Nuclear Engineer

The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in nuclear engineer roles:

• Design and build components used in harnessing and utilizing nuclear power
• Research ways of disposing of nuclear waste to prevent radiation sickness
• Monitor nuclear power plant set up and processes to reduce radiation exposure for workers
• Research uses for radiation in healthcare, developing equipment like x-ray machines, or finding treatments for diseases like cancer

A Day in the Life

Nuclear engineers design, apply, and research how nuclear energy and radiation can be used for a wide range of purposes. Many nuclear engineers work in atomic power stations and work to develop components—such as reactor cores—that are used in harvesting and creating nuclear power sources. These power sources may be used to harvest power for cities, for ships, or even for spacecraft. Nuclear engineers are at the forefront of developing these new uses for nuclear power.

Nuclear techniques are also increasingly being studied and applied for use in medicine, especially cancer diagnosis and therapy. Nuclear engineers research ways that radiation can be used to create x-ray technology and develop cyclotrons—the device used in radiation therapy that’s used to treat cancerous tumors. Nuclear engineers research possible healthcare applications of radiation, and work to develop the components that will be used to apply radiation for use in diagnosing and treating disease.

Research in nuclear engineering is intellectually rewarding. While some nuclear engineers work in offices or research labs, others work in nuclear power plants and oversee operations to ensure safety guidelines are established and adhered to. At the entry level, nuclear engineers generally work under experienced seniors. However, as they accumulate knowledge and experience, they are handed more responsibility and may be able to move into roles where they can conduct research independently.

Typical Work Schedule

Most nuclear engineers work full-time schedules. Those who work in research may work mostly during normal business hours, but those that work in the nuclear power industry may need to be available during irregular shifts to oversee operations and handle emergencies.

Typical Employers

Nuclear engineers may find employment with nuclear power plants, for government agencies, with private research or engineering firms, with research institutions, or in manufacturing.