Nuclear Engineer

What is nuclear engineering?

Nuclear engineering is all about designing, building, and safely decommissioning devices and equipment that use radioactive elements. Engineers work in different areas including power generation, defence and healthcare to make sure the technology is safe.

What do nuclear engineers do?

A nuclear engineer uses nuclear technology to help people while making sure it doesn't cause harm.

In the power sector, you might design and build new nuclear power plants, oversee nuclear reactor operations, or manage the decommissioning of aging facilities and disposal of nuclear waste.

In medicine, you might develop technology that treats serious illnesses like cancer.

In defence, you might design nuclear propulsion systems that power submarines and ships.

What makes nuclear engineering different?

Nuclear engineering is about controlling one of the most powerful forces on Earth - radiation. Some types of radiation, ionising radiation, can damage living cells if not carefully controlled. As a nuclear engineer you're working with something invisible, but incredibly powerful. 

For example, you may have seen diagrams in school showing uranium atoms splitting in a chain reaction. In real life, nuclear engineers design the systems that safely manage that process. The heat released from fission is used to generate electricity for millions of homes without producing carbon dioxide, making nuclear power an important part of tackling climate change. At the same time, engineers must carefully design, monitor and eventually decommission power stations to protect people and the environment.

Working life

What is it like being a nuclear engineer?

As a nuclear engineer you could work as part of a team in a wide variety of settings: in an office, laboratory, operations room, construction site, or even in a submarine!

You may work in an office setting or at an operating site, and your work will likely require travel to visit different sites, suppliers or customers.

In all nuclear engineering roles, you will need to dress appropriately for your work. Dress code for day to day office work is usually smart casual, whilst you may be expected to wear a suit for formal meetings or protective gear when on site or in the laboratory.

What does a day at work look like for a nuclear engineer?

You could be...

• Monitoring projects
• Analysing data related to nuclear reactions to evaluate performance and ways to improve the technology
• Designing new systems, conducting experiments 
• Working with other engineers, technicians and scientists to create new systems or fix issues with current systems
• Following safety protocols, conducting safety audits and taking part in training
• Researching new technologies

How do nuclear engineers contribute to society?

Worldwide, nuclear energy is important for generating low carbon power, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

In a medical setting, nuclear technology is used to treat serious conditions, such as cancers.

In a defence setting, nuclear technology is crucial to achieving strategic objectives that keep the country safe. 

The future

In the UK the nuclear industry is growing, meaning skilled engineers are in demand.

Where could nuclear engineering take me?

You'll typically begin an entry-level apprenticeship, or graduate roles in nuclear engineering. Once qualified your career could take you in various directions...

• You could design, building an run nuclear power stations like Hinkley Point C, helping to provide low-carbon electricity for millions of homes
• You could develop life-saving technology or work on advanced imaging tools
• You could design nuclear propulsion systems powering submarines and shops
• You could specialise in environmental and climate work, improve reactor safety, manage nuclear waste or develop next-generation reactors
• You could grow into management or leadership roles, overseeing teams and projects
• You could work as a freelance consultant, offering expertise to a variety of organisations

Become a nuclear engineer

Routes into this job:

• University
• Apprenticeship
• Degree apprenticeship
• Graduate training scheme

What qualifications do I need to become a nuclear engineer?

University degree:

• Nuclear engineering
• Physics with nuclear technology
• Materials and nuclear engineering

Apprenticeship:

• Nuclear reactor Desk Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

There are also other routes and training schemes available through nuclear industry employers.