Request Info
Request Info
Careers

Nuclear Power

The nuclear industry is vital for global energy, powering electricity and advancing fields like medicine and research. It offers diverse careers, from engineering to regulatory roles, with growing demand as clean energy needs rise.

nuclear-energy

Careers > Nuclear Power

Overview

The nuclear industry plays a critical role in the global energy landscape, providing a significant portion of the world's electricity while also contributing to a range of applications in fields like medicine, research, and national security. At its core, the industry revolves around harnessing the power of nuclear reactions—specifically nuclear fission, which releases energy from splitting atoms. This energy is captured in nuclear power plants to generate electricity, while the applications of nuclear technology extend to sectors such as medical imaging, cancer treatment, and the development of advanced materials.

The nuclear industry is vast and diverse, offering a wide range of career opportunities for individuals with different skill sets and educational backgrounds. Some of the most common career paths include nuclear engineering, where professionals design, operate, and maintain reactors; health physics, which focuses on protecting people from radiation exposure; and nuclear physics, which advances our understanding of atomic particles and their behaviors. Additionally, there are roles in project management, safety analysis, environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and public policy, as well as positions in the research and development of next-generation technologies, such as fusion energy and small modular reactors.

A career in the nuclear industry can be rewarding, offering the opportunity to work on groundbreaking technologies and make a tangible impact on global energy sustainability. As the world continues to transition towards cleaner, more reliable energy sources, the demand for skilled professionals in nuclear power, research, and safety is expected to grow, providing a strong career outlook in this dynamic field.


EPCE Training for Nuclear Power Careers

get-into-energy-logo

Find Nuclear Power Careers

View Careers Here

Career Paths

Missing Title Here

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Select occupational examples:

  • Nuclear power plant technician: Requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or on-the-job experience.

  • Nuclear reactor operator: Typically requires an associate degree in a technical field, such as nuclear technology or engineering.

Electric Transmission and Distribution

Transmission and distribution workers keep the flow of electricity – whatever its source – going to homes and businesses safely and reliably. But this critical industry faces a shortage in skilled labor, creating high-growth, rewarding career opportunities throughout the U.S. that workers can access via apprenticeships and other shorter-term credentialing opportunities.

Select occupational examples:

  • Lineworker: Often requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or an apprenticeship program.

  • Electrical substation technician: Typically requires an associate degree in electrical technology or a related field.

Natural Gas

From fueling power plants to keeping up with demand in the chemical manufacturing industry, natural gas is in high demand, and so are workers who can extract, process, and transport this cleaner-burning energy source. Credential pathways include certificate and apprenticeship programs.

Select occupational examples:

  • Pipeline technician: Requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or on-the-job experience.

  • Gas plant operator: Typically requires an associate degree in a technical field, such as process technology or instrumentation.

Renewable Energy

The target of significant government funding programs, renewable energy enjoys diverse sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal, that will shape the future of how we power our planet. Millions of good-paying jobs will be needed to realize that future.

Select occupational examples:

  • Solar panel installer: Often requires technical training or on-the-job experience, but a high school diploma or equivalent is helpful.

  • Wind turbine technician: Typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or on-the-job experience.

21st Century Coal

The future may be bright for renewable energy, but in the interim, coal generates about one fourth of the nation’s electricity. It remains the primary source of energy in many states. Modern approaches have made coal-sourced electricity production cleaner than in the past. In addition to transferrable skills that support maintenance, transportation, technician, and other traditional roles, there is demand for workers who can support clean coal initiatives like carbon capture and storage.

Select occupational examples:

  • Carbon capture and storage (CCS) Technician: This role involves monitoring and maintaining equipment used to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants.

  • Environmental compliance specialist: Ensures that coal operations adhere to environmental regulations and standards.

  • Coal mine automation engineer: Designs and implements automated systems to improve efficiency and safety in coal mining operations.

Note: While some roles within these specializations may require a degree, strong technical skills and certifications can also provide entry points to rewarding careers in the industry.

Water

Water engineers and technicians aren’t just needed to support a critical segment in the renewable energy sector but also help ensure a sustainable supply of clean water for communities and industries, addressing challenges like water scarcity and pollution. Growth occupations include water transportation workers, plant and system operators, resource specialists, water technicians, and more. 

Select occupational examples:

  • Water treatment plant operator: Typically requires an associate degree in a technical field, such as environmental technology or water treatment.

  • Wastewater treatment plant operator: Typically requires an associate degree in a technical field, such as environmental technology or wastewater treatment.