What is a Nuclear Engineer?
Example of Nuclear Engineer Job Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.
Nuclear Engineer Responsibilities
- Conduct tests of nuclear fuel behavior and cycles or performance of nuclear machinery and equipment to optimize performance of existing plants.
- Design fuel cycle models or processes to reduce the quantity of radioactive waste generated from nuclear activities.
- Examine accidents to obtain data that can be used to design preventive measures.
- Prepare environmental impact statements, reports, or presentations for regulatory or other agencies.
- Initiate corrective actions or order plant shutdowns in emergency situations.
- Design or oversee construction or operation of nuclear reactors or power plants or nuclear fuels reprocessing and reclamation systems.
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Things a Nuclear Engineer Should Know How to Do
Below is a list of the skills most Nuclear Engineers say are important on the job.
Science: Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Other Nuclear Engineer Job Titles
- Radiation Protection Engineer
- Nuclear Equipment Design Engineer
- Nuclear Safety Engineer
- Nuclear Radiation Engineer
- Nuclear Officer
Job Opportunities for Nuclear Engineers
In the United States, there were 17,700 jobs for Nuclear Engineer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 700 new jobs for Nuclear Engineer by 2026. There will be an estimated 1,400 positions for Nuclear Engineer per year.
The states with the most job growth for Nuclear Engineer are Nevada, Florida, and Idaho. Watch out if you plan on working in Alabama, Mississippi, or Minnesota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineers make between $68,560 and $162,360 a year.
Nuclear Engineers who work in New Mexico, California, or New Hampshire, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Nuclear Engineers in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $102,100 |
| California | $132,180 |
| Connecticut | $112,430 |
| Florida | $103,680 |
| Idaho | $128,270 |
| Illinois | $117,710 |
| Kansas | $113,690 |
| Louisiana | $98,900 |
| Maryland | $137,930 |
| Michigan | $100,890 |
| Mississippi | $99,900 |
| Missouri | $97,070 |
| Nebraska | $103,370 |
| New Hampshire | $125,330 |
| New Mexico | $136,310 |
| New York | $112,400 |
| North Carolina | $113,110 |
| Pennsylvania | $115,760 |
| South Carolina | $101,420 |
| Tennessee | $126,300 |
| Texas | $90,260 |
| Virginia | $87,340 |
| Washington | $100,260 |
| Wisconsin | $120,330 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Nuclear Engineers
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Nuclear Engineers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Python
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Word processing software
- Spreadsheet software
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- SAS
- Linux
- UNIX
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Salesforce software
- Graphics software
- SAP software
- Presentation software
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
- Software development tools
How to Become a Nuclear Engineer
What education is needed to be a Nuclear Engineer?
What work experience do I need to become a Nuclear Engineer?
Where Nuclear Engineers Are Employed
Nuclear Engineers work in the following industries:
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Nuclear Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Siemens Pressebild via CC BY-SA 3.0
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