17-2161.00

Nuclear Engineers

Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.

Career Cluster:Energy & Natural Resources
Job Family:Architecture and Engineering
Job Zone:Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
STEM:Research, Development, Design, and Practitioners
Industry:Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
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Technology Tools

C++LinuxMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointSalesforce softwareMicrosoft WordOracle JavaPythonSAP softwareThe MathWorks MATLABUNIX

Key Tasks

  • Design or develop nuclear equipment, such as reactor cores, radiation shielding, or associated instrumentation or control mechanisms.
  • Monitor nuclear facility operations to identify any design, construction, or operation practices that violate safety regulations and laws or could jeopardize safe operations.
  • Initiate corrective actions or order plant shutdowns in emergency situations.
  • Examine accidents to obtain data for use in design of preventive measures.
  • Direct operating or maintenance activities of nuclear power plants to ensure efficiency and conformity to safety standards.
  • Design or oversee construction or operation of nuclear reactors, power plants, or nuclear fuels reprocessing and reclamation systems.
  • Direct environmental compliance activities associated with nuclear plant operations or maintenance.
  • Write operational instructions to be used in nuclear plant operation or nuclear fuel or waste handling and disposal.
  • Prepare environmental impact statements, reports, or presentations for regulatory or other agencies.
  • Prepare technical reports of findings or recommendations, based on synthesized analyses of test results.
  • Develop or contribute to the development of plans to remediate or restore environments affected by nuclear radiation, such as waste disposal sites.
  • Conduct tests of nuclear fuel behavior and cycles or performance of nuclear machinery and equipment to optimize performance of existing plants.
  • Design fuel cycle models or processes to reduce the quantity of radioactive waste generated from nuclear activities.
  • Consult with other scientists to determine parameters of experimentation or suitability of analytical models.
  • Recommend preventive measures to be taken in the handling of nuclear technology, based on data obtained from operations monitoring or from evaluation of test results.
  • Discuss construction project proposals with interested parties, such as vendors, contractors, or nuclear facility review boards.
  • Perform experiments that will provide information about acceptable methods of nuclear material usage, nuclear fuel reclamation, or waste disposal.
  • Conduct environmental studies on topics such as nuclear power generation, nuclear waste disposal, or nuclear weapon deployment.
  • Design or direct nuclear research projects to develop, test, modify, or discover new uses for theoretical models.
  • Keep abreast of developments and changes in the nuclear field by reading technical journals or by independent study and research.

Skills

Science
78%
Critical Thinking
78%
Reading Comprehension
75%
Mathematics
75%
Writing
75%
Active Listening
75%
Complex Problem Solving
75%
Monitoring
75%
Judgment and Decision Making
75%
Active Learning
72%
Operations Analysis
69%
Speaking
69%
Systems Analysis
69%
Systems Evaluation
69%
Coordination
66%
Operations Monitoring
66%
Time Management
63%
Quality Control Analysis
56%
Persuasion
53%
Troubleshooting
53%
Instructing
50%
Negotiation
50%
Learning Strategies
50%
Service Orientation
47%
Social Perceptiveness
47%
Technology Design
47%
Management of Personnel Resources
44%
Operation and Control
31%
Management of Material Resources
28%
Management of Financial Resources
28%
Programming
22%
Equipment Selection
19%
Repairing
16%
Equipment Maintenance
16%
Installation
0%

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
89%
Physics
89%
Mathematics
85%
English Language
76%
Public Safety and Security
74%
Chemistry
72%
Computers and Electronics
67%
Design
67%
Mechanical
62%
Education and Training
60%
Administration and Management
58%
Law and Government
55%
Building and Construction
50%
Production and Processing
44%
Biology
44%
Personnel and Human Resources
37%
Customer and Personal Service
31%
Psychology
30%
Economics and Accounting
30%
Administrative
29%
Communications and Media
28%
Telecommunications
26%
Transportation
25%
Geography
24%
Sales and Marketing
20%
Sociology and Anthropology
18%
History and Archeology
14%
Foreign Language
13%
Medicine and Dentistry
13%
Therapy and Counseling
10%
Philosophy and Theology
7%
Food Production
5%
Fine Arts
3%

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Abilities

Problem Sensitivity
91%
Written Expression
78%
Deductive Reasoning
75%
Category Flexibility
75%
Oral Expression
75%
Mathematical Reasoning
75%
Inductive Reasoning
75%
Written Comprehension
75%
Information Ordering
75%
Near Vision
72%
Fluency of Ideas
69%
Oral Comprehension
69%
Number Facility
69%
Speech Clarity
66%
Speech Recognition
63%
Flexibility of Closure
63%
Originality
60%
Perceptual Speed
56%
Visualization
53%
Selective Attention
53%
Far Vision
50%
Speed of Closure
47%
Time Sharing
44%
Memorization
41%
Visual Color Discrimination
41%
Auditory Attention
38%
Hearing Sensitivity
38%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
25%
Depth Perception
25%
Control Precision
22%
Reaction Time
19%
Trunk Strength
19%
Finger Dexterity
16%
Manual Dexterity
13%
Wrist-Finger Speed
10%
Rate Control
3%
Sound Localization
0%
Extent Flexibility
0%
Night Vision
0%
Stamina
0%
Static Strength
0%
Explosive Strength
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Multilimb Coordination
0%
Spatial Orientation
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Dynamic Strength
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Response Orientation
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%

Work Activities

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
96%
Working with Computers
88%
Analyzing Data or Information
86%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
85%
Getting Information
85%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
83%
Processing Information
81%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
80%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
75%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
75%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
75%
Documenting/Recording Information
71%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
69%
Thinking Creatively
68%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
68%
Training and Teaching Others
67%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
65%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
61%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
61%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
61%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
61%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
60%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
59%
Coaching and Developing Others
58%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
58%
Scheduling Work and Activities
56%
Developing and Building Teams
56%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
55%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
54%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
47%
Controlling Machines and Processes
41%
Selling or Influencing Others
41%
Performing Administrative Activities
36%
Staffing Organizational Units
36%
Assisting and Caring for Others
32%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
30%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
25%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
22%
Performing General Physical Activities
20%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
20%
Handling and Moving Objects
18%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

98%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

92%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

90%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

85%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

81%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

79%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

73%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

72%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

72%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

68%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

68%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

67%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

67%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

66%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

64%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

64%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

64%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

62%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

59%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

56%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

55%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

54%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

53%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

44%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

44%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

43%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

40%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

38%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

36%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

35%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

34%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

31%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

31%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

30%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

29%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

28%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

28%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

28%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

25%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

24%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

23%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

20%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

20%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

20%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

19%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

18%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

14%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

12%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

12%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

12%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

11%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

10%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

8%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

6%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

6%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

5%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

4%

Education

Bachelor's degree

81%

Master's degree

19%

Interests

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

89

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

67

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

57

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

26

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

18

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

16

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
100%
Dependability
100%
Integrity
98%
Cautiousness
91%
Intellectual Curiosity
86%
Self-Control
83%
Stress Tolerance
80%
Achievement Orientation
74%
Perseverance
71%
Innovation
66%
Self-Confidence
58%
Leadership Orientation
53%
Adaptability
49%
Cooperation
48%
Initiative
46%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
46%
Sincerity
40%
Humility
21%
Social Orientation
10%
Empathy
4%
Optimism
4%

Work Values

Achievement
78%
Recognition
78%
Support
72%
Working Conditions
70%
Independence
67%
Relationships
22%

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