INTRODUCTION TO NUCLEAR

ENGINEERING (MENB403)
Topic 1.2 Role of Nuclear Engineers
Nuclear Engineer Job Forecast
Good opportunities exist for nuclear engineers
Expected employment growth of 11 % over the projections decade
Good opportunities should exist for nuclear engineers because the small
number of nuclear engineering graduates is likely to be in rough balance
with the number of job openings.

Increased interest in nuclear power as an energy source will spur

demand for nuclear engineers
Needed to research and develop new designs for reactors and operate
existing plants

Expected to have good employment opportunities

The small number of graduates is likely to be in rough balance with the
number of job openings

Areas of need:
Research and develop future nuclear power sources
Defense-related areas
Develop nuclear medical technology
Improve and enforce waste management and safet y

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, bls.gov

HOW TO BECOME A NUCLEAR ENGINEER (US CASE)
A minimum of a bachelor's degree in nuclear,
mechanical, or chemical engineering is required for entry-
level nuclear engineer positions, though a master's is
required for some management roles.
If the university that you enrolled is not accredited, the
degree you earn will not help you get a job.
There are no licensing requirements for nuclear
engineers who work in nuclear power plants, but getting
licensed as a professional engineer can help your career
development.
The first step to becoming licensed is to take the
Fundamentals of Engineering exam after graduation.
After obtaining some work experience, passing the
Principles and Practice of Engineering exam is the final
step obtaining a licensed as a professional engineer.
Job Duties and Tasks OF Nuclear Engineer (1)

1) Examine accidents in order to obtain data that can be

used to design preventive measures.

2) Monitor nuclear facility operations in order to identify any

design, construction, or operation practices that violate
safety regulations and laws or that could jeopardize the
safety of operations.

3) Keep abreast of developments and changes in the

nuclear field by reading technical journals and by
independent study and research.
Job Duties and Tasks OF Nuclear Engineer (2)

4) Perform experiments that will provide information about

acceptable methods of nuclear material usage, nuclear fuel
reclamation, and waste disposal.

5) Design and oversee construction and operation of

nuclear reactors and power plants and nuclear fuels
reprocessing and reclamation systems.

6) Design and develop nuclear equipment such as reactor

cores, radiation shielding, and associated instrumentation
and control mechanisms.
Role of International Collaboration
International collaboration is important for
a science-based approach
Maintain breadth and depth of knowledge Major Nuclear States
Expand validation database sources USA
France
Stimulate new ideas Russia
Japan
China
Fast Reactor R&D important for ALL major nuclear
states:
Trilateral MOU signed with France (CEA) and Japan
(JAEA) for sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR)
development
Bilateral agreements with France and Japan on
specific items
- Participation in MONJU restart (validation data)
The United States is engaging with countries
Bilateral working group on fast reactor technology
with China around the world to enhance cooperation on
- Initial focus on transfer and training on fast reactor nuclear energy. President Obama has called for
safety codes a new framework for civil nuclear cooperation
Bilateral discussions on fast test reactor options so that all countries can access peaceful nuclear
with Russia
power without increasing the risks of
Collaboration with SFR and LFT technology
development through the Generation-IV International proliferation. Secretary of Energy Chu
Forum
- Active role in five multi-lateral Technical Projects
Source: Recent Developments in Nuclear Energy, Pete Lyons, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary,
Office of Nuclear Energy, U.S. Department of Energy July 15, 2010
8
NUCLEAR WORKFORCE (1)

Electrical 15%
Electrical Equipment
Cable & Tray
Switchyard 45%
Civil & Architecture
Grading, Excavation
40%
Construction of Buildings
Construction of Support
Mechanical
Reactor Facilities

Turbine-Generator
Mechanical Equipment (Tank, Pump, etc.)
 NUCLEAR WORKFORCE (2)

Labor requirement at peak construction period ~ 2,500 people

Category Required Labor Workforce Remarks

- Concreter - Mason
Civil & - Rebar Worker - Water
Proofer 1,125
Architecture - Skilled Labor:
- Carpenter - Paving
Worker About 70%

- Welder - Mechanics
Mechanical 1,000 - Unskilled Labor:
- Plumber
About 30%

Electrical - Electrician - Duct Worker 375

 NUCLEAR WORKFORCE (3)

first nuclear plant 200-250

Professionals plant professionals,
, 6000 commissioning technicians
Technicians & craftsmen
& Craftsmen required for
5000 nuclear plant
Requirement
operation
s commence
4000
construction

3000 award of
40-50 commence
contract
professionals commissioning
to build
required for 2000 second
nuclear power letter nuclear plant
programme of intent
planning 1000
& project
pre-planning

-14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 Year

plant construction
bid
pre-project
evaluation plant component fabrication
planning

decision to build first nuclear plant project implementation

commence operation
Typical Manpower Loading Curve
 Project
Manager
Project
Enginee
Lead r(EM)
Engineer

Senior
Engineer
Specialist
/Expert

Engineer

12
 Its your and your childrens futures
100-year commitment (4 generations)
But, do we have a choice now? Think!

Can we (Malaysians) handle NPP?

Yes, we can!
Malaysias success stories: PETRONAS,
Nicol David

Is it safe?
N U C L E A R P O W E R C H A L L E N G E S
Addressing RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL STRATEGIES.

A common misconception
is that radioactive waste
is a huge problem that
cannot be solved.

The final disposal facility,

or facilities, should be
located several hundred
meters underground.

The waste would be

encased in tough
materials and would
use the surrounding
rock as a barrier to
prevent radioactive
leakage into the
environment.

Underground storage allows for the radioactive waste to be managed safely.

We know where it is, and we can plan our development model around it!