Career overview
Nuclear Engineers
O*NET-SOC 17-2161.00
Median pay / yr$127,520
OutlookBelow Average
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.
What it takes
The skills, knowledge, and credentials employers look for in Nuclear Engineers.
Skills employers look for
- Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- ScienceUsing scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Complex Problem SolvingIdentifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Judgment and Decision MakingConsidering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Knowledge areas
- Engineering and TechnologyKnowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- PhysicsKnowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
- MathematicsKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
- Public Safety and SecurityKnowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Certifications that help you get hired
Not sure this fits? FirstEmbark's free quiz matches you to careers based on what you actually enjoy — no account needed.