Nuclear engineer
Nuclear engineers design and build technology used in areas like power generation, healthcare and defence.
- Starter salary£28,000 a year
- Experienced£58,000 a year
- Typical hours39 to 41 a week
- Green jobPotential
What you'll do
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
Working environment
You could work at a power station, in a laboratory, in an office or in a control room.
You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- 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
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become a nuclear engineer
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 could also do a postgraduate course if your first degree is in a relevant subject.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
Other routes
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.
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- pass security checks
Career path and progression
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.
Career tips
You may need to relocate for work, as Britain's nuclear power stations are spread around the country. This includes ones in operation, those being decommissioned and proposed new sites.
You can find employers in each part of the country on the Nuclear Industry Association jobs map.
Guides for this industry
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