Nuclear Engineers conduct research into the release, control, and use of energy from nuclear sources. Their work may involve the design, development, monitoring, operation, and/or maintenance of systems based on nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.

JOB DUTIES 

Nuclear Engineers may:

Research problems of nuclear energy systems

Conduct nuclear research to discover facts or to test, prove, or modify existing nuclear theories

Design nuclear power generating facilities

Plan and develop nuclear equipment

Direct the maintenance of a nuclear facility

Monitor nuclear reactors during tests and in operation

Examine facilities which process or utilize radioactive materials

Study nuclear fuel cycles

Prepare technical reports, such as safety analysis

Aid in the preparation of environmental impact statements

Initiate corrective actions and/or order plant shutdowns in emergency situations

Investigate accidents in order to obtain data that can be used to design preventative measures

Write operational instructions to be used in nuclear plant operation and nuclear fuel and waste handling and disposal

Click to watch Nuclear Engineers at work!

The equipment and materials used may include:

Equipment used primarily in research may include:

• Neutron spectrometers and laser devices

• Low-energy accelerators for ion-surface/pulsed neutron experiments

• Fluid flow and heat transfer research equipment

• Extension detection, automatic processing and analyzing equipment

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES  

Nuclear Engineers may specialize in these areas:

015.061-014NUCLEAR ENGINEERS conduct research into the release, control and use of energy from nuclear sources. Their work may involve the design, development, monitoring, operation, and/or maintenance of systems based on nuclear energy. Nuclear Engineers may specialize in one or more areas, such as research and development, project engineering, construction management, testing and evaluation, technical specifications, plant performance, and licensing and regulatory interfaces.

015.061-010 NUCLEAR EQUIPMENT DESIGN ENGINEERS design and oversee the manufacture and safe operation of nuclear machinery and equipment.

015.061-018 NUCLEAR EQUIPMENT RESEARCH ENGINEERS conduct research on nuclear equipment and machinery to develop more effective methods of controlling nuclear energy. Their research leads to new concepts, products, equipment, and uses for nuclear energy.

015.061-022 NUCLEAR EQUIPMENT TEST ENGINEERS conduct tests on nuclear equipment and machinery for accuracy, reliability and safety of operation.

015.061-026 NUCLEAR-FUELS RECLAMATION ENGINEERS plan, design, and oversee the construction and operation of nuclear fuels reprocessing systems. They also perform research and experiments to determine acceptable methods of reclaiming various types of nuclear fuels.

015.061-030 NUCLEAR-FUELS RESEARCH ENGINEERS study the behavior of various fuels and fuel configurations in differentiated reactor environments to determine the safest efficient usage of nuclear fuels, applying theoretical and experiential knowledge of reactor physics and thermal and metallurgical characteristics of nuclear fuels and fuel cell claddings.

015.067-010 NUCLEAR-CRITICALITY SAFETY ENGINEERS conduct research and analyze and evaluate proposed and existing methods of transportation, handling, and storage of nuclear fuel to preclude accidental nuclear reaction at nuclear facilities.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration scripts:

[back to top]

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Most Nuclear Engineers work under the supervision of a chief engineer. They may work alone, with other Nuclear Engineers, or with other types of engineers. They may also work with other professionals, such as biologists, and nuclear regulatory inspectors. They may supervise and direct the training of engineering and science technicians, drafters, and radiation monitors (health physics technicians).

They may work at nuclear reactor installations which are housed in modern, well lighted, air-conditioned buildings. Nuclear Engineers are protected from exposure to radioactive material by special shielding, automatic alarm systems, protective clothing, special handling equipment, and extensive safety procedures. Offices are generally well lighted and air-conditioned; however, Nuclear Engineers must occasionally conduct on-site inspections of construction work where they may be exposed to dust, heat, or cold. Physical demands are light in this job.

They generally work a 40-hour week, but may spend extra hours attending meetings and training sessions, reading technical journals, reviewing procedures, and traveling. Electrical production facilities operate around the-clock. Engineers at these facilities may work any shift. These Engineers might travel frequently to inspect or consult with subcontractors.

Nuclear Engineers may join professional associations, such as the National Society of Professional Engineers, the American Nuclear Society, or the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers. Members must pay periodic membership fees.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities of a scientific and technical nature

• Activities concerned with the communication of data

• Activities which require creative imagination

• Activities which involve the use of machines, processes, or methods

You Should Be Able To:

• Reason logically/use logical step-by-step procedures in your work

• Know the meanings/relationships of words and use language effectively

• Perform mathematical operations quickly and accurately

• Visualize how drawings would look as solid objects

• Work within precise standards of accuracy

• Work under stressful situations

• Direct, control, or plan an entire activity or activities of others

• Have agreeable working relationships with others

Math Problem You Should Be Able To Solve:

If 25 grams of a radioactive substance have a half life of 30 years, how much of the substance is left after 45 years?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Large machines called particle accelerators use electric and magnetic fields to accelerate charged particles to very high energies.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write up a summary of the research that you did, explaining the results to your superiors.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Produce:

If a problem arises with a nuclear generator, you should be able to quickly decide on options for solving the problem.

Engineers who provide professional services connected with a project affecting health, life, or property must be licensed by the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, Board of Professional Engineers.

The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click  here for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see  Engineer, Licensed Professional  for specific licensing information. To work at an operating nuclear facility, individuals must pass a physical and psychological testing required by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OP PORT UNITIES

NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond High School) or a Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond High School) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH, 2900 SCIENCE , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

058 ENGINEERING ( PRE-PROFESSIONAL)

Pre-Engineering Programs provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills required for admission to professional engineering colleges.

Many Michigan colleges and universities offer programs which may satisfy the prerequisites for admission to engineering schools. Students should contact the engineering schools of their choice for admission requirements and consult their school's pre-professional adviser to ensure that admission prerequisites will be met.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

The most common requirements for entering a community college are a high school diploma, or GED, or being at least 18 years old and completing application forms. In addition, entering a college or university may require graduation from high school in a college preparatory program, a grade point average acceptable to the school to which you apply, and passing entrance examinations.

115 NUCLEAR ENGINEERING

Programs in Nuclear Engineering provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to apply engineering principles to the general field of radiation interactions with matter in all states. Training may also provide opportunities for designing nuclear power reactors and operate nuclear plants efficiently. Transport theory, kinetic theory, studies of nuclear and atomic physics and electromagnetic interactions are emphasized.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

    Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at  http://www.myfuture.com.

NUCLEAR ENGINEERS

The military has been a pioneer in the use of nuclear energy. The military uses nuclear energy for power plants, strategic weapons, and defense systems. Nuclear engineers direct research and development projects to improve military uses of nuclear energy. They also direct nuclear power plant operations.

What They Do

Nuclear engineers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Direct projects to improve nuclear power plants in ships and submarines

• Direct research on the uses and effects of nuclear weapons

• Develop safety procedures for handling nuclear weapons

• Assist high-level officials in creating policies for developing and using nuclear technology

• Direct operations and maintenance of nuclear power plants

Special Requirements

A 4-year college degree in physics, chemistry, or nuclear engineering is required to enter this occupation. Some specialties in this occupation require a master's degree.

Work Environment

Nuclear engineers work in offices, research laboratories, and power plant control centers, either on land or aboard nuclear-powered ships and submarines.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in scientific and technical work

• Interest in planning and directing complex research projects

• Interest in working with mathematical formulas

• Interest in concepts and principles of engineering

Training Provided

No initial job training is provided to officers in this occupation. However, advanced training is available.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian nuclear engineers work for firms that build and operate nuclear power plants and that develop and manufacture nuclear weapons. Many also work for public utilities, government agencies, and colleges and universities. Civilian nuclear engineers perform duties similar to those performed in the military.

Opportunities

The services need new engineers each year to meet the demands of the field and changes in personnel. Newly commissioned nuclear engineers are usually assigned to nuclear research laboratories, nuclear power plants (on shore or aboard ships), or other defense facilities. With experience, they may advance to senior management or command positions. 

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Summer employment programs are offered to college students by some nuclear engineering contractors. A list of companies can be obtained by writing to the  Nuclear Energy Institute. College students in nuclear engineering may also participate in co-op programs and internships and high school students may join the  Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS). Experience may also be gained in military service.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

Informal apprenticeships

Mentorships

Job shadowing experiences

Touring a local Nuclear Engineer employer

Internships

Volunteer work with a Nuclear Engineer employer

Community service work with an agency

The most common method of entering this occupation is by applying directly to employers. Assistance may be obtained from either the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission or the U.S. Department of Energy, the American Nuclear Society, as well as college placement offices. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Nuclear Engineers depend on their education, experience, job function, and the type, size, and geographic location of the employer.

Nationally (mid 2007), the median annual salary for all Nuclear Engineers was $82,980. The average annual salaries of Nuclear Engineers ranged from $61,800 to $93,600 for intermediate-level positions and from $96,900 to $132,100 for those with 10 or more years experience (early 2008).  The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $36,140 in 2007.

Graduates of bachelor's degree programs in nuclear engineering were offered annual starting salaries averaging $57,500 (early 2008). Those with master's degrees averaged $62,333.  

Depending on their college records, Nuclear Engineers with bachelor's degrees and no experience were hired by the federal government at $34,139 or $42,290 a year; with master's degrees, $51,738 or $56,173, and with doctorates, $63,481 or more per year (2008). The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

In mid 2007, the average annual earnings of Nuclear Engineers in Michigan were:

Depending on their employer, most Nuclear Engineers receive vacations and holidays, life, accident, disability and hospitalization insurance, retirement plans, and savings and stock investment plans. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Nuclear engineering graduates usually work as trainees under the supervision of experienced Nuclear Engineers. Many companies have special training programs to acquaint new Nuclear Engineers with their nuclear operations. Advancement may come through promotion or increased earnings. A Nuclear Engineer may become senior Engineer or supervisor.

[back to top]

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, there were approximately 15,300 Nuclear Engineers employed in 2006. Employment of Nuclear Engineers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. The industry distribution for Nuclear Engineers looked like this:

Nuclear Engineers will be needed to improve and enforce safety standards, to work in defense-related areas, and to operate in plants already under construction.

Recent initiatives supported by the U.S. Department of Energy address key technical issues impacting the expanding use of nuclear energy worldwide and seek to develop more efficient means to meet future energy challenges, as well as improving the Nation's nuclear technology educational infrastructure. Other factors affecting the employment growth of Nuclear Engineers include the current administration's push for a resurgence of nuclear power and proposed construction of new advanced nuclear power plants in the United States. Federal regulations have recently established the requirements for "federal risk insurance". Risk insurance is a provision of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 which would cover the costs associated with certain regulatory or litigation related delays in the start-up of a new nuclear power plant. 

There are approximately 450 Nuclear Engineers in Michigan. Most of them worked in the electrical power industry. Some worked for universities, petroleum companies, government research laboratories, manufacturers of nuclear reactors, architectural engineering firms, pharmaceutical companies, medical research centers, law firms, and computer equipment manufacturers. Most Nuclear engineers worked in or near urban areas or large cities.

Employment of Nuclear Engineers in Michigan is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. An average of 18 annual job openings is expected with all of them due to the growth and replacement of workers who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons.  Additional openings will occur as workers change jobs or occupations.

Employment of Nuclear Engineers is directly linked to the use of nuclear power plants for electrical power generation. Public concern exists, however, over safety and environmental factors, such as nuclear fuel reprocessing and waste disposal, decommissioning of nuclear plants, plant safety and security, and danger of wide-scale use of plutonium (its potential use in the production of nuclear explosives). Increases in research and development spending will provide openings in the field.

MICHIGAN 'S AREA EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2014

[back to top]

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

 Copyright © 2008 Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth