Nuclear Engineering

Presentation by:Scott Geiger

Introduction to Nuclear Engineering

Why Does Nuclear Engineering Interest Me?

•Job Security•Using math and chemistry skills•Immense room for growth•Challenging myself

Nature of Work

• Beginning engineering graduates usually work under the supervision of experienced engineers

• and, in large companies, also may receive formal classroom or seminar-type training. As new

• engineers gain knowledge and experience, they are assigned more difficult projects with

• greater independence to develop designs, solve problems, and make decisions. Engineers

• may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a staff or team of engineers and

• technicians. Some may eventually become engineering managers or enter other managerial or

• sales jobs.

Working conditions• Working conditions for nuclear engineers vary according to the job. Nuclear

engineers involved in design usually work in well-lighted offices and often put in a forty-hour workweek. They may have to work overtime to meet deadlines or handle unforeseen problems. Some engineers need to travel from assignment to assignment. Nuclear engineers employed by nuclear power plants or factories that make or use nuclear equipment sometimes have to work weekends and evening shifts.

• Nuclear engineers need to follow special safety measures that keep worksites and workers safe from radiation poisoning. Workers are protected by heavy barriers that seal off the radiation produced by nuclear devices and reactors. Because of these shields and other precautions, the nuclear energy field has an excellent safety record.

• Nuclear engineers must be able to analyze and solve problems. They should be able to work well as part of a team. The nature of their work requires that nuclear engineers be careful and responsible workers.

Training and Qualifications required

• You generally need at least a bachelor's degree to become a nuclear engineer. You can earn your bachelor's degree in a science, such as physics, or in engineering. There are some bachelor-level programs in nuclear engineering, but many study for a bachelor's degree in mechanical or chemical engineering instead. A master's degree or a doctoral degree is required for many jobs in nuclear engineering. These advanced degrees can be in nuclear engineering or another branch of engineering. Because nuclear engineering incorporates knowledge from different areas of science and engineering, the field is relatively easy to enter from other fields.

• On-the-job training is usually an important part of the education of a nuclear engineer. Nuclear facilities work closely with the federal government to provide opportunities for on-the-job training and college programs for people working in this field. Because nuclear engineering is a rapidly changing field, engineers need to study and update their skills throughout their careers.

• All states require licensing for engineers who offer their services to the public or whose work may affect life, health, or property. In general, you need a bachelor's degree from an approved college and four years of experience to become licensed. You must also pass a state licensing examination. Some nuclear engineers work on projects that are restricted because they are vital to national security. These engineers must obtain a security clearance

Is There Demand for Nuclear Engineers

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nuclear Engineers areexpected to have employment growth of 7 percent over the projections decade, about as fastas the average for all occupations. Most job growth will be in research and development andengineering services. Although no commercial nuclear power plants have been built in theUnited States for many years, nuclear engineers will be needed to operate existing plants anddesign new ones, including researching future nuclear power sources. They also will beneeded to work in defense-related areas, to develop nuclear medical technology, and toimprove and enforce waste management and safety standards. Nuclear engineers areexpected to have good employment opportunities because the small number of nuclearengineering graduates is likely to be in rough balance with the number of job openings.

Advancement and Earnings• Advancement possibilities for nuclear engineers with graduate degrees are very

good. Workers who have only a bachelor's degree have less of a chance to advance, but many continue their education on a part-time basis. Since the field of nuclear engineering is changing rapidly, nuclear engineers who want to advance should keep up with new developments by taking additional courses and reading professional journals. Engineers who have the necessary education and experience can become supervisors of other nuclear engineers. They can also move into related fields, such as management, administration, or teaching on the university level.

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual earnings of nuclear

• engineers are about $90,220. According to a 2007 survey by the National Association of

• Colleges and Employers, bachelor’s degree candidates in nuclear engineering received

• starting offers averaging $56,587a year. Those with master's degrees received starting offers

• averaging $59,167a year.

Nuclear Technology

• Nuclear Technology carriers over into several fields. The medical field, space and nasa, and in producing energy.

• Xrays use this technology to scan people and diagnose problems.

• NASA uses this technology all over in its programs

Is This Career Right For Me?

• Nuclear Engineering involves a need for understanding in math and chemistry which I have.

• It requires criminal background checks and an interest in the nuclear field which I have.

• And it offers a steady income, job security, and plenty of advancement opportunities.

Works Cited

• http://www.princetonreview.com/Careers.aspx?cid=99

• http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/411/Nuclear-Engineer.html

• http://www.careercornerstone.org/pdf/nuclear/nuceng.pdf