Tremendous energy is trapped in the nucleus of a tiny atom. Harnessing that energy is the work of nuclear engineers. They search for efficient ways to capture the energy from disintegrating atoms, or from the fusion of atoms, and put it to use. Nuclear engineers develop a variety of applications for nuclear energy, including diagnosing and treating illnesses… and in systems to power ships and spacecraft. Many of these engineers work with nuclear reactors, the source of energy for power plants to provide heat and electricity to many homes and businesses. The resources used in nuclear power generate potentially dangerous radioactivity. So nuclear engineers in power plants develop safety practices, and ensure that nuclear waste is disposed of with care. Their job doesn’t stop after designing cutting-edge new technology— they oversee operations and maintenance, and issue immediate emergency shutdowns if there are malfunctions. The majority of nuclear engineers work full-time for public utilities or engineering consulting firms. They sometimes collaborate with other kinds of engineers to improve each other’s system designs. A bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering is the typical entry-level requirement for this field some positions require a master’s degree or Ph.D. Nuclear engineers carry a large responsibility to safely manage a resource many people have come to depend on.
What they do:
Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.
On the job, you would:
Brief workers on radiation levels in work areas.
Calculate safe radiation exposure times for personnel using plant contamination readings and prescribed safe levels of radiation.
Monitor personnel to determine the amounts and intensities of radiation exposure.
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
physics
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
Basic Skills
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
Attention
pay attention to something without being distracted
do two or more things at the same time
Visual Understanding
quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Dependability
Stress Tolerance
Adaptability/Flexibility
Self Control
You might use software like this on the job:
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows Server
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Analytical or scientific software
Gamma waste assay system GWAS
RESRAD
associate's degree or high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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