What does a Nuclear Engineer do?

Nuclear Engineers develop new ways to utilize the energy generated by splitting or combining atoms. Some work for the US military or defense contractors, creating the systems that power naval vessels and weaponry. Others find employment in health care and focus on creating new equipment for administering nuclear medicine to patients.

In the energy sector, Nuclear Engineers design and improve nuclear reactors and nuclear power plant control systems and devise solutions for nuclear waste disposal. Some Nuclear Engineers also invent nuclear batteries and radiation shielding for satellites, spacecraft and space rovers.

Nuclear Engineer skills and qualifications

Including the following qualifications in your Nuclear Engineer job description can help you evaluate candidates for your open position:

• In-depth knowledge of physics, engineering science, mathematics and nuclear energy

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to devise solutions to nuclear problems

• Logical thinking and analytical skills to design simulations and experiments and assess their results

• Writing skills to produce clear, concise reports

• Verbal communication skills to collaborate with scientists, operators and other engineers

• Observational skills and attentiveness to detail to identify potential risks during the construction or manufacturing process

• Computer skills to utilize mathematical simulation, computer-aided drafting (CAD), relationship database, presentation, spreadsheet, word processing and other software

• Familiarity with laws and regulations related to nuclear energy

Nuclear Engineer experience requirements

To gain the necessary licensure for working in the field, Nuclear Engineers must typically work for at least four years as Nuclear Engineers-in-Training under the supervision of licensed engineers. During this period, they gain hands-on experience designing and developing systems and components.

As a result, a newly licensed Nuclear Engineer may not need additional work experience to succeed in your open position. If your new hire will be the only Nuclear Engineer on your team, you may wish to establish years of work history as a required or preferred qualification in your nuclear engineering job description. Those responsible for supervising Nuclear Engineers-in-Training may also benefit from having several years of experience.

Nuclear Engineer education and training requirements

A bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering is usually the minimum education requirement for a Nuclear Engineer. Upon graduation, prospective Nuclear Engineers must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to work as Engineers-in-Training. After serving in this role for four years, they must pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam to gain certification as a Professional Nuclear Engineer and to qualify for a state license.

A Nuclear Engineer responsible for supervising the operation of a nuclear power plant may need to obtain a Senior Reactor Operating license from the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC).

Job description samples for similar positions

If this nuclear engineering job description doesn’t fully reflect your business needs, these related job titles may be a better match:

• Engineer

• Engineering Manager

• Aerospace Engineer

• Process Engineer

Nuclear Engineer job description FAQs

What do Nuclear Engineers do compared to Nuclear Technicians?

In nuclear power plants, Nuclear Engineers and Nuclear Technicians may work side-by-side. A Nuclear Engineer is responsible for developing the nuclear reactor and controls and overseeing its operations. A Nuclear Technician operates the facility.

What’s the difference between a Nuclear Engineer and a Nuclear Physicist?

Nuclear Engineers and Nuclear Physicists contribute to advancing nuclear energy usage but in different ways. Nuclear Physicists conduct experiments and research and develop theories to further the overall understanding of nuclear energy. Using the work of Nuclear Physicists, Nuclear Engineers design practical applications for nuclear energy usage.

How can I attract candidates for my nuclear engineering job description?

Consider leading with a bulleted list summarizing the benefits of working for your company. You may wish to mention continuing education stipends, retirement plans and flexible hours. In addition, fully describing the specific projects that your new hire will undertake can help attract interested candidates.