Nuclear Engineer

Overview

Who is Nuclear Engineer?

Nuclear engineering is a unique area of engineering that is associated with the research and development of processes, systems, devices, components and equipment used to draw benefits from nuclear energy and radiation. Nuclear engineers basically produce energy for industrial and domestic use by employing the applications of the atomic nuclei breakdown or a combination of the breakdown with other subatomic processes on the basis of nuclear physics. Radioactive materials can be used for industrial and medical purposes such as the equipment used in medical diagnosis and treatments. Nuclear engineers work with extremely powerful elements that have the potential to do miracles just as efficiently as they can blow up cities. Due to the hazardous nature of their work, it goes without saying that nuclear engineers must fully comprehend the gravity of their line of work, and thus, contribute responsibly. As a result, the syllabus for nuclear engineering is tailored to be comprehensive and vast in order to develop a strong establishment of theoretical and practical knowledge of the nuclear engineering subjects and concepts such as Molecular and Cell Biology, Applied Reactor Analysis, Neutron Physics, Materials Science, Applied RadioChemistry, Engineering Mechanics and Fluid Mechanics among others. Nuclear engineering jobs can be found in numerous disciplines such as Electric power generation, transmission and distribution, Nuclear Power Plants, Federal government, Scientific research and development for medical purposes. Following article gives a detailed account on how to become a nuclear engineer. 

Typical day at work

What does Nuclear Engineer do?

A nuclear engineer is an engineer who conducts various researches related to nuclear power energy and nuclear sciences. A nuclear engineer deals with all the problems that are concerned with the control, use, release, or waste disposal of nuclear energy. They tend to work in taking corrective and preventive measures in nuclear power plants and the energy used in the appropriate amount, for appropriate reasons. They also tend to supervise nuclear facilities and operations to understand the construction, design, and other practices to manage and ensure the safety and regulations for the safe use of nuclear energy. The nuclear engineer also tends to examine the entire plant, and the equipment and machines in it to avoid any accidents or any hazards in that area. This is a technical job involving a lot of risks and needs a lot of detailed observation and precision.

Nuclear engineering jobs consist of the following tasks:

• Design and develop nuclear processes and equipment such as reactor cores and radiation shielding

• Oversee plant operations and management

• Conduct fundamental and applied research on the molecular level as well as on the industrial level

• Monitor and assess nuclear facility operations to identify any design, construction, or operation practices that violate safety standards

• Design economic effective and environment-friendly methods to dispose of nuclear waste

• Control, monitor, manage and minimize environmental pollution and degradation

• Analyze nuclear accidents and extract information to be used in designing preventive measures and safety standards

Abilities & aptitude needed

What are the skills, abilities & aptitude needed to become Nuclear Engineer?

A nuclear engineer must have certain requisite skills and inclinations along with a relevant educational background in order to excel in the field. Nuclear engineers must have a passion for science and its applications, team working skills, the ability to work well under pressure, great communication skills and a sharp, analytic mind along with problem-solving skills. Nuclear engineer jobs require an eye for detail, innovation, strict adherence to rules,  precision and dexterous application of logical concepts and thus, aspirants must exhibit these traits to at least some extent. In order to take on the role of a nuclear engineer, aspirants must understand the vitality and gravity of the role and must contribute responsibly.

Courses

Which course I can pursue?