What jobs does a nuclear engineer actually do?

I'm curious about what a nuclear engineer's responsibilities are. I'm interested in engineering and considering different fields. I'd love to know more about their daily tasks and if this could be a career option for me.

Nuclear engineers use their knowledge of atomic nuclei and radiation to benefit society in a variety of ways. Here's a brief look at some of what they're often involved in:

1. Power Generation: One of the most well-known roles of nuclear engineers is in the energy sector, where they work on the design, implementation, and maintenance of nuclear power plants. They develop and optimize nuclear equipment, including reactors and radiation shielding, to generate electricity efficiently and safely.

2. Research and Development: In R&D, nuclear engineers work on improving existing systems or creating new applications for nuclear science. They could be inventing new ways of generating energy or better methods of waste disposal. They might also be developing new radiation therapies for treating diseases.

3. Medicine: Nuclear engineers play a vital role in the healthcare industry. They're often involved in the design of medical machinery and procedures that use radiation. For instance, they might design imaging devices such as MRIs and CT scanners or therapeutic equipment for cancer treatment.

4. Safety and Regulation: Nuclear engineers also interpret and enforce safety standards and regulations, often working with regulatory bodies to ensure the correct use of nuclear technology. They also oversee disposal and storage of nuclear waste, and ensure that these procedures are in compliance with regulations.

5. Education: Some nuclear engineers choose to share their knowledge by teaching at universities and research institutions. They might also be involved in public awareness campaigns to educate the broader public about nuclear science.

Like any engineering field, a career in nuclear engineering can have wide-ranging applications and many different day-to-day tasks depending on the specific role. What they all share in common, however, is a requirement for a strong foundation in math and physics, as well as an in-depth understanding of nuclear reactions. If these are areas you're interested in, nuclear engineering could be a fulfilling career path for you.