What Does a Nuclear Engineer Do
Nuclear engineers use their math, physics, and engineering skills as well as their social and environmental knowledge. They discuss the healthy, efficient design of a range of processes and systems, including nuclear power generation plants, military or space vehicle nuclear power sources, hazardous waste disposal systems, and nuclear medicine devices.
Research and development of new products, control of nuclear power systems, operation of power plants, disposal of radioactive waste, radiation measurement, and engineering of reactors may also include nuclear engineers. Another fascinating field of nuclear engineering is the application of nuclear medicine methods, such as X-ray technology and radiation sterilization of equipment.
Nuclear Engineering Job Opportunities
Nuclear engineering career opportunities vary from positions for those with advanced degrees and a wealth of experiences, such as leadership or teaching, to entry-level roles as technologists or support workers. In a variety of sectors, nuclear engineering experts are invaluable, including the following:
- Consultancy
- Industrial and consumer power
- Research in health and medicine
- Transportation Services
- Safety of Food and Water
A major employer in the sector, especially the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is the federal government. Also, to teach nuclear engineering, universities often need knowledgeable people.
Nuclear engineering’s Prospects
With a rising interest in nuclear power as a safer alternative to fossil fuels, the energy sector’s potential for job growth is promising. No commercial nuclear power plants have been constructed in the United States for some time, but nuclear engineers would be expected to study and build new types of power plants with protection, reliability, and proper waste management in mind if nuclear energy catches on. Nuclear medicine, health physics, and agricultural techniques, such as the production of new crop varieties, are other fields of nuclear engineering expected to expand in the coming years.
Nuclear Engineering Colleges and Universities
Associate’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering: A technologist or technician in nuclear engineering typically holds a 2-year degree. The degree program of an Associate of Science (AS) requires key courses in subjects of nuclear engineering as well as instruction in mathematics, physics, and computer applications.
A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in nuclear engineering contains the same core courses as the associate degree, plus more in-depth study of specialties such as health physics, fission systems, or radiation imaging. Bachelor’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering: As a scientist or engineer, a bachelor’s degree prepares you for entry-level jobs.
Nuclear Engineering Master’s and Doctoral Degrees: Laboratory research or university faculty positions typically include a nuclear engineering graduate degree: a Master of Science or Ph.D. After obtaining a 4-year degree in nuclear engineering or a related field such as mechanical or electrical engineering, you may join a graduate program.
Nuclear Engineering Salaries
IN the U.S. according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2018-19, The average national annual salary for nuclear engineers is $102,220. Actual wages can vary greatly depending on field specialization, venue, years of experience, and some other variables. National long-term employment growth forecasts do not reflect economic or employment conditions at the local and/or short-term level and do not guarantee actual job growth.