuclear power plants. They are however eligible to apply for licensure as a professional engineer. The professional engineer (PE) designation is awarded to those who are licensed.
Essential Skills
- Ability to work under pressure
Nuclear engineers need to be able and willing to adapt to changing conditions and difficult circumstances. They must be flexible in dealing with stressful situations and remain calm.
- Understanding math and science
Scientists are usually proficient in science and math. They may be able to understand concepts and theories about nuclear energy or excel in math like trigonometry, and calculus
- Good character
Nuclear engineers are responsible to ensure the safety and efficiency of highly valuable equipment and systems. They exhibit exemplary character and keep the chain of command in place, making sure equipment is safe and secure and that personnel safety is a priority.
- Analytical skills
Nuclear engineers are responsible for identifying problems and finding solutions. They are skilled at using their analytical skills to find and isolate problems while assembling others to aid.
How to Become A Nuclear Engineer
Entry-level positions in nuclear engineering require at least a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering. This heavily focuses on science and math. You may need to apply for licensure in your state and/or obtain a graduate degree to be eligible for certain jobs.
Step 1: In High School, Study Chemistry, Physics, And Math
Many engineering fields depend heavily on scientific principles and mathematical models. High school students need to take calculus in their junior or senior years to prepare for a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering. This typically means that they will need to take geometry in ninth grade, and algebra in middle school.
The most important subjects that serve as a basis for nuclear engineering are physics and chemistry. High school students should take Advanced Placement versions to increase their chances of being accepted into the college of their choice. These prerequisite requirements must be met by nuclear engineering students who have not completed high school foundational coursework.
Step 2: Get a Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering
Students must have a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering to be eligible for entry-level jobs. Employers may accept applicants from similar fields, such as mechanical engineering.
No matter what degree you have, your undergraduate credentials must be from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET is the main accrediting authority in engineering and professional organization.
Bachelor’s programs typically require 120 credits. The majority of these credits are general education courses. The remainder of the credits is for major requirements. These include core classes such as atomic/nuclear Physics and principles of thermodynamics.
Students may be eligible to concentrate in areas such as health physics and reactor safety, depending on their program.
Step 3: Get a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering
Employers, especially government agencies and associated organizations, are increasingly requiring candidates to have a master’s degree to be eligible for entry-level jobs as nuclear engineers. Professionals often need a master’s degree to pursue academic, managerial, or research roles.
Some universities offer dual degree programs to help students meet these standards. These allow them to complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in five years.
The Master’s program in Nuclear Engineering typically includes at least 30 credits. Core coursework covers topics such as radiochemistry and nuclear reactor analysis. Advanced, specialized classes are often offered to students, including medical physics, radiation protection engineering, and nuclear enterprise management. Many programs end with a thesis, which is a highly research-intensive project.
Step 4: Apply for a State Licensure
While nuclear engineers don’t necessarily require professional credentials to find work in the field, most states require those who provide services to the public that they are licensed as professional engineers (PE) and have appropriate security clearances.
A bachelor’s degree holder can become a PE by taking the computer-based Fundamentals in Engineering (FE) exam. The FE exam is $175 and lasts approximately six hours. It consists of 110 questions.
Step 5: Get Practical Experience in the Field
To be eligible to take the PE exam, nuclear engineers must have at least four years of experience in the field under the supervision of a licensed engineer. A training period for entry-level nuclear engineers can take anywhere from three to six months.
Employers require that nuclear engineers participate in regular professional development activities to improve their skills and keep up to date with current trends. Engineers can take advantage of these opportunities by joining organizations such as the American Nuclear Society or the National Society of Professional Engineers.
Step 6: Become an Engineer in Nuclear Engineering
Nuclear engineers need to have a license to be eligible for lucrative jobs with greater responsibility. After obtaining an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree and having worked for at least four consecutive years, they can take the final engineering exam.
The exam costs $375 and takes 9.5 hours to complete. It includes 85 questions that cover areas such as nuclear cycle, criticality safety, and reactor physics. Candidates should review the content and take practice tests to familiarize themselves with the current pass rates and scoring system.
Engineers must renew their license every 2 years. Candidates must complete 30 hours in continuing education each cycle to renew their license.
Where to Work
The majority of nuclear engineers work in offices. The industry they work in will dictate the type of work that they do. For example, they may work in power generation. Many of these people work for the federal governments and consulting firms.
Nuclear Engineer Salary Scale
The average annual salary of a nuclear engineer is $94,617. The actual salary of a nuclear engineer can vary depending on many factors.
Nuclear engineers’ salaries vary by the amount of education, relevant work experience, and also the industry of the employer, its size, and geographic area.