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 Major Nuclear States
knowledge USA
Expand validation database sources France
Russia
Stimulate new ideas 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)
Bilateral working group on fast reactor
The United States is engaging with countries
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 so
Bilateral discussions on fast test reactor that all countries can access peaceful nuclear
options with Russia
Collaboration with SFR and LFT technology
power without increasing the risks of
development through the Generation-IV proliferation. Secretary of Energy Chu
International 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
ENGINEERING CHALLENGES
8
 NUCLEAR
NUCLEAR WORKFORCE
WORKFORCE (1)
(1)
Major Construction Works

15%
Electrical
Electrical
Equipment
Cable & Tray 45%

Construction
Switchyard Civil &
Grading, Excavation
Architecture
40%
Construction of
Buildings
Mechanical Construction of
Reactor
Support
Turbine-Generator
Facilities
Mechanical Equipment (Tank, Pump,
etc.)
 NUCLEAR
NUCLEAR WORKFORCE
WORKFORCE (2)
(2)
Contructions Works Labor Requirement

Labor requirement at peak construction period ~ 2,500

people
Workfor
Category Required Labor Remarks
ce
- Concreter -
Mason
Civil &
- Rebar Worker - Water - Skilled
Architect Proofer 1,125 Labor:
ure - Carpenter - About 70%
Paving Worker
- Welder - - Unskilled
Mechanic Mechanics
1,000 Labor:
al
- Plumber About 30%
- Electrician - Duct
Electrical Worker 375
 NUCLEAR
NUCLEAR WORKFORCE
WORKFORCE (3)
(3)
Generic Manpower Loading Curve for NPP Project

first nuclear plant 200-250

Profession plant professionals,
als, 6000 commissionin technicians
Technician g & craftsmen
s required for
5000 nuclear plant
&
operation
Craftsmen commence
4000
Requireme construction
nts award of
40-50 3000 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
bid construction
pre-project
plant component
planning evaluati
on fabrication
decision to build first nuclear plant project
implementation commence
Typical Manpower Loading Curve operation
 NUCLEAR POWER ENGINEERING -
CAREER PATH

Project
Project Manager
Engine
Lead er(EM)
Engine
er
Senior
Engineer
Specialis
t/Expert
Enginee
r

12
YOUR ROLES AS FUTURE LEADERS
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?
NUCLEAR POWER CHALLENGES
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!
THANK YOU