Nuclear engineer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• a graduate training scheme

University

You can do a degree in a subject like:

• nuclear engineering
• chemical engineering
• mechanical engineering
• maths
• physics with nuclear technology
• materials and nuclear engineering

You can find universities offering nuclear related courses through the Nuclear Institute.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for a place on an apprenticeship, such as:

• Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Nuclear Reactor Desk Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These take around 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

OtherRoutes

You can start on a 2-year graduate training scheme called Nuclear Graduates, which is run by nuclear industry employers.

On the scheme, you'll receive professional development training in different areas of the nuclear industry.

You'll normally need a degree in a science or engineering subject to apply for a place.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Skills:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of physics
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• thinking and reasoning skills
• design skills and knowledge
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• the ability to read English
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent written communication skills
• science skills
• operations analysis skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Nuclear engineers design and build technology used in areas like power generation, healthcare and defence.

As a nuclear engineer, you might:

• design and build new nuclear plants and equipment
• monitor radiation levels
• plan and carry out maintenance work
• help to decommission old power stations
• research ways to dispose of nuclear waste
• design medical equipment that uses nuclear technology
• work on nuclear propulsions systems for ships and submarines

Possible green job

This job could help the environment.

For a nuclear engineer to be a green job, you could:

• build power plants to help reduce greenhouse gasses
• design energy efficient medical scanners and imaging equipment
• work on research into nuclear fusion that has the potential to produce large amounts of cleaner energy

Find out more about green careers

Location : You could work at a power station, in a laboratory, in an office or in a control room.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £28,000
Experienced : £58,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With skills and experience, you could become:

• an operations engineer, managing a technical team during the building and running of a power plant
• a nuclear inspector, regulating the storage and disposal of radioactive waste
• a nuclear safety engineer, responsible for making sure all on-site safety requirements are met
• a clinical engineer, researching ways to improve nuclear medicine used in the treatment of disease

You could also work as a freelance engineering consultant.