Nuclear Engineers Go Back to List 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.

Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
	Nuclear tools
	Nuclear reactor control rod systems
	Desktop computers
	Personal computers
	Hazardous material protective apparel

Technology used in this occupation:
	Analytical or scientific software
	Development environment software
	Data base user interface and query software
	Computer aided design CAD software
	Presentation software

Tasks
		Examine accidents to obtain data that can be used to design preventive measures.
		Monitor nuclear facility operations to identify any design, construction, or operation practices that violate safety regulations and laws or that could jeopardize the safety of operations.
		Keep abreast of developments and changes in the nuclear field by reading technical journals or by independent study and research.
		Perform experiments that will provide information about acceptable methods of nuclear material usage, nuclear fuel reclamation, or waste disposal.
		Design or oversee construction or operation of nuclear reactors or power plants or nuclear fuels reprocessing and reclamation systems.
		Design or develop nuclear equipment, such as reactor cores, radiation shielding, or associated instrumentation or control mechanisms.
		Initiate corrective actions or order plant shutdowns in emergency situations.
		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 tests of nuclear fuel behavior and cycles or performance of nuclear machinery and equipment to optimize performance of existing plants.

Skills
		Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
		Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
		Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
		Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
		Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
		Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
		Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
		Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
		Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
		Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Knowledge
		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.
		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.
		Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
		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.
		Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
		English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
		Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
		Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

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Education & Training     Education:   Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.   Related Experience:   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.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide Units $110,936 $53.34  $43.19  $46.44 - $58.73  Hartford $136,120 $65.44  $50.19  $57.17 - $71.41

Occupation Outlook ( 2010 - 2020 )   Average Annual Job Openings:   13   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.