Nuclear Engineers - 17-2161.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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

DOT Titles Included in this O*NET-SOC Code

  • Design Engineer, Nuclear Equipment
  • Nuclear Engineer
  • Nuclear-Criticality Safety Engineer
  • Nuclear-Fuels Reclamation Engineer
  • Nuclear-Fuels Research Engineer
  • Nuclear-Plant Technical Advisor
  • Nuclear-Test-Reactor Program Coordinator
  • Radiation-Protection Engineer
  • Research Engineer, Nuclear Equipment
  • Test Engineer, Nuclear Equipment
  • Waste-Management Engineer, Radioactive Materials

Sample of Occupations in this SOC Family

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Analyze available data and consult with other scientists to determine parameters of experimentation and suitability of analytical models.
  • Conduct tests of nuclear fuel behavior and cycles and performance of nuclear machinery and equipment, to optimize performance of existing plants.
  • Design and develop nuclear equipment such as reactor cores, radiation shielding, and associated instrumentation and control mechanisms.
  • Design and direct nuclear research projects to discover facts, to test or modify theoretical models, or to develop new theoretical models or new uses for current models.
  • Design and oversee construction and operation of nuclear reactors and power plants and nuclear fuels reprocessing and reclamation systems.
  • Direct operating and maintenance activities of operational nuclear power plants to ensure efficiency and conformity to safety standards.
  • Examine accidents to obtain data that can be used to design preventive measures.
  • Initiate corrective actions or order plant shutdowns in emergency situations.
  • Keep abreast of developments and changes in the nuclear field by reading technical journals and by independent study and research.
  • Monitor nuclear facility operations to identify any design, construction, or operation practices that violate safety regulations and laws or that could jeopardize the safety of operations.
  • Perform experiments that will provide information about acceptable methods of nuclear material usage, nuclear fuel reclamation, and waste disposal.
  • Prepare construction project proposals that include cost estimates, and discuss proposals with interested parties such as vendors, contractors, and nuclear facility review boards.
  • 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.
  • Synthesize analyses of test results, and use the results to prepare technical reports of findings and recommendations.
  • Write operational instructions to be used in nuclear plant operation and nuclear fuel and waste handling and disposal.

Detailed Work Activities

  • adhere to safety procedures
  • advise authorities in procedures for radiation incidents or hazards
  • advise clients or customers
  • advise clients regarding engineering problems
  • analyze engineering design problems
  • analyze engineering test data
  • analyze project proposal to determine feasibility, cost, or time
  • analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
  • analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
  • analyze test data
  • bid engineering, construction or extraction projects
  • calculate engineering specifications
  • collect scientific or technical data
  • communicate technical information
  • compile information on findings from investigation of accidents
  • compile numerical or statistical data
  • compute cost estimates of construction or engineering projects
  • conduct nuclear research
  • conduct performance testing
  • conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
  • conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
  • confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
  • confer with research personnel
  • confer with scientists
  • confer with vendors
  • coordinate engineering project activities
  • coordinate production maintenance activities
  • create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
  • delegate authority for engineering activities
  • design control systems
  • design electro-mechanical equipment
  • design electronic equipment
  • design engineered systems
  • design machines
  • design manufacturing processes or methods
  • design power equipment
  • design transporting processes
  • design waste recovery methods
  • determine factors affecting production processes
  • develop mathematical simulation models
  • develop new products based on scientific research results
  • develop or maintain databases
  • develop plans for programs or projects
  • develop policies, procedures, methods, or standards
  • develop safety regulations
  • develop tables depicting data
  • direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
  • direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
  • direct personnel in support of engineering activities
  • draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
  • ensure prescribed safe radiation levels are maintained
  • estimate cost for engineering projects
  • estimate time needed for project
  • estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
  • evaluate costs of engineering projects
  • evaluate engineering data
  • evaluate manufacturing or processing systems
  • evaluate tool designs
  • examine engineering documents for completeness or accuracy
  • explain complex mathematical information
  • follow safe waste disposal procedures
  • improve test devices or techniques in manufacturing, industrial or engineering setting
  • inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
  • inspect project operations, or site to determine specification compliance
  • lead teams in engineering projects
  • operate high energy linear accelerator
  • perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
  • perform statistical analysis in physical science or geological research
  • plan construction of structures or facilities
  • plan production processes
  • plan scientific research or investigative studies
  • plan testing of engineering methods
  • prepare reports
  • prepare safety reports
  • prepare technical reports or related documentation
  • provide analytical assessment of engineering data
  • provide expert testimony on research results
  • read blueprints
  • read schematics
  • read technical drawings
  • resolve engineering or science problems
  • test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
  • understand engineering data or reports
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
  • use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
  • use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
  • use government regulations
  • use hazardous materials information
  • use intuitive judgment for engineering analyses
  • use knowledge of investigation techniques
  • use knowledge of materials testing procedures
  • use library or online Internet research techniques
  • use long or short term production planning techniques
  • use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
  • use physical science research techniques
  • use pollution control techniques
  • use project management techniques
  • use quantitative research methods
  • use relational database software
  • use research methodology procedures within manufacturing or commerce
  • use robotics systems technology
  • use scientific research methodology
  • use spreadsheet software
  • use technical regulations for engineering problems
  • use word processing or desktop publishing software
  • work as a team member
  • write business project or bid proposals