Nuclear engineer
Keep a nuclear power plant running safely and producing energy for people to use at home and at work.
About the job
What it's like
You would help keep a nuclear power plant running safely so it produces energy for people to use at home and at work.
You would:
design and build new plants and equipment
check radiation levels
carry out repairs
make sure that the plant obeys the law
be responsible for security and safety
manage power station technicians
plan safe ways of getting rid of nuclear waste
When a nuclear reactor is shut down, you may be involved in decommissioning the site. This means taking down any structures or buildings and making sure that any radioactive waste is safely removed.
You could also use your knowledge of nuclear technology in other areas, such as:
industrial or academic research and development
the treatment of diseases, for example cancer
defence, for example designing and building nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Navy
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 usually work standard office hours, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Environment
Your work could take place in laboratories, control rooms or offices. You would need to be very aware of health and safety rules and regulations. This would include wearing protective clothing when you were dealing with radioactive material.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing Energy Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- session description protocol
- auditing
- radiochemistry
- industrial wastewater treatments
- radioactive waste
- management contract
- medical physics
- communications management
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- developing a plan
- filtering
- attention to detail
- researching
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- evaluating
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Computing Science
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Maths (Mathematics)
Physics
Skills for Work: Energy
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
Applications of Mathematics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Automotive
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You would need a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in a relevant scientific subject. Relevant subjects include:
Physics with Nuclear Technologies
Physics
Maths
Chemical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
You could also complete a postgraduate qualification (SCQF Level 11).
Most nuclear engineers start their career through a graduate scheme.
Entry to a degree (SCFQ level 9/10) requires National 5 qualifications and Highers at BBBB or above, or a relevant HNC/HND.
To work for some organisations, such as the Ministry of Defence (MoD), you will have to undergo strict background and security checks.
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