Nuclear engineers research and design processes and equipment for the nuclear energy industry. They can be physicists or mechanical, electrical or chemical engineers, who also use specialist knowledge of nuclear physics in their work.

Most nuclear engineers work in power generation, on tasks such as:

• running nuclear power stations and equipment
• fuel reprocessing
• waste management
• decommissioning nuclear power stations
• radiological protection and safety.

Their duties can include:

• designing and building new plants and equipment
• measuring radiation levels
• planning safe methods of disposing of nuclear waste during decommissioning
• being responsible for security and safety
• supervising power station technicians 
• attending meetings and giving presentations.

Some nuclear engineers work for the medical profession, the military, or in academic or government research.

Hours and Environment

As an engineer in the nuclear industry, your hours can vary. In research and development you will usually work 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday, with extra hours sometimes necessary to meet a project deadline. In processing and power station operations, you could work on a seven-day shift system that may include weekends, evenings and nights.

You will work indoors in laboratories, control rooms or offices. You will need to wear protective clothing when dealing with radioactive material in laboratories or power stations.

Skills and Interests

To be a nuclear engineer you need:

• an interest in science and technology
• problem-solving and analytical ability
• good planning and organisational skills
• excellent mathematical and computer skills
• the ability to manage projects, budgets and people
• good communication and teamworking skills
• respect for safety and the environment.

Entry

You will need a degree in chemical, mechanical or electrical engineering, or maths or physics.

Engineering degrees are available at colleges and universities all over the UK. See the Institution of Nuclear Engineers (INucE) and the Nuclear Industry Association websites for a list of degree courses with nuclear technology content.

To get onto an engineering or science degree you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3), and at least two A levels/three H grades including maths and a science subject. Some universities offer a foundation year for people without qualifications in maths and science. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

It may improve your future career prospects to have a relevant Master's degree (MEng) as well as a first degree in engineering.

For general information about engineering as a career, visit SEMTA’s website. For details of careers in the nuclear industry, see Cogent and the Institute of Nuclear Engineers.

See the Further Information section below for all contact details.

You may be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship scheme to qualify as a chemical, mechanical or electrical engineering technician (see the relevant Engineering Technician profiles for more details about starting at this level).

Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Training

You will normally be trained on the job, possibly through a structured graduate training scheme such as those run by large employers like the British Nuclear Fuels Group (BNFL) and British Energy.

You will improve your career prospects by joining a professional engineering body like the Institution of Nuclear Engineers, and gaining professional incorporated or chartered engineer status from the Engineering Council.

See the INucE and Engineering Council websites for more information on how to gain incorporated and chartered engineer status.

The Nuclear Technology Engineering Consortium (NTEC) has developed postgraduate and professional development courses in decommissioning and nuclear technology - see the INucE website for details.

Opportunities

There are currently twelve operational nuclear power stations and seven decommissioned power stations in the UK, mainly in coastal regions. The main employers in nuclear power generation are BNFL and British Energy.

There are also opportunities within the military, medical research, universities and government research.

The nuclear industry is growing in the UK and overseas, because of new research and development and the need for safe decommissioning of older nuclear installations.

A growing number of engineers now work freelance on short-term contracts.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

New graduates on training programmes usually earn around £20,000 to £22,000 a year.
Experienced engineers can earn £22,000 to £35,000 a year.
Senior chartered engineers can earn £40,000 to £65,000 a year.

Further information

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