NUCLEAR ENGINEER California Occupational Guide Number 367 Interest Area 5-A 1995
THE JOB
Since 1957, when the first commercial nuclear power plant began operating, nuclear energy has grown into a significant energy source in the United States. Much of the work in this field is still in the research and development phase, therefore almost half of all nuclear workers are Engineers, Scientists, and Technicians.
NUCLEAR ENGINEERS often work as members of project teams, which combine the skills of Scientists, Engineers, and Technicians to solve complex problems. Nuclear engineering projects may involve design and construction of nuclear reactors and power plants, development and production of weapons, evaluation of environmental and ecological research, health physics, or industrial safety. Nuclear Engineers also direct and monitor the operation of nuclear power plants to ensure efficiency and conformity to safety standards. Nuclear Engineers use mathematics, economics, and engineering principles to help solve problems. They often use computers and simulation techniques in problem analysis. They must apply nuclear safety regulations in all phases of their work.
Nuclear Engineers may perform administrative duties, direct projects, supervise other workers, and prepare budgets. Others may work as sales representatives, teach, do consulting work, and serve on governmental commissions. They must keep themselves informed of new developments and changes in the nuclear field by independent study and research, and by reading technical journals.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Most Nuclear Engineers work in research laboratories, industrial plants, colleges, or universities in clean, well-ventilated, well-lighted surroundings, or in private offices. Although many engineers spend most of their time in an office or laboratory, job duties may also require traveling to a plant, testing laboratory or facility, or installation site. Engineers who specialize in facility construction work outdoors from mobile offices at the work site.
Special precautions must be taken by engineers who work with fissionable matter such as reactor fuels and radioisotopic materials. They must wear thermoluminescent dosimeters, film badges, or other devices used for recording cumulative radiation exposure time and, in some areas, must wear protective clothing. Electronic warning systems and alarms are used in work areas to warn of any possible hazards. The strain of this type of work is chiefly emotional. The need to quickly repair defective equipment and to prevent loss of radioactive materials into the surrounding environment can cause considerable stress. Most jobs require normal physical mobility, eyesight, and hearing.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
In California, Nuclear Engineers are employed in governmental agencies, academic and industrial research centers, nuclear power plants, military installations, industrial manufacturing plants, and in private corporations servicing these sectors. The future of nuclear power for certain uses is not clear. In 1990 there were an estimated 1,040 Nuclear Engineers employed in California. By the year 2005 this figure is expected to grow by 150 new jobs with an additional 390 job openings due to separations. This increase in employment is much slower than the average for all occupations.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Salaries for Nuclear Engineers vary according to the location and the employer. A recent salary survey indicates that salaries ranged from $2,300 a month for someone holding a B.S. degree to $8,300 a month for those with a Ph.D.
In federal civil service, beginning Nuclear Engineers with a bachelor's degree would typically enter at the GS-5 level ($17,686 to $22,993 a year) or at the GS-7 level (at $26,300 a year). With a master's degree, the beginning engineer would enter at the GS-7 level ($21.900 to $28,500 yearly). With three to five years' experience in private industry, however, an engineer might enter federal employment at the GS-12 ($38,900 to $50,500 a year) or the GS-13 level ($46,200 to $60,100 a year).
The normal workweek is 40 hours, but Nuclear Engineers are also required to work whatever days or shifts are necessary to meet production schedules, which means that their workweek can be as much as 50 hours. Benefits usually include paid vacations, holidays, and sick leave, as well as medical, dental, and vision insurance, and retirement plans. Some companies offer stock-option and profit-sharing plans. Many employers pay tuition for employees who take additional job related courses.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Applicants should have a bachelor of science degree in one of the engineering sciences. For some jobs, a knowledge of computer simulation techniques is valuable. Engineering work requires patience and precision; engineers must be creative and analytical. Both mathematical and mechanical aptitudes are essential to success in this occupation. Navy experience in nuclear ratings (electrician, electronic technician, and machinist mate) is valuable experience for potential nuclear engineers. Applicants are generally required to pass a physical examination. Some employers require a drug test as a condition of employment. Handicaps which do not affect job performance are not considered disqualifying. Good color vision is needed in laboratory work. Security clearances may be required when working on some highly classified projects.
High school students considering this occupation should take courses in higher mathematics such as geometry, trigonometry, calculus, the physical sciences, machine shop, and English. Drafting and mechanical drawing skills must also be developed. Courses in electronics, business administration, computer science, and the social sciences are also important for future college training and a career in engineering.
Some employers prefer Nuclear Engineer applicants to be registered with the State of California, Consumer Services Agency. California registers Nuclear Engineers in the same manner as civil, chemical, and other types of engineers. Applicants must pass an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) exam which covers all areas of engineering. They must then work for one or more years, depending on their degrees, and pass an eight-hour written exam in nuclear engineering. Those with doctorates may have the EIT exam waived, but must have worked as Nuclear Engineers for at least one year to take the professional exam. Many engineers are members of the American Nuclear Society or other professional organizations.
ADVANCEMENT
Recently graduated engineers usually begin their careers as assistant engineers. As they gain experience, they may advance to associate and senior-level positions. From the senior level, engineers may advance into production supervision or project management. Some companies offer work- study programs for employees wishing to upgrade their skills.
Rapid advancement to senior research engineer is possible for those willing to pursue postgraduate study in nuclear science. Several California colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate study in nuclear engineering. Oak Ridge Associated Universities, under the Department of Energy, offer special fellowships for study in nuclear science and engineering.
FINDING THE JOB
Nuclear Engineer applicants seeking federal civil service employment should contact the US. Civil Service Commission in any major metropolitan area. Those engineers who wish employment in the private sector should apply directly to personnel offices of companies in the nuclear field. The U.S. Department of Energy's Research and Development Agency, San Francisco Operations Office, in Oakland, has information regarding companies operating government owned, contractor operated facilities and companies performing work under government contract in California. Some employers conduct college campus interviews for entry-level positions. College placement offices, private employment agencies, the California Employment Development Department, classified advertisement sections of newspapers, professional journals, and the American Nuclear Society meetings are additional sources of job information. Applicants should prepare a resume of their education and experience.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Department of Energy Technical Information Center P.O. Box 62 Oak Ridge, TN 37831
The Department of Energy, Office of Public Affairs 1000 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20585 (202) 586-6827
The American Nuclear Society 555 North Kensington Avenue La Grange Park, IL 60625.
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Mechanical Engineers No. 5 Electrical/Electronics Engineers No. 12 Civil Engineers No. 39
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Nuclear Engineer (profess. & kin.) 015.061-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Nuclear Engineers 22117
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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