Nuclear engineer

Alternative titles for this job include

Nuclear engineers design and build technology used in areas like power generation, healthcare and defence.

Average salary (a year)

£28,000 Starter

to

£58,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become Nuclear engineer

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• a graduate training scheme

University

You can do a degree in a subject like:

• nuclear engineering
• chemical engineering
• mechanical engineering
• maths
• physics with nuclear technology
• materials and nuclear engineering

You can find universities offering nuclear related courses through the Nuclear Institute.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for a place on an apprenticeship, such as:

• Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
• Nuclear Reactor Desk Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These take around 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Other Routes

You can start on a 2-year graduate training scheme called Nuclear Graduates, which is run by nuclear industry employers. 

On the scheme, you'll receive professional development training in different areas of the nuclear industry.

You'll normally need a degree in a science or engineering subject to apply for a place.

More Information

Career tips

You may need to relocate for work, as Britain's nuclear power stations are spread around the country. This includes ones in operation, those being decommissioned and proposed new sites.

You can find employers in each part of the country on the Nuclear Industry Association jobs map.

Further information

You can get details about working in the the nuclear industry through:

• Destination Nuclear
• Not Just Labcoats
• UK Atomic Energy Authority

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of physics
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• thinking and reasoning skills
• design skills and knowledge
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass security checks

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a nuclear engineer, you might:

• design and build new nuclear plants and equipment
• monitor radiation levels
• plan and carry out maintenance work
• help to decommission old power stations
• research ways to dispose of nuclear waste
• design medical equipment that uses nuclear technology
• work on nuclear propulsions systems for ships and submarines

Possible green job

This job could help the environment.

For a nuclear engineer to be a green job, you could:

• build power plants to help reduce greenhouse gasses
• design energy efficient medical scanners and imaging equipment
• work on research into nuclear fusion that has the potential to produce large amounts of cleaner energy

Working environment

You could work at a power station, in a laboratory, in an office or in a control room.

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With skills and experience, you could become:

• an operations engineer, managing a technical team during the building and running of a power plant
• a nuclear inspector, regulating the storage and disposal of radioactive waste
• a nuclear safety engineer, responsible for making sure all on-site safety requirements are met
• a clinical engineer, researching ways to improve nuclear medicine used in the treatment of disease

You could also work as a freelance engineering consultant.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

V03104 - Degree Apprentice Nuclear Engineering

• Wage: Competitive Annually
• Location: 1st Floor, Main Shipyard Offices, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria

Rolls-Royce Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprenticeship - Raynesway, UK

• Wage: £20,735 a year Annually
• Location: Derby

Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a Nuclear engineer?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Not what you're looking for?

Related careers

• Nuclear technician
• Physicist
• Medical physicist
• Energy engineer
• Chemical engineer

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Speak to an adviser

You can call 0800 100 900 or use webchat to speak to an adviser.

We're open:

• 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
• 10am to 5pm Saturdays and bank holidays

We're closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.