Nuclear Engineer

Answer 1

The principal responsibility of a Nuclear Engineer is to apply a use of engineering concepts and knowledge of nuclear science to engineering problems. Nuclear engineering is a large and diverse field that can be broken into groups of engineers that work in the development and use of nuclear energy, radioactive materials, and on-site solutions.

Nuclear engineers that choose to work in the field of nuclear energy can specialize into a few different categories. The major areas are in the design of machines or facilities that will either harness or produce nuclear energy, and those who specialize in the development of products that will mitigate the damage of, or dispose of, unwanted nuclear materials. Nuclear engineers that work with radioactive materials are often involved in the research and development of products that are used in a variety of applications in medicine, science, industry, and agriculture. The last category of engineers is the individuals who work in on-site environments. They often serve as consultants in the construction of facilities that are to be involved in the production or use of nuclear energies.

The minimum requirements to become a Nuclear Engineer are to earn a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering, some of the other engineering specialties can qualify but there is much less cross over than in other fields. A graduate degree in nuclear engineering is essential for any research positions but is not necessary to enter the general workforce. It is highly advisable for students to secure an internship during college to gain highly valuable work experience.

The employment opportunities in nuclear engineering are expected to be slightly favorable. According to www.bls.gov there is expected to be 11% job growth but a low number of graduates with degrees in nuclear engineering to fill the positions. Nuclear engineers are one of the best paid engineering specialties; entry level positions in the field typically pay from $55,000 to $60,000. Earnings vary by location but the average yearly salary for a nuclear engineer is currently from $90,000 to $95,000.