Nuclear power has many advantages over traditional energy sources (oil, coal and hydroelectricity). It is more efficient, and the raw materials needed to produce it are commonly present in the natural world. In addition, nuclear power plants are relatively cheap to drive, and safety measures have improved substantially since the accidents of the twentieth century (Three Mile Island from Pennsylvania, Chernobyl in Ukraine, Fukushima Daiichi in Japan). There are some risks related to the use of nuclear energy, which are common knowledge, but most are similar to the risks of other power generation options.
Nuclear engineering is an area where nuclear engineers work with radiation and radioactive materials to design processes and develop their use in energy production, industry and nuclear medicine. Those who work in the nuclear engineering industry solve real-world problems such as nuclear waste management, response protocols to nuclear power plant accidents, or how radiation can effectively treat cancer. People working in the nuclear engineering field have extensive education and training, as well as a great aptitude for advanced mathematics, physics and chemistry.
There are many different areas specialized in nuclear engineering, including nuclear power generation, medical use of the nuclear energy and the impact of nuclear by-products on the environment.
A nuclear licensing engineer makes sure that the power plant works in conformity with all the safety standards. This is a complex job that entails various responsibilities that include:
- Researching and creating instruments, processes and systems to derive the benefits of nuclear energy
- Designing and develop ping equipment, software, systems and processes to exploit the benefits of radioactive material
- Managing the implementation of technology for better display of the radiological data
- Providing technical support and oversight during operations
- Performing and documenting technical evaluations in accordance with current standards
- Conducting technical training on MRI scanners
- Radiological monitoring of the working environment;
- Monitoring the personnel who is exposed to ionizing radiation, due to their profession; registration, record-keeping and reporting of doses;
- Monitoring compliance with radiation protection requirements;
- Calibration, metrological verification, use and management of dosimetric equipment and radiation sources;
- Radiation protection training of staff, external workers, visitors;
- Preparation of documents (plans, reports, procedures, technical authorization documentations, procurement documentation);
- Storing and archiving of radiation protection documents.
Minimal requirements for nuclear licensing engineer jobs
- Higher education in the technical field, finalized with a bachelor’s degree in specializations such as: Technological Physics/ Energy/ Electronics/ Electrical Engineering / Automatics/ Mechanics / Fine Mechanics
- Minimum 3 years seniority in engineering activities
Specific knowledge/endorsements/skills:
- Specialized technical knowledge
- The completion of radiation protection courses and/or the possession of a permit to exercise activities in the nuclear field is an advantage
- English knowledge (advanced level)
- Informatics knowledge
- Team spirit and professionalism
Experience is always an advantage and, in the case of a nuclear licensing engineer job, employers will appreciate existing experience with nuclear technology, as well as the experience with working in a specific nuclear and process engineering environment. Additionally, although a Bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering is a basic requirement, a Master`s degree or a Ph.D. will have priority, as well as a Professional engineering license.