Occupation Details
Nuclear Engineers
Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$77,610.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$110,860.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$136,940.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
290
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
250
+-4 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
13
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
-0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
New York State requires workers in this occupation to hold a license or certification.
Professional Engineer
Learn MoreSkills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Operations Analysis
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
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.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Anticontamination clothing
- Desktop computers
- Face masks
- Nuclear wireline logging instruments
- Personal computers
- Reactivity computer systems
Technology
- BERMUDA nuclear transport computer codes
- C++
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Desktop publishing software
- Discrete ordinates DORT dose assessment computer codes
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
- Graphics software
- INCORE code
- Linux
- Mathematical simulation software
- Mathsoft Mathcad
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
- direct personnel in support of engineering activities
- delegate authority for engineering activities
- prepare reports
- prepare safety reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- operate high energy linear accelerator
- develop safety regulations
- write business project or bid proposals
- develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
- develop plans for programs or projects
- lead teams in engineering projects
- develop new products based on scientific research results
- design control systems
- design engineered systems
- design electronic equipment
- design machines
- design power equipment
- design manufacturing processes or methods
- design transporting processes
- design waste recovery methods
- improve test devices or techniques in manufacturing, industrial or engineering setting
- create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
- develop mathematical simulation models
- design electro-mechanical equipment
- direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
- coordinate engineering project activities
- coordinate production maintenance activities
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
- calculate engineering specifications
- work as a team member
- advise clients or customers
- advise clients regarding engineering problems
- provide expert testimony on research results
- advise authorities in procedures for radiation incidents or hazards
- communicate technical information
- confer with vendors
- confer with scientists
- use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
- use government regulations
- use hazardous materials information
- use pollution control techniques
- use research methodology procedures within manufacturing or commerce
- use scientific research methodology
- follow safe waste disposal procedures
- use technical regulations for engineering problems
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use long or short term production planning techniques
- use knowledge of materials testing procedures
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use physical science research techniques
- use project management techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- use robotics systems technology
- plan production processes
- plan testing of engineering methods
- plan construction of structures or facilities
- plan scientific research or investigative studies
- explain complex mathematical information
- bid engineering, construction or extraction projects
- estimate cost for engineering projects
- estimate time needed for project
- estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
- compute cost estimates of construction or engineering projects
- understand engineering data or reports
- understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
- compile numerical or statistical data
- develop tables depicting data
- compile information on findings from investigation of accidents
- use intuitive judgment for engineering analyses
- resolve engineering or science problems
- conduct performance testing
- inspect project operations, or site to determine specification compliance
- confer with research personnel
- confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
- collect scientific or technical data
- read blueprints
- read schematics
- read technical drawings
- analyze engineering design problems
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- conduct nuclear research
- conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
- conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
- determine factors affecting production processes
- evaluate costs of engineering projects
- evaluate engineering data
- evaluate manufacturing or processing systems
- evaluate tool designs
- provide analytical assessment of engineering data
- perform statistical analysis in physical science or geological research
- analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
- analyze project proposal to determine feasibility, cost, or time
- analyze test data
- analyze engineering test data
- use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- develop or maintain databases
- adhere to safety procedures
- perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
- inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
- ensure prescribed safe radiation levels are maintained
- examine engineering documents for completeness or accuracy
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Initiate corrective actions or order plant shutdowns in emergency situations.
- Monitor nuclear facility operations to identify any design, construction, or operation practices that violate safety regulations and laws or could jeopardize safe operations.
- Design or develop nuclear equipment, such as reactor cores, radiation shielding, or associated instrumentation or control mechanisms.
- 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.
- Recommend preventive measures to be taken in the handling of nuclear technology, based on data obtained from operations monitoring or from evaluation of test results.
- Write operational instructions to be used in nuclear plant operation or nuclear fuel or waste handling and disposal.
- Conduct environmental studies on topics such as nuclear power generation, nuclear waste disposal, or nuclear weapon deployment.
- Direct environmental compliance activities associated with nuclear plant operations or maintenance.
- Prepare environmental impact statements, reports, or presentations for regulatory or other agencies.
- Prepare technical reports of findings or recommendations, based on synthesized analyses of test results.
- Develop or contribute to the development of plans to remediate or restore environments affected by nuclear radiation, such as waste disposal sites.
- Design or oversee construction or operation of nuclear reactors, power plants, or nuclear fuels reprocessing and reclamation systems.
- Conduct tests of nuclear fuel behavior and cycles or performance of nuclear machinery and equipment to optimize performance of existing plants.
- Design or direct nuclear research projects to develop, test, modify, or discover new uses for theoretical models.
- Design fuel cycle models or processes to reduce the quantity of radioactive waste generated from nuclear activities.
- Consult with other scientists to determine parameters of experimentation or suitability of analytical models.
- Perform experiments that will provide information about acceptable methods of nuclear material usage, nuclear fuel reclamation, or waste disposal.
- Keep abreast of developments and changes in the nuclear field by reading technical journals or by independent study and research.
- Discuss construction project proposals with interested parties, such as vendors, contractors, or nuclear facility review boards.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
American Nuclear Society
The core purpose of the American Nuclear Society is to promote the awareness and understanding of the application of nuclear science and technology.
Learn MoreAmerican Society for Engineering Education
American Society for Engineering Education is a nonprofit organization of individuals and institutions committed to furthering education in engineering and engineering technology.
Learn MoreAmerican Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) K12 Center
The ASEE EngineeringK12 Center seeks to identify and gather in one place the most effective engineering education resources available to the K12 community. All activities under the K12 Center are shaped by three guiding principles: Building public awareness of K12 engineering education,provide education resources and extend networks among groups with an interest in K12 engineering education.
Learn MoreCornell University Summer College Program: Engineering
<p>If you're skilled in math and science and would like to use your talents to improve the world, then engineering could be the career for you. This program will give you a first-hand look at this diverse and exciting field. You'll investigate a wide range of technical disciplines including: Bioengineering and earth sciences, chemical and electrical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, computer science and engineering and structural and mechanical engineering.</p>
Learn MoreEnergy Kid's Page
Follow along with Energy Ant at the Energy Kid's Page and explore classroom projects, games, energy basics and more.
Learn MoreEngineers (Intro)
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreMaterials Science and Engineering Careers and Resources
If you are interested in a career in Materials Science and Engineering or just want to learn more about this exciting field you've come to the right place! This site is also of interest to those interested in metallurgy, ceramics, plastics, semiconductors and composites.
Learn MoreNuclear engineers
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MorePark & Ride 2007 Amusement Park Ride Design Pre-Engineering Program for Middle School Girls
Do you want to: Design and build an amusement park ride? Learn about engineering? Come to RIT for a weekend event! Park & Ride 2007 Amusement Park Ride Design Pre-Engineering Program for Middle School Girls is an annual spring event to increase interest among girls in the field of engineering by guiding them through a hands-on experience with an engineering project.
Learn MorePlant Genome Research High School Summer Internship
Interns that join Cornell for the summer not only gain a broader knowledge of plant genomics, but also learn new techniques, participate in lab meetings and scientific discussions, and take away a better understanding of genuine scientific research. Application materials are due postmarked by March 1, 2007.
Learn MorePlant Genomics Classroom Resources and Activities
Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University and the Curriculum Development Workshop developed plant based classroom activities. They are formatted to be ready to use for the classroom, with appropriate hand outs and teacher background information.
Learn MoreRIT Expanding Your Horizons
The Kate Gleason College of Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology Women in Engineering offers a program entitled, ?Expanding Your Horizons? for girls in 8-10 grade and their parents.EYH gives young women a look into the field of engineering and how it is used in the real world. An adult track offers tips and advice to help young women be successful in their pursuit of college and provides adults with an opportunity to learn more about engineering as a career option for young women.
Learn MoreRIT Women in Engineering: Everyday Engineering Summer Camp
Did you turn on the faucet today? Put on a pair of sneakers? Listen to a CD? Take a ride in a car? If so, then you've come in contact with engineering. Each day of RIT Women in Engineering: Everyday Engineering Summer Camp will demonstrate the engineering in common situations through demonstrations and hands-on activities.
Learn MoreRPI National Chemistry Week: Your Home-Its All Built on Chemistry
An annual event, Chemistry Week featured, Your Home-Its All Built on Chemistry. Over 500 parents and students attended interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities, a chemistry magic show, and a student poster competition to excite children and their families about science and technology, and encourage them to consider pursuing careers in science, engineering, and technology.
Learn MoreRochester Institute of Technology, Women in Engineering
RIT's Women in Engineering emphasis is on establishing active outreach programs for middle and high school young women, creating and sustaining a mentoring program for RIT first and second year women engineering students, providing leadership opportunities for all women engineering students, and supporting an environment that allows women to succeed in an engineering program.
Learn MoreSociety of Women Engineers
The Society of Women Engineers(SWE), founded in 1950, is a nonprofit educational and service organization that helps women achieve their full potential as engineers and leaders. It is the driving force that establishes engineering as a highly desirable career aspiration for women.
Learn More