How to Become a Nuclear Engineer – Education & Career

Do you have a strong passion for physics and science as a student? Do nuclear power systems fascinate you? If so, it will benefit you to learn how to become a nuclear engineer. These professionals apply their mathematical and scientific understanding to solve today’s most significant global issues.

University candidates take classes focusing on direct energy conversion and material mechanics. In short, they learn to manipulate and control nuclear energy systems to derive the maximum energy required to propel machines. Most professionals work in energy companies generating and supplying electricity. Also, some move to work in government research labs and consultancy firms.

Read on to learn more!

Article Navigation: Nuclear Engineers Explained | Steps: How To Become a Nuclear Engineer | What Qualifications do you need to be a Nuclear Engineer? | What are the Types of Nuclear Engineering Jobs Available? | Job Outlook | Professional Organizations, Associations, & Resources | FAQs | Get Started Today!

Nuclear Engineers Explained

What is nuclear engineering?

It is a field of science that incorporates advanced engineering, sciences, and radiation physics principles to develop and design nuclear power applications and other radiological systems.

What is a nuclear engineer?

First, let’s answer the question, what is a nuclear engineer? These professionals are personnel responsible for operating nuclear power devices or facilities. They help develop, research, evaluate, and test nuclear power systems.

These specialists possess a wide range of knowledge in medicine, science, engineering, and law. As a result, their work necessitates frequent communication with government agencies, vendors, contractors, and operators.

What do nuclear engineers do?

Nuclear engineers create nuclear technology and radiation applications. They develop new products and systems while researching ways to use nuclear energy (e.g., radiation cores). They design nuclear power plants that use fuel made of plutonium or uranium to generate energy. For example, they create modern reactors and carry out studies on safety protocols, nuclear waste management, and the effects of radiation on people and animals. Also, they spend time creating safety standards and guidelines for nuclear facilities based on their observations of safety regulations and power plant operational processes.

Nuclear Engineer Job Description

Some of the typical nuclear engineer job descriptions demand them to:

• Maintain existing reactors by replacing parts or fixing them.
• Design the nuclear reactor’s control rods, fuel components, and other vital parts. They also design and build mining equipment.
• Provide the engineering and design team with technical know-how.
• Ensure that the reactor is operating effectively and safely.
• Handle radioactive materials securely and safely.
• Keep an eye on and control nuclear facilities.
• Make sure the reactor accommodates its users’ needs.
• Perform studies, tests, analyses, and operations involving nuclear reactors, radioactive substances, medical devices, computers, and other systems employed in the industry.
• Contribute to the design of future plants and assist in operating those plants.
• Create machinery to shield people from radioactive contamination.

Where Do They Work?

Numerous graduates of nuclear engineering work for power generation companies that operate nuclear power plants or assist with servicing and maintaining these facilities. Otherwise, professionals work in fields like agriculture, food, and medicine that employ radiation or radioactivity in production processes.

These engineers are required in these fields to identify problems, watch over operations, and safeguard the public. Additionally, the federal government employs these professionals to create cutting-edge technologies for next-generation power plants. Forward-thinking nuclear engineers can also work to develop new reactors for space probes, aircraft carriers, and submarines. They work in aeronautics, particularly in space and other sectors like the government, energy, agriculture, and the medical industry.

Steps: How To Become a Nuclear Engineer

To become a nuclear engineer, aspiring candidates must take the following steps when embarking on this career path:

Step 1: Earn A Bachelor’s Degree In Nuclear Engineering (Four Years)

First, you must obtain at least a bachelor’s degree to land an entry-level job position in this field. Via this undergraduate nuclear program, candidates will take on necessary coursework that cuts across fission systems, radiation imaging, atomic physics, etc. Likewise, the courses offered in this curriculum provide students with the core foundation necessary to earn certifications and become licensed.

While it is mandatory for graduates to obtain their bachelor’s from an ABET (Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology) accredited college either on-campus or online, enrolled students must fulfill their practicum experience within their jurisdictions or in research labs in federal institutions.

Step 2: Earn A Master’s Degree In Nuclear Engineering (Two Years)

The core curriculum for a master’s degree in this field typically consists of at least 32 course credits. It covers subject areas like reactor engineering, heat transfer, nuclear fuel management, radiological safety, etc. As they advance in their courses, candidates enroll in specialized concentrations like medical physics, radiation protection engineering, and more. Subsequently, students will take on a thesis project requiring extensive research.

Step 3: Establish State Licensure (Timeline Varies)

These professionals must be licensed to practice independently overall. According to the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), licensing requirements vary across several member states. For this reason, some jurisdictions may demand that graduates earn the Engineer Intern (EI) or Engineer in Training (EIT) licenses by excelling in the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Examination.

Step 4: Become A Professional Engineer (PE) In Nuclear Engineering (Four Years Or More)

Those pursuing this career path must acquire a Professional Engineer (PE) license to be eligible for several vital positions with tremendous potential. Accordingly, candidates can sit for the Principles & Practice of Engineering examination after gaining years of working experience in this field. Afterward, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) will issue the respective certification to only successful applicants.

Step 5: Consider Board and Professional Nuclear Engineering Certifications (At Least Eight Years)

In addition, Board and Nuclear Engineering professional certifications are a way to accelerate a career in this field, much like the Professional Engineer designation. These focus solely on specialized areas and show that an engineer is knowledgeable in the subject on a broad or more expansive scope.

Note: Professional certifications are necessary nuclear engineer requirements for graduates who want advancement opportunities in this rewarding career.

How long does it take to become a nuclear engineer?

It will take eight to 12 years of industry experience to complete all education, training, and gain the required experience.

What Qualifications do you need to be a Nuclear Engineer?

These professionals must hold a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering, typically from an ABET-accredited institution. By participating in fieldwork and other lab-related activities, graduates will gain the necessary experience in this field.

What Education is Needed to Become a Nuclear Engineer?

It is often required to earn a degree in engineering, materials engineering, materials science, or physics with a nuclear engineering concentration. Aspiring candidates generally need their high school diploma or equivalent to enroll in these courses. In addition, it would be beneficial to have in-depth knowledge of chemistry, mathematics, physics, and biology for this career field.

As an option, professionals could complete their undergraduate studies and then graduate with a master’s in Applied Nuclear Science.

If you’re wondering, some of the degrees you can choose from include:

• Bachelor’s in Nuclear Engineering
• Master’s in Nuclear Engineering
• Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering

What is Ph.D. in nuclear engineering?

A Ph.D. in this field focuses on advanced research in critical areas such as radiological engineering, nuclear power engineering, and medical physics.

How Many Years of College to be a Nuclear Engineer?

Most nuclear engineering degree online programs, from bachelor’s to master’s, take six to seven years to complete. Adding extra years of on-the-job practice or training, it will take at least eight years to become certified in this field.

Certifications and Licenses

Those professionals that work for a nuclear power plant are exempted from licensing requirements. Although, most specialists in this field prefer to apply for PE licensure to boost their nuclear engineering starting salary. The following steps are typically necessary for candidates that intend to obtain licensure and the PE designation:

• Earn an ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredited engineering degree from a reputable institution
• Gain suitable work experience from relevant institutions
• Maintain an excellent grade on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination
• Obtain a satisfactory score on the Professional Engineering (PE) examination.

Candidates may take the initial Fundamentals of Engineering qualifying examination after completing college. To maintain their licenses in numerous jurisdictions, these professionals frequently need to enroll in continuing education classes. Most states and locations will accept non-local licensure if it meets or exceeds local certification requirements.

Professionals in this field can also earn the Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) credential after completing a site-specific two-year program. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission grants the SRO certification, establishing that an engineer is qualified to manage a nuclear power plant while adhering to federal regulations.

What are the Types of Nuclear Engineering Jobs Available?

Nuclear engineering careers mainly consider the safety of people and the environment. In the workplace, they ensure the safe disposal, usage, storage, and transportation of radioactive materials. While this career thrives in countries harnessing nuclear sources as a source of power, a few of the other related jobs available include:

1. Nuclear Engineer

This professional designs, operates, and maintains a nuclear power plant daily to ensure hazard-free operations. They are engaged in developing and researching the systems, tools, and processes to tap into the benefits of nuclear and radiation energy. In addition, they create technical manuals that employees apply to the operation of nuclear plants or radioactive waste disposal.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average nuclear engineering salary in this field is $120,380 as of May 2021.

How much do nuclear engineers make?

The nuclear engineering starting salary for the lowest 10% in this occupation is $75,460, and the top 10% make above $169,000. However, a master’s in nuclear engineering salary is higher than a bachelor’s degree holder’s wages in the same field.

Is nuclear engineering salary dependent on Ph.D.?

Well, it’s not precisely dependent on having a Ph.D. Although earning a Ph.D. opens students to many research opportunities, the most critical factor is the organization a graduate works for — whether government or private organizations.

2. Nuclear Technicians

Nuclear technicians perform daily tasks in power plants, laboratories, and offices near power plants. They gather samples of water, air, and other materials, to ascertain the levels of radioactivity caused by energy production and nuclear experiments. In addition to educating other staff members on radiation safety protocols, they actively manage operating equipment and radiation monitors. Also, they issue warnings when radiation levels rise to dangerous levels.

Based on BLS data, the median annual salary for nuclear technicians as of May 2021 was $99,340. In this field, the top 10% made $126,600 while the lowest 10% earned $60,490. Furthermore, the employment of professionals in this field is estimated to decline slowly over the next ten years.

3. Radiation Protection Engineers

These professionals keep an eye on the operations of those who work in and operate nuclear power stations that produce electricity. For example, they test the water, radiation levels, and degraded waste for the safety of workers, power plants, and nearby lands. They create emergency plans for halting power plant operations in the occurrence of radiation risks that can’t be controlled. During such periods, they conduct training exercises and drills to test the knowledge of the personnel.

PayScale’s median annual wage for a Radiation-Protection Engineer as of July 2022 is $81,389. However, entry-level nuclear engineering jobs in this specialty depend on experience level.

4. Nuclear Reactor Engineer

Nuclear reactor engineers perform cutting-edge analysis and design, such as fuel design. In the field, they are specialists in fission technology, thermal hydraulics, and multi-stage flow of materials. They ensure that reactor compartments are in good condition and always working optimally.

5. Nuclear Weapons Specialist

Nuclear weapons specialists are trained experts that modify, repair, store, inspect, handle, and account for all weapon components. They accurately install and disengage atomic warheads, missiles, and more in the workplace. In critical situations where such weapons are found, they help to deactivate them on time.

Job Outlook

With renewed interest in nuclear power as a source of affordable power generation, nuclear engineering graduates now have more career options. Since it’s not a highly competitive field, specialists in this field will always find employment.

According to BLS, the employment of specialists in this field may decline by 8% over the next ten years. On average, there are expected to be 900 open positions despite declining jobs.

Is there a demand for nuclear engineers in the future?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for these professionals is expected to decline by 8% between 2020 to 2030.

Are nuclear engineering careers available worldwide?

Yes, they are. But remember that such careers only thrive in countries that employ or harness nuclear energy to drive their power plants or propulsion systems. Therefore, you must ascertain the country where you will likely work before embarking on this program.

Professional Organizations, Associations, & Resources

The preceding list below outlines some of the most notable non-profit organizations and associations affiliated with this field.

• Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET)
• American Nuclear Society (ANS)
• American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
• Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM)
• International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurement (ICRU)
• Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO)
• International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP)
• National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
• National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
• World Nuclear Society (WNS)
• US Department of Energy
• US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (U.S.NRC)
• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
• Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)
• US Energy Information Administration (EIA)
• Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)
• American College of Nuclear Medicine (ACNM)
• American Board of Science in Nuclear Medicine (ABSNM)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

FAQs

Is it hard to become a nuclear engineer?

It is not hard for students with an intense interest in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Passion is essential in this highly specialized field. It involves a potent combination of technical knowledge and a thorough understanding of nuclear applications.

What degree do you need to be a nuclear engineer?

The prerequisite for this career path is a nuclear engineering degree.

Are the degrees in nuclear engineering expensive?

Due to the specialized nature of this degree and the limited number of students opting for this program, the overall cost of obtaining the certificate is comparable to that of other unrelated engineering degrees.

Are nuclear engineering degree online programs expensive?

The cost per credit hour is frequently the same as on-campus programs.

Is nuclear engineering worth it?

This career field is very rewarding financially and professionally.

Is nuclear engineering a good career?

It is a fulfilling career, and experts earn far above other practitioners in other sectors and fields.

Is nuclear engineering dangerous?

It is only dangerous when there is exposure to a high dosage of radiation. The risk becomes insignificantly less when specialists adhere to all safety precautions during operations.

Is a masters in nuclear engineering salary worth it?

Yes, it is.

Get Started Today!

These professionals take on research projects and use nuclear science principles to solve issues controlling and releasing atomic energy. Furthermore, they manage nuclear waste. Now that you have learned how to become a nuclear engineer embark on your career today! Proven career pathways, job demands, and financial statistics authenticate this exciting career.

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