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Nuclear Engineer

THE JOB

Since 1957, when the first commercial nuclear power plant began operating, 
nuclear energy has grown into a significant energy source in the United 
States.  Much of the work in this field is still in the Research and 
development phase, therefore almost half of all nuclear workers are 
Engineers, Scientists, and Technicians.

NUCLEAR ENGINEERS often work as members of project teams, which combine the 
skills of Scientists, Engineers, and Technicians to solve complex problems. 
Nuclear engineering projects may involve design and construction of nuclear 
reactors and power plants, development and production of weapons, evaluation 
of environmental and ecological Research, health physics, or industrial 
safety.  Nuclear Engineers also direct and monitor the operation of nuclear 
power plants to ensure efficiency and conformity to safety standards. 
Nuclear Engineers use mathematics, economics, and engineering principles to 
help solve problems.  They often use computers and simulation techniques in 
problem analysis.  They must apply nuclear safety regulations in all phases 
of their work.

Nuclear Engineers may perform administrative duties, direct projects, 
supervise other workers, and prepare budgets.  Others may work as sales 
representatives, teach, do consulting work, and serve on governmental 
commissions.  They must keep themselves informed of new developments and 
changes in the nuclear field by independent study and Research, and by 
reading technical journals.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Most Nuclear Engineers work in Research laboratories, industrial plants, 
colleges, or universities in clean, well-ventilated, well-lighted 
surroundings, or in private offices.  Although many engineers spend most of 
their time in an office or laboratory, job duties may also require traveling 
to a plant, testing laboratory or facility, or installation site.  Engineers 
who specialize in facility construction work outdoors from mobile offices at 
the work site.

Special precautions must be taken by engineers who work with fissionable 
matter such as reactor fuels and radioisotopic materials.  They must wear 
thermoluminescent dosimeters, film badges, or other devices used for 
recording cumulative radiation exposure time and, in some areas, must wear 
protective clothing.  Electronic warning systems and alarms are used in work 
areas to warn of any possible hazards.  The strain of this type of work is 
chiefly emotional.  The need to quickly repair defective equipment and to 
prevent loss of radioactive materials into the surrounding environment can 
cause considerable stress.  Most jobs require normal physical mobility, 
eyesight, and hearing.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

In California, Nuclear Engineers are employed in governmental agencies, 
academic and industrial Research centers, nuclear power plants, military 
installations, industrial manufacturing plants, and in private corporations 
servicing these sectors.  The future of nuclear power for certain uses is 
not clear.  In 1990 there were an estimated 1,040 Nuclear Engineers employed 
in California.  By the year 2005 this figure is expected to grow by 150 new 
jobs with an additional 390 job openings due to separations.  This increase 
in employment is much slower than the average for all occupations.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

Salaries for Nuclear Engineers vary according to the location and the 
employer.  A recent salary survey indicates that salaries ranged from $2,300 
a month for someone holding a B.S. degree to $8,300 a month for those with a 
Ph.D.

In federal civil service, beginning Nuclear Engineers with a bachelor's 
degree would typically enter at the GS-5 level ($17,686 to $22,993 a year) 
or at the GS-7 level (at $26,300 a year).  With a master's degree, the 
beginning engineer would enter at the GS-7 level ($21.900 to $28,500 yearly).
With three to five years' experience in private industry, however, an 
engineer might enter federal employment at the GS-12 ($38,900 to $50,500 a 
year) or the GS-13 level ($46,200 to $60,100 a year).

The normal workweek is 40 hours, but Nuclear Engineers are also required to 
work whatever days or shifts are necessary to meet production schedules, 
which means that their workweek can be as much as 50 hours.  Benefits 
usually include paid vacations, holidays, and sick leave, as well as 
medical, dental, and vision insurance, and retirement plans.  Some companies 
offer stock-option and profit-sharing plans.  Many employers pay tuition for 
employees who take additional job related courses.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Applicants should have a bachelor of science degree in one of the 
engineering sciences.  For some jobs, a knowledge of computer simulation 
techniques is valuable.  Engineering work requires patience and precision; 
engineers must be creative and analytical.  Both mathematical and mechanical 
aptitudes are essential to success in this occupation.  Navy experience in 
nuclear ratings (electrician, electronic technician, and machinist mate) is 
valuable experience for potential nuclear engineers.  Applicants are 
generally required to pass a physical examination.  Some employers require a 
drug test as a condition of employment.  Handicaps which do not affect job 
performance are not considered disqualifying.  Good color vision is needed 
in laboratory work.  Security clearances may be required when working on 
some highly classified projects.

High school students considering this occupation should take courses in 
higher mathematics such as geometry, trigonometry, calculus, the physical 
sciences, machine shop, and English.  Drafting and mechanical drawing skills 
must also be developed.  Courses in electronics, business administration, 
computer science, and the social sciences are also important for future 
college training and a career in engineering.

Some employers prefer Nuclear Engineer applicants to be registered with the 
State of California, Consumer Services Agency.  California registers Nuclear 
Engineers in the same manner as civil, chemical, and other types of 
engineers.  Applicants must pass an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) exam which 
covers all areas of engineering.  They must then work for one or more years, 
depending on their degrees, and pass an eight-hour written exam in nuclear 
engineering.  Those with doctorates may have the EIT exam waived, but must 
have worked as Nuclear Engineers for at least one year to take the 
professional exam.  Many engineers are members of the American Nuclear 
Society or other professional organizations.


ADVANCEMENT

Recently graduated engineers usually begin their careers as assistant 
engineers.  As they gain experience, they may advance to associate and 
senior-level positions.  From the senior level, engineers may advance into 
production supervision or project management.  Some companies offer work-
study programs for employees wishing to upgrade their skills. 

Rapid advancement to senior Research engineer is possible for those willing 
to pursue postgraduate study in nuclear science.  Several California 
colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate study in nuclear 
engineering.  Oak Ridge Associated Universities, under the Department of 
Energy, offer special fellowships for study in nuclear science and 
engineering.


FINDING THE JOB

Nuclear Engineer applicants seeking federal civil service employment should 
contact the US. Civil Service Commission in any major metropolitan area. 
Those engineers who wish employment in the private sector should apply 
directly to personnel offices of companies in the nuclear field.  The U.S. 
Department of Energy's Research and Development Agency, San Francisco 
Operations Office, in Oakland, has information regarding companies operating 
government owned, contractor operated facilities and companies performing 
work under government contract in California.  Some employers conduct 
college campus interviews for entry-level positions.  College placement 
offices, private employment agencies, the California Employment Development 
Department, classified advertisement sections of newspapers, professional 
journals, and the American Nuclear Society meetings are additional sources 
of job information.  Applicants should prepare a resume of their education 
and experience.


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

U.S. Department of Energy 
Technical Information Center
P.O. Box 62
Oak Ridge, TN 37831
http://www.doe.gov/

U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Public Affairs
1000 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20585
(202) 586-6827
http://www.doe.gov/

The American Nuclear Society
555 North Kensington Avenue
La Grange Park, IL 60625
http://www.ans.org/


RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Mechanical Engineers                  No.   5
Electrical/Electronics Engineers      No.  12
Civil Engineers                       No.  39


OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Nuclear Engineer (profess. & kin.)                015.061-014

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Nuclear Engineers                                       22117


Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department, 
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group, 
         (916) 262-2162.