If you have a flair for science and engineering, a talent for thinking on your feet and practical problem solving, a nuclear engineering job might be the role for you.
Nuclear power currently supplies around 15% of the UK’s energy needs, with several plants across the country. Nuclear engineers are essential in maintaining and servicing the power stations that provide this energy. Randstad CPE has been working within the UK energy sector for 30 years, and has built up an unparalleled knowledge of their recruitment needs and how to match them.
roles are varied and offer managerial progression.
A typical nuclear engineering role might involve monitoring and maintaining the control systems that guarantee the reactor is working properly, and to react to fluctuations quickly, ensuring the system is rapidly and safely shutdown if required. Employees might spend some of their role at their desks remote monitoring, as well as touring the plant to observe it in day-to-day action. Other roles might involve decommissioning old nuclear power stations or designing new ones, monitoring fuel reprocessing, or overseeing health and safety such as measuring radiation levels. The roles can be demanding and high pressure at times, and employees need to be able to work under pressure and think quickly. In many cases, there is scope to progress to a managerial role, where engineers would be expected to attend meetings and give presentations about their work.
Nuclear engineers are also needed within research and development roles, working on the next generation of energy plants or submarines for example, or within industrial applications such as medical research.
relevant qualifications preferred.
In terms of education and qualification, someone looking for nuclear engineering jobs would be expected to have a degree in engineering or a relevant subject such as physics, though not necessarily a nuclear specialism as plenty of training is normally provided on the job. Alternatively, a foundation degree or BTEC HNC/HND in a relevant subject might be acceptable, alongside an aptitude for analytical and practical problem solving. Training on the job is possible, with apprenticeships sometimes available, though suitable qualifications are usually preferred. Relevant postgraduate qualifications may give applicants an advantage.
If a role as a nuclear engineer appeals, take a look through the opportunities offered by Randstad. Applying for a nuclear engineering role through Randstad gives you the benefit of our close relationships with energy companies and suppliers, and our deep understanding of how best to match the best employees to their ideal engineering job.
