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Nuclear engineer
Hours
Variable
Starting salary
£20,000 + per year
If you are interested in science and technology, and you are good at analysing and solving problems, this could be the job for you.
As an engineer in the nuclear industry, you might be responsible for running nuclear power stations safely and productively, fuel reprocessing, waste management, decommissioning old nuclear power stations, and protection and safety.
In this job you will need good planning and organisational skills. You will also need to be good at maths and using computers.
To get into this job, you will need a degree, foundation degree or BTEC HNC/HND in a relevant subject. You could also get into the nuclear industry through an Apprenticeship and work your way up.
WorkDesc
The work
Around 20% of the UK's electricity comes from nuclear power.
Your duties could 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.
Alternatively, you could also use your knowledge of nuclear technology in other areas, such as:
- industrial or academic research and development
- the medical profession
- defence, for instance developing and building nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Navy.
HoursDesc
Hours
In processing and power station operations, you could work a seven-day shift system that may include weekends, evenings and nights. In research and development you would be more likely to work standard office hours Monday to Friday.
Your work could take place in laboratories, control rooms or offices. You would need to wear protective clothing when dealing with radioactive material in laboratories or power stations.
IncomeDesc
Income
- Graduate trainees usually earn between £20,000 and £25,000 a year
- Experienced engineers can earn between £30,000 and £50,000 or more.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
EntryRequirementsDesc
Entry requirements
You will need a degree, foundation degree or BTEC HNC/HND in a relevant subject. A few specialist degrees and foundation degrees in nuclear engineering or nuclear decommissioning are available, or you could get in with another scientific or technical subject such as:
- chemical engineering
- mechanical engineering
- maths
- physics
- electrical engineering.
To get onto an engineering or science degree, you will usually need at least five GCSEs (A-C), plus two A levels including maths and a science subject. Alternative qualifications may be accepted and some universities offer a foundation year for people without maths and science qualifications. You should check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.
See the Nuclear Industry Association website for details of universities offering degrees and postgraduate courses with nuclear technology content.
You may have an advantage when looking for work if you have a relevant postgraduate degree as well as a first degree.
Your first job in the nuclear industry would often be as part of a graduate training scheme run by one of the larger employers. For this you will normally need a good degree (at least class 2:2) in a relevant technical subject.
You could alternatively get into the industry without a degree through an Apprenticeship scheme, and work your way from technician level. Visit the Apprenticeships and Cogent websites to find out more about more about Apprenticeship opportunities in the nuclear industry.
The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers.
TrainingAndDevelopmentDesc
Training and development
Most large firms offer structured training and encourage professional development. Your training would usually include mentoring by experienced engineers, and short in-house courses for specific skills that you might need.
Your employer may also offer you the chance to take further postgraduate training, such as the Nuclear Technology Education Consortium (NTEC) professional development programme.
You can improve your career prospects by working towards incorporated or chartered engineer status and joining a professional engineering body like the Nuclear Institute. (See the Engineering Council website for information on how to achieve incorporated and chartered engineer status).
You should continue to update your knowledge and skills throughout your career. Professional engineering bodies offer regular development opportunities for their members – see websites for details.
SkillsAndKnowledgeDesc
Skills and knowledge
To be a nuclear engineer you should have:
- an interest in science and technology
- problem-solving and analytical skills
- good planning and organisational ability
- excellent mathematical and computer skills
- the ability to manage projects, budgets and people
- good spoken and written communication skills
- the ability to work as part of a team
- respect for safety and the environment.
MoreInformationDesc
More information
Cogent 
Unit 5, Mandarin Court
Centre Park
Warrington
Cheshire
WA1 1GG
Tel: 01925 515200
www.cogent-ssc.com
The Nuclear Institute
Allan House
1 Penerley Road
London
SE6 2LQ
www.nuclearinst.com
Nuclear Industry Association
Carlton House
22a St James's Square
London
SW1Y 4JH
www.niauk.org
Tomorrow's Engineers
EngineeringUK
Weston House
246 High Holborn
London
WC1V 7EX
Email: careers@engineeringuk.com
Tel: 020 3206 0400
www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk
Energy Zone
www.energyzone.net
Engineering Council UK
246 High Holborn
London
WC1V 7EX
Tel: 020 3206 0500
www.engc.org.uk
OpportunitiesDesc
Opportunities
There are opportunities for people with suitable skills and qualifications, due to increased research into nuclear power, and the need for safe decommissioning of older nuclear installations.
The main employers in nuclear power generation are BNFL and British Energy Group, at one of their nine operational sites around the UK. Follow the link below to see a map showing the main areas of nuclear power, courtesy of Cogent.
You could also find opportunities in research or in university teaching. A growing number of engineers work on freelance contracts.
Jobs may be advertised in the national press, industry publications and websites, on employers’ websites and by specialist recruitment agencies.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open in new window):
Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
LMIData
Related industry information
Industry summary
The nuclear industry is part of the broader science‐based sector represented by Cogent Sector Skills Council, which also includes chemicals, polymers, oil and gas, petroleum and pharmaceuticals industries. Most goods used by people in their homes, at work and in their everyday activities are products derived from the chemical, nuclear, oil and gas, petroleum and polymer industries. The combined industries represent nearly half a million people in the UK and are of huge economic and strategic importance to the UK.
The UK has 19 power generation reactors in operation and 15 nuclear powered submarines, with on-going demand for operation and maintenance extending to 2035. The growth area of nuclear industry activity in the UK is in decommissioning and clean up, with 21 reactors in decommissioning and two more due to enter this phase in the next two years.
British Nuclear Fuels dominates nuclear fuel processing in the UK. Activities span the entire nuclear cycle, from reactor design and fuel manufacture to nuclear site decommissioning and clean‐up of waste. It works with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to achieve its clean‐up programme.
Recently there have been significant shifts in thinking around nuclear power, as a crucial element of the green solution to security of energy supply. This shift is being driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions and dependence upon hydrocarbons for energy production. In the UK there are ambitious plans for nuclear power with indications of a broader programme of new build may extend beyond replacement of the existing nuclear power stations. Across the world, nuclear power provides 16% of global electricity requirements.
Key facts:
- Future skills needs can be resourced in the UK, but there will be engagement in the global supply chain.
- In the future, there will be an unprecedented world‐wide demand for nuclear expertise.
- The UK is the 12th highest nuclear generating country globally.
- The Royal Navy has 15 nuclear powered submarines in service.
- The last UK nuclear power station is due to close in 2035.
- There is an urgent need for an increase in vocational and technical skills, up to and including level 3.
- There is an on-going demand for the operation and maintenance of nuclear power facilities to 2035.
- There is an expectation that a programme of new build will be developed, so the industry is expected to grow and have high replacement demands.
Jobs in the industry range from: Technician support services, Manager process or maintenance, Monitor, Operations support worker, Science technician, Scientific engineer safety and environment, Supervisor monitoring, Supervisor production and maintenance.
National and regional data
The largest number of employees is located in:
- North West
- South West
- South East
- Scotland
The nuclear industry dominates the South West with nuclear facilities in Oldbury, Hinkley Point A and B and Berkeley, plus Devonport dockyard services nuclear powered submarines. Nuclear power stations and facilities are located in the East of England (Sizewell and Bradwell), North Scotland, Ayreshire, East Lothian, Dumfrieshire, North West Wales and in the North West (Sellafield, Springsfield, Capenhurst, Windscale and Calderhall).
Career paths
Careers in the industry are usually well‐paid and long‐term, with opportunities throughout the UK and often worldwide too. For further information:
Further sources
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