Is a Career in Nuclear Engineering Right for You?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on pursuing a career in Nuclear Engineering, particularly focusing on roles within nuclear incident response teams. Key insights include the necessity of obtaining a PhD in nuclear physics or a related field, as well as gaining experience at national laboratories such as Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), or Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). Participants emphasize the importance of networking and impressing key figures in the field to secure a position in this specialized area.

PREREQUISITES
  • PhD in nuclear physics or a related field
  • Experience working in remote nuclear detection
  • Familiarity with national laboratories like LANL, LLNL, and SNL
  • Understanding of nuclear incident response protocols
NEXT STEPS
  • Research PhD programs in nuclear physics and related fields
  • Explore job opportunities at national laboratories focusing on remote detection
  • Network with professionals in nuclear engineering and incident response
  • Study nuclear incident response protocols and best practices
USEFUL FOR

Individuals considering a career in Nuclear Engineering, physics students interested in practical applications, and professionals seeking to transition into nuclear incident response roles.

jefswat
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Does anyone know anything about getting on these teams or even what they do. Everything I've been able to find more or less says they respond to nuclear incidents.

I like physics but I don't what to be a professor, and I'll finish a degree in Civil Engineering and I hate engineering. I'm looking to do something more hands on. I'm not sure I would like Nuclear Engineering as a career, but I think it was by far the coolest part of my quantum mechanics class whenever we talked about it. I was tempted to post this in the Nuclear physics section but figured it would get moved here anyway.

Thanks,

Jeff
 
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Your best bet for getting on to NEST:

  • Get a PhD in nuclear physics or a remote nuclear detection related field.
  • Work for NTS or one of the pertinent national labs (LANL, LLNL, SNL, etc.) in a remote detection area for 5-10 years.
  • Impress the right people.
 
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