4 answers
Jacob
Student
Kirtland, New Mexico
1
Question
Asked
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what's the path to becoming a nuclear engineer like and how do I start?
For context, I'm a senior in high school with above-average grades and I've thought about becoming a nuclear engineer. the issue is the research I did online has proved unfruitful and I want to know from someone from the field where I start and the ups and downs to becoming one.
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4 answers
Joseph Neilson
Radiation Detection Physicist
217
Answers
Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Great to hear you're interested in nuclear. As someone in the field, it can be a great industry to work in.
Regarding where to start, there are a number of different pathways into nuclear, but the most common route would be gaining an undergraduate university/college degree in a STEM field. There are specific Nuclear Engineering degrees at some institutions, but degrees in physics, chemistry and other engineering disciplines especially mechanical or electrical engineering are also good routes into nuclear engineering - pretty much any STEM degree is a great choice - my suggestion would be to pick your programme/major based on what you're good at and interested in, rather than worrying too much about the end goal just yet. If the most interesting sounding is nuclear engineering, follow that, but if a broader subject like physics or mathematics appeals to you more, that's still a great option.
After gaining a degree, you can then look to enter the industry in entry-level graduate roles, or you can look to further study. I personally opted for a postgraduate Masters in nuclear physics and technology; and many of my colleagues went on to PhDs before joining the industry. Personally, I went into graduate technical roles after my Masters and did well, but I'm now moving back in a more academic research direction, and am hoping to now complete a part-time PhD alongside my work.
There are options to enter the industry without degree-level study too. I'd personally recommend the degree route, but if that doesn't work for you for whatever reason, you can start directly in more junior entry-level positions and work your way up. There's certain areas where that's more viable than others - one common entry-level role is in health-physics surveying (going round with handheld detectors measuring radiation dose rate); and it's also common to find entry-level or apprentice roles in the mechanical and electrical engineering trades. I believe naval nuclear is also a good option to start at an entry level, they can provide all your nuclear engineering training in exchange for a number of years serving your country out on the ocean.
As far as ups-and-downs go, it very much depends on the exact role and sub-field of the industry you end up in, but a few points that are likely to apply:
- A highly rewarding technical career where you can put your knowledge and thinking skills to good use
- In many areas, very varied work so you've always got something new to keep you interested (although I imagine less the case in reactor operations, for which the day-to-day is hopefully relatively routine)
- Meaningful work where you can see your impact working towards keeping the lights on with low-carbon energy (or keeping the world safe under the nuclear umbrella, if you go the military route instead)
- Generally respectable pay (especially in private industry)
- a range of different opportunities available to suit you, whether that's a 9-5 job; shift work; flexible working; remote/hybrid working, etc etc
- however, you'll find people's reactions to your chosen career can be marred by misconceptions and radiophobia - the number of people that take a step back and ask if I'm radioactive when I say I work in nuclear...
- you'll also find yourself constantly cringing at any exaggerated reporting or portrayal of nuclear in the media 😆
- one more serious downside can be the way security and secrecy in nuclear impacts on the work, with the need for security checks, clearances, and sites being very restrictive in terms of what you can have and do - even some places still don't let you carry phones with cameras.
Regarding where to start, there are a number of different pathways into nuclear, but the most common route would be gaining an undergraduate university/college degree in a STEM field. There are specific Nuclear Engineering degrees at some institutions, but degrees in physics, chemistry and other engineering disciplines especially mechanical or electrical engineering are also good routes into nuclear engineering - pretty much any STEM degree is a great choice - my suggestion would be to pick your programme/major based on what you're good at and interested in, rather than worrying too much about the end goal just yet. If the most interesting sounding is nuclear engineering, follow that, but if a broader subject like physics or mathematics appeals to you more, that's still a great option.
After gaining a degree, you can then look to enter the industry in entry-level graduate roles, or you can look to further study. I personally opted for a postgraduate Masters in nuclear physics and technology; and many of my colleagues went on to PhDs before joining the industry. Personally, I went into graduate technical roles after my Masters and did well, but I'm now moving back in a more academic research direction, and am hoping to now complete a part-time PhD alongside my work.
There are options to enter the industry without degree-level study too. I'd personally recommend the degree route, but if that doesn't work for you for whatever reason, you can start directly in more junior entry-level positions and work your way up. There's certain areas where that's more viable than others - one common entry-level role is in health-physics surveying (going round with handheld detectors measuring radiation dose rate); and it's also common to find entry-level or apprentice roles in the mechanical and electrical engineering trades. I believe naval nuclear is also a good option to start at an entry level, they can provide all your nuclear engineering training in exchange for a number of years serving your country out on the ocean.
As far as ups-and-downs go, it very much depends on the exact role and sub-field of the industry you end up in, but a few points that are likely to apply:
- A highly rewarding technical career where you can put your knowledge and thinking skills to good use
- In many areas, very varied work so you've always got something new to keep you interested (although I imagine less the case in reactor operations, for which the day-to-day is hopefully relatively routine)
- Meaningful work where you can see your impact working towards keeping the lights on with low-carbon energy (or keeping the world safe under the nuclear umbrella, if you go the military route instead)
- Generally respectable pay (especially in private industry)
- a range of different opportunities available to suit you, whether that's a 9-5 job; shift work; flexible working; remote/hybrid working, etc etc
- however, you'll find people's reactions to your chosen career can be marred by misconceptions and radiophobia - the number of people that take a step back and ask if I'm radioactive when I say I work in nuclear...
- you'll also find yourself constantly cringing at any exaggerated reporting or portrayal of nuclear in the media 😆
- one more serious downside can be the way security and secrecy in nuclear impacts on the work, with the need for security checks, clearances, and sites being very restrictive in terms of what you can have and do - even some places still don't let you carry phones with cameras.
Sandip Sen
Banker
1
Answer
New York, New York
Updated
Sandip’s Answer
i am not a nuclear engineer, but i would note the following:
* growing/increased interest in nuclear power;
- zero-carbon, i.e. environmentally-friendly from a GHG standpoint;
- base-load, i.e. runs 24/7 vs. renewables that are intermittent;
nuclear engineers will be in high demand / and i am sure that the rigor and experience gained will be applicable in other fields
MIT is an institution that is well-known for its nuclear program
* growing/increased interest in nuclear power;
- zero-carbon, i.e. environmentally-friendly from a GHG standpoint;
- base-load, i.e. runs 24/7 vs. renewables that are intermittent;
nuclear engineers will be in high demand / and i am sure that the rigor and experience gained will be applicable in other fields
MIT is an institution that is well-known for its nuclear program
Jerry Van Norman
Professional Engineer with over 50 years of experience
6
Answers
San Marcos, Texas
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Jacob,
The field of Nuclear Engineering is blossoming, and it's an exciting time to be part of it. It's a multidisciplinary field that draws from various traditional engineering disciplines such as Mechanical, Civil, Structural, Electrical, and more. These are all integral in the design, construction, and upkeep of nuclear facilities.
Imagine this: over 300 nuclear reactors are currently being considered for construction in the near future. The funding for these projects is expected to come from investments in green energy, which is all about producing electricity without generating CO2. By the time you graduate as an engineer, many of these projects should be ready to come to life.
The challenge? Designing and building a system that can last 40 to 50 years while maintaining its design efficiency. It's about creating something that can withstand high temperature, high pressure, and high radiation continuously.
The primary focus is on materials, particularly steel and unique alloys that can serve for the design life and not need replacement. Components like pumps, valves, instrumentation, heat exchangers, yard piping, and more can be replaced if designed correctly. However, the main steam loop components aren't as easily swapped out. This holds true for both fission systems (like nuclear submarines) and fusion systems (which harness and contain the sun's heat).
So, where should you begin? Virtually all engineering fields play a role in designing, building, and maintaining nuclear facilities. The first step is to delve into engineering as a discipline. Your instructors, internships, and work/study programs will guide your journey. Research and development hubs like Los Alamos and Albuquerque could be great places for a summer internship.
There's a world of opportunities in the research, design, manufacturing, construction, start-up, and maintenance of nuclear facilities. When you graduate, you'll be well-prepared to step into most of these roles. It's a thrilling time to be part of this field, and your contribution could shape the future of energy.
The field of Nuclear Engineering is blossoming, and it's an exciting time to be part of it. It's a multidisciplinary field that draws from various traditional engineering disciplines such as Mechanical, Civil, Structural, Electrical, and more. These are all integral in the design, construction, and upkeep of nuclear facilities.
Imagine this: over 300 nuclear reactors are currently being considered for construction in the near future. The funding for these projects is expected to come from investments in green energy, which is all about producing electricity without generating CO2. By the time you graduate as an engineer, many of these projects should be ready to come to life.
The challenge? Designing and building a system that can last 40 to 50 years while maintaining its design efficiency. It's about creating something that can withstand high temperature, high pressure, and high radiation continuously.
The primary focus is on materials, particularly steel and unique alloys that can serve for the design life and not need replacement. Components like pumps, valves, instrumentation, heat exchangers, yard piping, and more can be replaced if designed correctly. However, the main steam loop components aren't as easily swapped out. This holds true for both fission systems (like nuclear submarines) and fusion systems (which harness and contain the sun's heat).
So, where should you begin? Virtually all engineering fields play a role in designing, building, and maintaining nuclear facilities. The first step is to delve into engineering as a discipline. Your instructors, internships, and work/study programs will guide your journey. Research and development hubs like Los Alamos and Albuquerque could be great places for a summer internship.
There's a world of opportunities in the research, design, manufacturing, construction, start-up, and maintenance of nuclear facilities. When you graduate, you'll be well-prepared to step into most of these roles. It's a thrilling time to be part of this field, and your contribution could shape the future of energy.
Anna Casto
Chemist
26
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Anna’s Answer
Definitely look at any colleges you are considering to see if they have a degree or a specialization in Nuclear Engineering. Getting a bachelor's degree in that will really help your chances of getting a job as a nuclear engineer, since the field is so niche.
Another idea to consider is working with nuclear indirectly. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is a branch of the federal government that regulates and inspects the civilian (non-military) use of radioactive materials. They need engineers, but they also hire scientists and others to help make and enforce safety regulations. The US military also uses nuclear materials, and may have educational opportunities specific to that field, if you're interested in joining the military.
If you do choose nuclear engineering, be prepared for a lot of math in school.
Another idea to consider is working with nuclear indirectly. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is a branch of the federal government that regulates and inspects the civilian (non-military) use of radioactive materials. They need engineers, but they also hire scientists and others to help make and enforce safety regulations. The US military also uses nuclear materials, and may have educational opportunities specific to that field, if you're interested in joining the military.
If you do choose nuclear engineering, be prepared for a lot of math in school.