- Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems.
- Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that meet societal and consumer needs.
- Many engineers develop new products. During the process, they consider several factors. For example, in developing an industrial robot, engineers specify the functional requirements precisely; design and test the robot's components; integrate the components to produce the final design; and evaluate the design's overall effectiveness, cost, reliability, and safety. This process applies to the development of many different products, such as chemicals, computers, power-plants, helicopters, and toys.
- In addition to their involvement in design and development, many engineers work in testing, production, or maintenance.
- These engineers supervise production in factories, determine the causes of a component’s failure, and test manufactured products to maintain quality.
- They also estimate the time and cost required to complete projects.
- Supervisory engineers are responsible for major components or entire projects.
- Engineers use computers extensively to produce and analyze designs; to simulate and test how a machine, structure, or system operates; to generate specifications for parts; to monitor the quality of products; and to control the efficiency of processes.
- Nanotechnology, which involves the creation of high-performance materials and components by integrating atoms and molecules, also is introducing entirely new principles to the design process.
- Most engineers specialize; one of which is Nuclear Engineer.
- Nuclear engineers research and develop the processes, instruments, and systems used to derive benefits from nuclear energy and radiation.
- They design, develop, monitor, and operate nuclear plants to generate power.
- They may work on the nuclear fuel cycle—the production, handling, and use of nuclear fuel and the safe disposal of waste produced by the generation of nuclear energy—or on the development of fusion energy.
- Some specialize in the development of nuclear power sources for naval vessels or spacecraft; others find industrial and medical uses for radioactive materials—for example, in equipment used to diagnose and treat medical problems.
- It is important for engineers, as it is for workers in other technical and scientific occupations, to continue their education throughout their careers, because much of their value to their employer depends on their knowledge of the latest technology.
- Engineers in high-technology areas, such as biotechnology or information technology, may find that their technical knowledge will become outdated rapidly.
- By keeping current in their field, engineers will be able to deliver the best solutions and greatest value to their employers.
- Engineers who have not kept current in their field may find themselves at a disadvantage when seeking promotions or during layoffs.
- Most job growth will be in research and development and engineering services.
- Increased interest in nuclear power as an energy source will spur demand for nuclear engineers to research and develop new designs for reactors.
- They also will be needed to work in defense-related areas, to develop nuclear medical technology, and to improve and enforce waste management and safety standards.
- Nuclear engineers are expected to have good employment opportunities because the small number of nuclear engineering graduates is likely to be in rough balance with the number of job openings.
Engineers apply the principles of natural science and mathematics in their work. Other workers who use scientific and mathematical principles include the following:
- Agricultural and Food Scientists
- Architects
- Atmospheric Scientists
- Biological scientists
- Chemists and materials scientists
- Computer and information systems manager
- Computer scientists
- Computer software engineers and computer programmers
- Drafter
- Engineering and natural sciences managers
- Engineering technicians
- Environment scientists and specialists
- Geoscientists and hydrologists
- Mathematicians
- Physicists and astronomers
- Sales engineers
- Science technicians
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering
This career information is drawn from data provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.