Continuing education is critical to keep abreast of the latest technology. They design, develop, monitor, and operate nuclear plants used to generate power. They may work on the nuclear fuel cycle the production, handling, and use of nuclear fuel and the safe disposal of waste produced by nuclear energy or on fusion energy. Most engineers work in office buildings, laboratories, or industrial plants. Others may spend time outdoors at construction sites, mines, and oil and gas exploration sites, where they monitor or direct operations or solve onsite problems.
Some engineers travel extensively to plants or work sites.
Many engineers work a standard 40-hour week. At times, deadlines or design standards may bring extra pressure to a job. When this happens, engineers may work longer hours and experience considerable stress. Nuclear engineers held about 12,000 jobs in 1998. About 60 percent were in utilities, the Federal Government, and engineering consulting firms.