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
Imagine being at the heart of a powerhouse, making sure that a continuous flow of energy lights up homes and fuels industries. As a nuclear engineer, you'll play a part in keeping a nuclear power plant running safely so it produces energy for people.
Your tasks might include:
designing and building new plants and equipment
carrying out repairs
checking radiation levels to make sure it's safe for personnel and the environment
managing power station technicians
following regulations and planning safe ways to get 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'll usually work standard hours, Monday to Friday.
Environment
Your work could take place in laboratories, control rooms or offices.
You'll need to be very aware of health and safety rules and regulations. This includes wearing protective clothing when dealing with radioactive material.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
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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 April 2024 to April 2025.
- auditing
- radiochemistry
- industrial wastewater treatments
- session description protocol
- radioactive waste
- management contract
- medical physics
- communications management
- project 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.
University
You’ll need a degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject, such as:
Physics with Nuclear Technologies
Physics
Maths
Chemical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Engineering Systems
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Physics
Apprenticeship
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Discover Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
Discover Graduate Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
Graduate schemes
A graduate scheme is an entry level training programme you can apply for if you have a degree.
Most nuclear engineers start their career through a graduate scheme. We've identifed some key organisations to consider:
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
A full UK driving licence, as some roles might require travel between sites.
To work for some organisations, such as the Ministry of Defence (MoD), you'lll have to undergo strict background and security checks.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Nuclear engineer'
