engineering jobs

What does a nuclear engineer do exactly?

By Bob Thomas 23 July, 2023 3 mins read

A nuclear engineer can be found in an office or at a power station. However, no matter where they work, the science and technology of nuclear energy are constantly improving. The nuclear industry is not for everyone. This field has many positive aspects.

Job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for nuclear engineers is positive. The field is expected to grow by 4 percent annually until 2020, but not as fast as other fields. As the nuclear industry grows more dependent upon cheaper natural gas for its electricity source, it is possible that there will be a decrease of nuclear engineers. Additionally, there will be more applications of nuclear science in medicine, which will increase the demand for qualified engineers.

Nuclear engineering can be a rewarding career choice if your interests lie in science and you're good at maths and statistics. There are many opportunities available in this field. Depending on your area of specialization, you might become a nuclear engineering supervisor or manager, or even go into sales. Keep up-to-date with your professional certifications and continuing education. While job growth in this field can be unpredictable, there are many career options for nuclear engineers.

Education requirements

Students who wish to become nuclear engineers have many options. They can complete a four-year degree program at an accredited university and complete a senior design project while working at an employer. Some schools offer dual-degree programs for nuclear engineers, which allow students to earn both their bachelor's and master's degrees in five years. Core courses in radiochemistry and nuclear analysis are common for a core curriculum of a nuclear engineering program. There are also advanced courses in medical physics and nuclear enterprise management. Many students are required to complete research-intensive thesis assignments.

According to their job requirements nuclear engineers could move into managerial, supervisory, or sales positions. Nuclear engineers need to keep up their certifications and expand their knowledge in order remain competitive. The job market is always changing. Accordingly to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Board of Labor Statistics), the number of nuclear engineers working in this field is expected to decrease by eight percent between 2030 and 2020.

Environment for work

The work environment for nuclear engineering varies but it involves working with others in teams. They usually supervise technicians and less-educated staff. They may also be responsible to manage larger research projects. They could also be responsible in training others. This is a field where safety is of paramount importance. The radiation that a nuclear engineer is exposed to must be controlled.

Although the work environment of nuclear engineers is technical, they also have creative opportunities. Many of them work in design engineering. These engineers create new equipment and devices that produce nuclear power. Others work in nuclear research, developing new equipment or systems to help scientists gain more understanding of matter and energy.

Salary

Graduate trainee positions are the best way to start a career in nuclear engineering. Typically, you will work slowly and steadily. You can move up to a managerial or supervisory position depending on your experience. You can eventually choose to specialize in a specific area of the field. Nuclear engineers, regardless of the field you choose, should be open to further education and training.

A variety of employers may employ nuclear engineers. Depending on where they live, they might work for a private business, a government agency, and a research organization. They might also work in the manufacturing industry or in nuclear power.

FAQ

What's a typical day for an engineer like?

Engineers often spend their time working with projects. These projects might include improving existing products or developing new ones.

They may be involved in research that aims to improve the environment.

They could also be involved creating new technologies such computers, mobile phones and planes, rockets, or other devices.

Engineers have to use imagination and creativity in order to achieve these tasks. Engineers need to be able to think out of the box and create innovative solutions to problems.

They will often need to sit down and think of new ideas. They will also need equipment such as laser cutters CNC machines, 3D printing, laser cutters, CNC, computer-aided engineering software, etc. to test their ideas.

Engineers need to communicate well to convey their ideas to others. They have to prepare reports and presentations that can be shared with clients or colleagues.

They will need to use their time efficiently in order to do the maximum possible work in the least amount of time.

You will need to be imaginative, creative, organized, and analytical no matter what engineering field you choose.

What does an aerospace engineer do?

Aerospace engineers draw on their expertise in aeronautics as well as propulsion, robotics and flight dynamics when designing aircraft, spacecrafts satellites, rockets, missiles, and other spacecraft.

An aerospace engineer may be involved in designing new aircraft types, developing new fuel sources, improving existing engines, or creating space suits.

What are industrial engineers doing?

Industrial engineers deal with the interplay of things.

They are responsible for ensuring that machinery, plants, or factories run safely and efficiently.

They design controls and equipment to make it easier to perform tasks.

They also ensure compliance with environmental regulations and safety standards.

Statistics

8% Civil engineers solve infrastructure problems. (snhu.edu)
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)