Nuclear Engineering
what is A NUCLEAR ENGINEER?
Nuclear engineers are responsible for the safe running of nuclear power stations. On a day to day basis nuclear engineers may meet and collaborate with clients and engineering teams to define project briefs and technical requirements, monitoring nuclear facilities, machinery, and equipment for malfunctions, defects, or degradation, ensuring that all health and safety measures are implemented and enforced and much more.
Decommissioning (shutting down) facilities is also an important aspect of the role, as is planning and carrying out safety procedures for the transport, storage and disposal of the radioactive material used in nuclear plants.
types of NUCLEAR ENGINEER
You can choose to specialise in just one part of the engineering field. For example, some reactors are cooled using water systems, so you could embark on a career as a specialist hydraulic engineer. Chemical, electrical and mechanical engineers can all find a place in the nuclear industry.
Other areas include:
health and safety specialist
instrumentation and control engineer
process engineer
project manager
quality engineer
reactor operator.
HOW TO BECOME A NUCLEAR ENGINEER
The main routes to get into this role are:
A university course- there are many different degrees you could undertake in many different areas.
An apprenticeship- there are many relevant degree apprenticeships that can support you in becoming a nuclear engineer.
UNIVERSITY OPTIONS
Most nuclear engineers have a degree in an engineering or science subject. Courses which could improve your chances of gaining entry in to the nuclear engineering industry include:
chemical engineering
chemistry
civil engineering
electrical engineering
hydraulic engineering
mechanical engineering
nuclear engineering
physics
Nuclear related universities : https://www.nuclearinst.com/Universities
Personal Statement Help
https://universitycompare.com/personal-statement-examples/physics/statement-2
https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Personal-Statement-Goals-in-Nuclear-Engineering-PKC5E5YYVC
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/master-personal-statement-nuclear-energy-sample-robert-edinger
https://www.123helpme.com/essay/Personal-Statement-Goals-in-Nuclear-Engineering-42423
For graduate trainee schemes : https://nucleargraduates.com/
APPRENTICESHIP OPTIONS
You could also choose to do a degree apprenticeship, where you will work while studying for the relevant qualifications. These typically take around three years to complete and relevant ones include:
Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
Nuclear Reactor Desk Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Finders
https://careerfinder.ucas.com/searchjobs/
https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship
Interview Help
https://www.betterteam.com/nuclear-engineer-interview-questions
employers
In the UK, nuclear power plants are run by private companies, but are subject to strict control by the Office for Nuclear Regulation for safety reasons. Most roles are with major energy or construction companies, although there is some public-sector potential on the regulatory side.
In some other countries, the industry is entirely or partially state-owned and you may need to apply through a Civil Service-style system.
Security clearance may be required for permanent staff and contractors in some jobs.
<Taken from prospects 2024>
Look for job vacancies at:
Also check the job vacancy pages of the companies that run reactors in the UK.
Some specialist recruitment agencies handle vacancies. For opportunities see: