Profession nuclear engineer

Nuclear engineers plan and design engineering equipment and processes in nuclear plants and sites. They engage in engineering activities pertaining to nuclear power plants, and develop risk solutions.

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Personality Type

• Investigative / Realistic
• Realistic / Investigative

Knowledge

• Nuclear energy

  The generation of electrical energy through the use of nuclear reactors, by converting the energy released from nuclei of atoms in reactors which generate heat. This heat subsequently generates steam which can power a steam turbine to generate electricity.

• Nuclear reprocessing

  The process in which radioactive substances can be extracted or recycled for use as nuclear fuel, and in which waste levels can be reduced, yet without the reduction of radioactivity levels or generation of heat.

• Technical drawings

  Drawing software and the various symbols, perspectives, units of measurement, notation systems, visual styles and page layouts used in technical drawings.

• Mechanics

  Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

• Engineering principles

  The engineering elements like functionality, replicability, and costs in relation to the design and how they are applied in the completion of engineering projects.

• Mechanical engineering

  Discipline that applies principles of physics, engineering and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture and maintain mechanical systems.

• Metrology

  The methods and theory of measurement in a scientific context, including internationally accepted units of measurement, practical realisation of these units, and interpretation of measurements.

• Civil engineering

  The engineering discipline that studies the design, construction and maintenance of naturally built works such as roads, buildings, and canals.

• Nuclear physics

  Field of physics in which protons and neutrons and their interactions inside atoms are analysed.

• Engineering processes

  The systematic approach to the development and maintenance of engineering systems.

• Electric generators

  The principles and operations of devices that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, such as dynamos and alternators, rotors, stators, armatures, and fields.

• Contamination exposure regulations

  The regulations concerning exposure to contaminated materials or a hazardous environment which regulate the actions surrounding risk assessment, minimisation of further exposure, quarantine, and treatment of the exposed persons.

• Radiation protection

  The measures and procedures used to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.

• Radioactive contamination

  The different causes of the presence of radioactive substances in liquids, solids, or gases or on surfaces, and the manner in which to identify the types of contaminants, their risks, and the contaminants' concentration.

• Thermodynamics

  The branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy..

• Mining, construction and civil engineering machinery products

  The offered mining, construction and civil engineering machinery products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.

Skills

• Follow nuclear plant safety precautions

  Comply with nuclear power plant safety procedures, policies and legislation to ensure a safe working environment for all employees, and to ensure the safety of the public.

• Calculate exposure to radiation

  Calculate radiation data about procedures, such as length and intensity of exposure.

• Ensure compliance with safety legislation

  Implement safety programmes to comply with national laws and legislation. Ensure that equipment and processes are compliant with safety regulations.

• Ensure compliance with radiation protection regulations

  Make sure the company and the employees implement the legal and operational measures established to guarantee protection against radiation.

• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation

  Monitor activities and perform tasks ensuring compliance with standards involving environmental protection and sustainability, and amend activities in the case of changes in environmental legislation. Ensure that the processes are compliant with environment regulations and best practices.

• Calibrate precision instrument

  Examine the precision instruments and assess whether the instrument meets the quality standards and production specifications. Correct and adjust the reliability by measuring output and comparing results with the data of a reference device or a set of standardised results.

• Adjust engineering designs

  Adjust designs of products or parts of products so that they meet requirements.

• Perform scientific research

  Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

• Perform risk analysis

  Identify and assess factors that may jeopardise the success of a project or threaten the organisation's functioning. Implement procedures to avoid or minimise their impact.

• Monitor nuclear power plant systems

  Control nuclear plant systems, such as ventilation and water draining systems, to ensure proper functioning and identify irregularities.

• Use technical drawing software

  Create technical designs and technical drawings using specialised software.

• Develop radiation protection strategies

  Develop strategies for facilities and organisations which are at risk for exposure to radiation or radioactive substances, such as hospitals and nuclear facilities, for the protection of people within the premises in case of risk, as well as the minimisation of radiation exposure during working operations.

• Design strategies for nuclear emergencies

  Develop and oversee the implementation of strategies which aim to prevent equipment malfunctions, errors, and contamination risks in nuclear facilities, and which outline response actions in the event of a nuclear emergency.

• Approve engineering design

  Give consent to the finished engineering design to go over to the actual manufacturing and assembly of the product.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB