Nuclear Engineers
What is a Nuclear Engineer?
Nuclear Engineers are professionals who specialize in the development and application of nuclear energy and radiation processes. Their work spans a variety of fields, including the design and implementation of nuclear reactors, radiation shielding, and the management of nuclear waste. These engineers are crucial in ensuring that nuclear power plants operate safely and efficiently while minimizing risks to the public and the environment. They often collaborate with other engineers and scientists to improve safety protocols, explore new technologies, and conduct research on nuclear materials. The field requires a deep understanding of nuclear physics, thermodynamics, and safety regulations, making Nuclear Engineers key contributors to the energy sector and to advancements in medical and industrial applications of nuclear technology.
Tasks
- Design or develop nuclear equipment, such as reactor cores, radiation shielding, or associated instrumentation or control mechanisms.
- Monitor nuclear facility operations to identify any design, construction, or operation practices that violate safety regulations and laws or could jeopardize safe operations.
- Initiate corrective actions or order plant shutdowns in emergency situations.
- Examine accidents to obtain data for use in design of preventive measures.
- Direct operating or maintenance activities of nuclear power plants to ensure efficiency and conformity to safety standards.
Technology Skills
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Analytical or scientific software
- Mathematical simulation software
- Reactor excursion and release analysis program RELAP
- SAS
- The MathWorks MATLAB
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Development environment software
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
- INCORE code
- Software development tools
- TOTE code
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Object or component oriented development software
- C++
- Oracle Java
- Python
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Data base user interface and query software
- Microsoft Access
- Relational database software
Tools Used
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Respirators
- Facial shields
- Nuclear reactor control rod systems
- Nuclear tools
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Desktop computers
Knowledge
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Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Skills
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Abilities
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Category Flexibility
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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Master's degree
Work Activities
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Detailed Work Activities
- Design energy production or management equipment or systems.
- Monitor processes for compliance with standards.
- Resolve operational performance problems.
- Investigate safety of work environment.
- Direct energy production or management activities.
Work Interests
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$82150.0 - $174020.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.