Nuclear Engineers
Career Snapshot
The nucleus of a tiny atom contains enormous energy. Nuclear engineers are responsible for harnessing the energy. They look for efficient ways to capture and utilise the bursts of energy released by a disintegrating atom. Nuclear engineers are working on a variety of nuclear energy uses, such as power plants for consumer heat and electricity, methods for illness diagnosis and treatment, food preservation, or sterilisation of medical instruments, and systems to power ships and spacecraft.
Nuclear engineers also ensure that the atom's incredible power is handled responsibly and that nuclear waste is disposed of safely. Strong aptitudes in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, as well as technical writing and computer programming, are required for success in nuclear engineering. A creative problem-solving attitude is also required, as is a college degree in one of the engineering sciences.
Because nuclear power is employed in aircraft carriers and submarines, naval experience is also a viable route into this field. Nuclear engineers are mostly employed by public utilities or engineering consulting organisations. Nuclear engineers must be responsible individuals who take tremendous pleasure and care in their profession.