Definitions of Nuclear Engineering

Some nuclear engineers work at power plants, where they supervise the loading of fuel into the nuclear reactor.

Nuclear engineering is an engineering discipline that studies radioactive materials and radiation for use in a variety of fields, such as power, medicine and manufacturing. Those who work in the field are called nuclear engineers. They may work for private companies, government agencies, nuclear power plants or defense contractors. Some nuclear engineers also teach at colleges and universities. Because they work with radioactive materials, nuclear engineers may be exposed to radiation and must wear protective gear to minimize exposure.

Description

Nuclear engineers design devices that are used to create nuclear power, including nuclear reactors. They may also design machinery that processes nuclear fuel and eliminates radioactive waste. Some nuclear engineers may develop devices that run on radioactive materials and are used in the fields of medicine, agriculture, manufacturing and engineering. Nuclear engineers may also devote their time to nuclear research and development, where they strive to discover new methods for creating and using nuclear energy. Nuclear engineers who are employed at power plants may help with the construction of new facilities and solve any problems that arise during the process. They may supervise as workers load fuel into the nuclear reactor to ensure that nuclear energy is created safely and effectively. In addition, nuclear engineers must ensure that their facility is not exposed to dangerous radiation levels, and may oversee other workers to make sure that they follow proper safety protocol as well.

Education

Nuclear engineers must have at least a bachelor's degree. Some colleges and universities offer nuclear engineering programs, but students may study physics or mechanical or chemical engineering. However, many employers prefer nuclear engineers who have a master's or doctoral degree in nuclear engineering. The field requires knowledge of several areas of engineering and science, so candidates may earn a graduate degree in a related science or engineering field as well. Most nuclear engineers receive additional training from their employer. Safety training is typically required, so engineers learn the proper procedure for working with and disposing of nuclear materials without being exposed to dangerous radiation levels.

Qualifications

Nuclear engineers must be analytic and detail oriented. They must be able to work with a team and possess strong communication skills as well. Those who work for the federal government must be U.S. citizens, and nuclear engineers who are employed by defense contractors may require security clearance as well.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages for nuclear engineers were $95,910 as of May 2009. The highest 10 percent were paid more than $140,140, while the lowest 10 percent were paid less than $66,590. The middle 50 percent were paid between $81,460 and $114,990. The highest paying employers for nuclear engineers were management, scientific and technical consulting services firms, who paid a median annual wage of $116,670.

Employment Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment for nuclear engineers will increase by 11 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is about as fast a rate as the average for all occupations.Most opportunities will occur in research and development as the potential for nuclear power as an energy source is considered more seriously in the United States. Nuclear engineers should also see opportunities in the defense and medical technology fields as well.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Engineers
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, Nuclear Engineers
• StateUniversity.com: Nuclear Engineer Job Description