Nuclear Engineers

• Nature of the Work

  Nuclear engineers conduct research on nuclear energy and radiation. They design, develop, monitor, and operate nuclear power plants used to generate electricity and power Navy ships. They may work on the nuclear fuel cycle-the production, handling, and use of nuclear fuel and the safe disposal of waste produced by nuclear energy-or on fusion energy. Some specialize in the development of nuclear weapons; others develop industrial and medical uses for radioactive materials, such as equipment to diagnose and treat medical problems.

• Working Conditions for Engineers

• Employment

  Nuclear engineers held about 15,000 jobs in 1994; about one-fifth each were in utilities, the Federal Government, and engineering consulting firms. Another 10 percent were in research and testing services. Nearly half of all federally employed nuclear engineers were civilian employees of the Navy, about one-third worked for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and most of the rest worked for the Department of Energy or the Tennessee Valley Authority. Most nonfederally employed nuclear engineers worked for public utilities or engineering consulting companies. Some worked for defense manufacturers or manufacturers of nuclear power equipment.

• Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement for Engineers

• Job Outlook

  Little change in employment is expected through the year 2005. Because of public concerns over the cost and safety of nuclear power, there are only a small number of nuclear power plants under construction in the United States, two of which are scheduled to begin operating before 2005. Nevertheless, nuclear engineers will be needed to operate existing plants. In addition, nuclear engineers will be needed to work in defense-related areas and to improve and enforce safety standards.

  Despite the expected absence of employment growth, good opportunities for nuclear engineers should exist because the small number of nuclear engineering graduates is likely to be roughly in balance with the number of job openings. Most openings will arise as nuclear engineers transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.

  (See introductory section of this chapter for information on training requirements, earnings, and sources of additional information.)

• Earnings of Engineers

• Related Occupations for Engineers

  Engineers apply the principles of physical science and mathematics in their work. Other workers who use scientific and mathematical principles include physical scientists, life scientists, computer scientists, mathematicians, engineering and science technicians, and architects.

• Sources of Additional Information about Engineers

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