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Nuclear Engineers

Did You Know:

  • Employment is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations, although growth will vary by specialty; overall job opportunities for engineers are expected to be good.
  • A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for most entry-level jobs, but some research positions may require a graduate degree.
  • Starting salaries are among the highest of all college graduates.
  • Continuing education is critical for engineers in order to keep up with improvements in technology.


Industry Areas

  • Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution
  • Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation)
  • Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services

Day-to-Day Tasks

  • Initiate corrective actions or order plant shutdowns in emergency situations.
  • Direct operating or maintenance activities of operational nuclear power plants to ensure efficiency and conformity to safety standards.
  • Monitor nuclear facility operations to identify any design, construction, or operation practices that violate safety regulations and laws or that could jeopardize the safety of operations.

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Overall Kind of Work

Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applicatio...

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Work Environment

Military

Nuclear engineers work in offices, research laboratories, and power plant control centers, either on land or aboard nuclear-powered ships and submarines.

Status

What is the difference between enlisted and officer?

Enlisted:
Enlisted members enter the Military with a high school diploma (in some cases a GED), at a minimum. They are employed in almost every type of military career, often in hands-on roles.

Officers: Officers either enter the Military with a four-year college degree or greater or served previously as enlisted members, and are generally employed in management roles or highly specialized fields that require intensive training.
  • yes Officer
  • no Enlisted

Military Breakdown

The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.

239 Nuclear Engineers in the military

Service Branches

Nuclear Engineers work in the following services:

Marine Corps Navy

Type of Work

The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.

Data: High
People: High
Things: Medium

Skills at a Glance

The levels of different skills helpful in this career.

Verbal skills: High
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: High
Equipment Operation & Maintenance: High
Math & Science Skills: High
Technology Design & Control: High
Leadership: High

Workplace at a Glance

The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.

Responsibility: High
Exposure to Job Hazards: Medium
Physical Activity: Low
Decision Making: Low
Repetitiveness: Medium
Level of Competition: Medium
Time Pressure: Medium