What does a Nuclear Engineer do?
Published 3 min read
A nuclear engineer is responsible for the design, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants. They also conduct research into nuclear medicine and develop new uses for nuclear energy.
Nuclear Engineer job duties include:
- Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects and analyze the results
- Design and oversee the construction of nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities
- Develop safety procedures for the handling and disposal of nuclear waste
- Plan and coordinate the operations of nuclear power plants
- Monitor nuclear facilities to ensure compliance with safety regulations
- Investigate accidents at nuclear facilities and develop recommendations for preventing future accidents
- Advise government agencies on nuclear regulatory issues
- Teach courses in nuclear engineering at colleges and universities
- Write scientific papers on nuclear engineering topics
Nuclear Engineer Job Requirements
A Nuclear Engineer must have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably in nuclear engineering. Certification is not required, but may be beneficial. Experience is also not required, but may be beneficial.
Nuclear Engineer Skills
- Nuclear engineering
- Reactor design
- Nuclear fuel cycle
- Radiation transport
- Health physics
- Nuclear safety
- Nuclear security
- Decommissioning
- Waste management
- Non-proliferation
- Safeguards
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How to become a Nuclear Engineer
There are many steps that must be completed in order to become a nuclear engineer. Firstly, it is important to obtain a strong foundation in mathematics and the sciences, as these subjects will be heavily relied upon throughout the course of study. Once the necessary academic requirements have been met, it is advisable to complete an internship at a nuclear facility in order to gain first-hand experience with the inner workings of the industry.
After completing an internship, the next step is to obtain a professional engineering license. In order to do this, one must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Once the FE exam has been passed, the individual can then take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PPE) exam specific to nuclear engineering. Upon passing this second exam, the individual will be officially licensed as a nuclear engineer.
From there, it is important to stay up-to-date on industry news and developments. Nuclear engineering is an ever-changing field, and it is crucial for those working in the field to be aware of new technologies and approaches. Additionally, continuing education courses may also be necessary in order to maintain one’s license.
With hard work and dedication, it is possible for anyone to become a nuclear engineer. Those interested in this field should make sure to obtain a strong academic foundation and gain experience through internships before taking steps to becoming licensed professionals.
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