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Job & Career ConneCTion Home   Occupation Profile May 19, 2013  
 
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NUCLEAR ENGINEERS
 
Occupation Description:
 
  Conduct research on nuclear engineering problems or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and utilization of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.
 
Career Video:
 
  Video Icon   View a brief introduction to Nuclear Engineers
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Typical Tasks:
 
 
  • Analyze available data and consult with other scientists in order to determine parameters of experimentation and suitability of analytical models.
  • Conduct tests of nuclear fuel behavior and cycles and performance of nuclear machinery and equipment, in order to optimize performance of existing plants.
  • Design and develop nuclear equipment such as reactor cores, radiation shielding, and associated instrumentation and control mechanisms.
  • Design and direct nuclear research projects in order to discover facts, to test or modify theoretical models, or to develop new theoretical models or new uses for current models.
  • Examine accidents in order to obtain data that can be used to design preventive measures.
  • Formulate equations that describe phenomena occurring during fission of nuclear fuels, and develop research models based on the equations.
  • Keep abreast of developments and changes in the nuclear field by reading technical journals and by independent study and research.
 
Skills:
 
 
  • Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems..
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one..
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems..
  • Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems..
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents..
  • Technology Design - Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs..
  • Operations Analysis - Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design..
 
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..
  • 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..
  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar..
  • Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming..
 
Search for Jobs on Connecticut's Labor Exchange (CTJOBcentral):
 
  Search for Nuclear Engineers Jobs
  (Please note that some searches may not produce any results.)
Education & Training:
 
  Bachelor's degree
 
Wage Information:
 
 
Region Average Annual Average Hourly Entry Level (hourly) Mid-Range  (hourly)
Statewide Units $110,936.00 $53.34 $43.19 $46.44 - $58.73
Hartford $136,120.00 $65.44 $50.19 $57.17 - $71.41
      
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Occupation Outlook:
 
 
Region Employment Average Annual Growth Rate Average Annual Job Openings
2010 2020
State of Connecticut 610 510 -1.7% 13
 
 
Chart of Growth Rate and Annual Openings   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.
Key:
  N/A = Not Applicable, ***** = Over $60.00 per hour, ##### = Over $124,821
 
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