How to Become a Nuclear Engineer

When German physicists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassman discovered nuclear fission by splitting uranium atoms in 1938, they helped usher in the nuclear age. Nuclear fission is applied to generate energy in nuclear power plants and to produce weapons.

Nuclear engineers develop equipment, systems, and processes to harness that energy. Their innovations include nuclear reactors, power plants, nuclear-powered submarines, and nuclear medicine such as diagnostic imaging.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nuclear engineers can expect slower than average job growth over the next decade. However, because many nuclear engineers will retire, 800 job openings are expected to open up each year between 2022-2032.

Developments in nuclear energy, such as the next generation of reactors, will also require more workers. This guide explores how you can become a nuclear engineer, its job requirements, and the career outlook.

The traditional route to an entry-level nuclear engineering career requires a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering or a related field. More advanced positions will require a graduate degree in nuclear engineering or the physical sciences such as physics.

An innovative program would allow you to begin your training in community college. The Nuclear Energy Institute’s Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program (NUCP) would help you develop the skills necessary for the nuclear industry. Currently, 32 community colleges in 23 states participate in the program.

You can complete an industry-approved curriculum leading to an AAS in nuclear technology as well as the National Academy for Nuclear Training certificate. After graduating, you can qualify for jobs such as reactor plant operator and nuclear vendor personnel. Coursework such as high school chemistry, physics, and math will help students succeed in NUCP or pursue a bachelor’s in nuclear engineering.

Most early career positions will require a BS in nuclear engineering. The Accreditation Board for Education and Training (ABET) accredits nuclear engineering programs.

The typical BS requires 120-128 credits and includes general education coursework. The nuclear engineering major covers topics such as nuclear system design, reactor physics, radiation protection and control, and computer programming.

Some programs may offer a concentration like nuclear cybersecurity and/or nuclear leadership.You can get hands-on experience through experiments and practical exercises.

Employers such as governmental agencies may require a master’s degree for entry-level nuclear engineering jobs. A typical master’s in nuclear engineering curriculum requires at least 30 credits. You can complete specialized coursework such as reactor design and safety, thermal hydraulics, nuclear power engineering, and Monte Carlo methods in nuclear engineering.

You would culminate the MS with a research thesis project or comprehensive exam. Admission usually requires a BS in engineering, nuclear engineering, or in an applied science. Some institutions offer a dual BS/MS in nuclear engineering in an accelerated time frame.

Want to pursue a career like nuclear scientists Marie Curie and J.Robert Oppenheimer, whose respective inventions include mobile X-ray units and the atomic bomb? You’ll need a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering or a related subject like physics.

A doctorate paves the way for senior-level careers in fields such as research and development. A Ph.D. in nuclear engineering includes advanced research areas such as nuclear power engineering, medical physics, and radiological engineering.

Admission requires at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.

Some nuclear engineers begin their careers in the military through training and deployment around the world. They complete six months of classroom training and an additional six months of hands-on experience.

If you work at nuclear power plants, you will receive training in safety procedures, practices, and regulations. The length of that training varies depending on the employer. Work experience is critical for career advancement and professional licensure.

State professional boards oversee the licensing of nuclear engineers. The Fundamentals of Engineering exam is the first step to a professional engineer licensure. Once you have a bachelor’s degree and at least four years of professional engineering experience, you may qualify for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.

The PE nuclear exam is computer-based and consists of 85 questions in a variety of knowledge areas. The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying administers the exam, which costs $400. Some employers may require an American Nuclear Society certification.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Nuclear engineers can expect limited employment growth between 2022 to 2032, according to BLS projections. Nuclear power plants tend to hire the most nuclear engineers. Renewable energy initiatives and a decline in new nuclear power plants have helped slow the field.

The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) highlights the development of next-generation reactors on the horizon, creating the need for nuclear engineers and secondary workers. Plus, workers can train for many existing jobs in the nuclear engineering field that pay well.

Nuclear engineers earn $125,460 in median annual salary as of May 2023, much higher than the $48,060 median pay for all occupations. Nuclear technicians and nuclear medicine technologists earn $101,740 and $92,500, respectively. Other well-paying nuclear engineering jobs include power plant operators and nuclear power reactor operators, who earned median annual salaries of $100,890 and $120,350, respectively.

Nuclear engineers typically work at utility companies with nuclear reactors, fuel vendors, and at nuclear plants. Skill requirements will vary depending on your role at these facilities:

Professional societies offer invaluable support and services to members. You can network with fellow peers, access professional publications, and help set professional and educational standards. The following three organizations are well-known organizations amongst nuclear engineering professionals.

ANS is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization that promotes the application of nuclear science and technology to benefit society. Members include engineers, scientists, doctors, students, and government employees. ANS members attend networking events, receive event discounts, and enjoy free access to publications such as Nuclear News and journals.

WNA is an international organization that represents the nuclear industry and promotes the sector’s growth. Members include major reactor vendors, nuclear utilities, uranium mining companies, and nuclear engineering organizations and companies. WNA members have access to the latest data and trends, networking events with industry leaders, free market reports, and member-only working groups.

NAYGN helps create the next generation of nuclear enthusiasts with strong leadership and professional skills. The organization has more than 150 chapters in North America. NAYGN offers its members professional development, knowledge transfer between generations, public information initiatives, and networking and membership opportunities.