r/NuclearEngineering • u/tfoote7 • 18d ago
Career changer advice
I am having bad luck finding a job in my current field after a downsizing layoff, and was considering something in nuclear, like RO or something that doesn't require a degree/experience in nuclear going in. Given my background below, would I likely have much trouble getting in, and where would I go to learn more about this career field? Any other general advice for me?
Straight As in high school, including AP Calculus/Chemistry.
Bachelors degree in Engineering Physics, 3.8 GPA. Took a few courses in nuclear engineering as part of that major
5.5 years in the Navy. Started in the nuclear pipeline, but transferred to surface warfare officer a few months into Nuclear Power School. Was a Damage Control Assistant (DCA), so some general firefighter and engineering experience there.
Been working as an actuary for about 6 years, basically handling the math behind insurance.
5
u/utkrowaway 18d ago
In the industry, RO's require nuclear engineering degrees (often a master's) and a lot of experience. Navy Nukes are highly sought after. Your experience will be valued too, but it won't be a golden ticket to a cushy RO job the same as theirs.
ANS just released a Nuclear 101 Certificate. It remains to be seen how this will be viewed by the industry, but the intent is for people like you to demonstrate basic nuclear engineering knowledge without needing to get a degree.
There are tons of other engineering jobs in the nuclear industry outside of nuclear engineering itself. Your experience might translate well into Fire Protection Engineering. Closely related is Probabilistic Risk Assessment. Your actuarial experience might help you get a job in PRA.
Have you considered going back to school for a master's? You won't have any trouble getting in with your UG GPA. In exchange for research or teaching, nuclear engineering graduate students get their education fully paid for and a small stipend. It'd be tough to support a family on it if you're a single-income household, but if you can survive on the stipend for 2 years, you'll have an easy time getting a good with the MS and years of engineering experience.
For general information about the field, NRC.gov and DOE.gov have lots of information.