Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineer Career Overview

Demand for energy is increasing across the globe, resulting in renewed interest in the potential of nuclear power. However, according to Newsweek, the current supply of nuclear engineers simply isn't meeting the demand. A wave of forthcoming retirements, combined with the lull in nuclear engineering degrees granted over the past couple of decades, has resulted in a shortage of qualified professionals. For new graduates in the field of nuclear engineering, the future is looking radiant.

Nuclear power now produces a fifth of the U.S. energy supply, requiring engineers who can maintain current nuclear plant operations, plan for safe disposal of radioactive waste, and contribute to new nuclear technology research. International opportunities also abound. The International Atomic Energy Agency estimates that nuclear power use may double by 2030. New power plants will come online as old plants are decommissioned; in both cases, qualified nuclear experts will be needed to oversee operations.

Nuclear engineers are not limited to working in power development. Related technologies are used in healthcare to diagnose and treat illnesses, as well as in agriculture to increase pest resistance in vital crops. Experts will also be needed to participate in the regulation of nuclear technologies, since safety is an issue of deep concern in the global community.

Nuclear Engineer Training & Education

You can expect to take classes in subjects such as reactor physics, nuclear safety, medical imaging, computer simulation, thermodynamics, controlled fusion, radioactive waste management, and nuclear systems design.

A bachelors degree is crucial for a career in nuclear engineering. Graduate studies are also very rewarding, both in terms of earnings and in terms of conducting research on the frontiers of nuclear energy technology. In addition, continuing education is essential to keep up with technological advances. Nuclear engineers may be employed by state or federal government, private industry, universities, or research institutes.

Nuclear Engineer Career & Salary

As with most engineering jobs, starting salaries for recent college grads are among the highest possible for entry-level work. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, those with bachelor's degrees in nuclear engineering earn an average of $56,587, while the median earnings for those at all stages of a nuclear engineering career (including those with graduate degrees) is $90,220. The top 10% of nuclear engineers earn an average of $124,510.

Characteristics of Nuclear Engineers

Nuclear engineering is a field full of challenges. The science behind nuclear engineering is intellectually stimulating, and investigating research questions provides a tremendous sense of accomplishment. A talent for higher mathematics and logical reasoning is critical. Key work habits include patience, problem-solving ability, and meticulous attention to detail.

Nuclear Waste Engineer Career

A nuclear waste engineer oversees the transportation and storage of nuclear waste, ensuring safe disposal of radioactive materials. Nuclear waste engineers also develop new technology for secure waste disposal, taking into account future as well as current needs.

Career Fields/Specializations

Nuclear Power Engineer Career

This is the job that most people think of when they hear the phrase "nuclear engineer." This individual oversees power plant operations and designs complex power plant systems. He or she may also research new ways to harness the power of nuclear energy.

Nuclear Safety Manager Career

A nuclear safety manager implements safety regulations, develops safe plant procedures, anticipates and solves problems that could lead to accidents, and evaluates adherence to established protocols.

Nuclear Health Physicist Career

A nuclear health physicist oversees radiation safety at a medical facility, research facility, or power plant, monitoring and training personnel to minimize radiation exposure. Nuclear physicists in the healthcare field may also work on advances in radiation-related diagnostic techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET).

Government Nuclear Engineer Career

The federal government employs nuclear engineers in various capacities. For example, nuclear engineers work in the U.S. Navy's Nuclear Propulsion Program, designing and overseeing nuclear-powered marine vessels. Space provides additional possibilities; currently, nuclear engineers at NASA are investigating the possibility of using a nuclear fission system to generate power on the moon.