Technologist
What do Technologists do?
Technologists are essential to the nuclear sector since they support many different facets of the operations of nuclear plants, facilities, and technologies. Technologists create, develop, implement, and maintain the systems and procedures necessary for the nuclear sector to operate safely, effectively, and efficiently with scientists and engineers.
Typical duties and responsibilities of a Technologist
Across the nuclear industry, the roles of a technologist field engineer can vary by plant, facility and site!
Possible roles and responsibilities may include:
- Design & Installation: Contributing to the design, development, commissioning and testing of nuclear technologies, such as reactors and other nuclear plants – including fuel assemblies, control systems and instrumentation.
- Examination: Performing inspections, testing and quality control checks to ensure compliance with company requirements, regulatory standards and industry best practices.
- Problem Solving: Providing technical support for a variety of nuclear operations. This may include collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, troubleshooting issues and implementing corrective actions, conducting experiments, and analysing data.
- Technical Writing: Write technical reports that communicate technical issues to a non-technical audience and recommend plant improvements, subject to an investment decision.
- Research & Development: Participating in research projects to advance nuclear science and technology, such as materials testing or radiation shielding studies.
Skills and knowledge required to be a Technologist
- Technical Expertise: Strong understanding within your specialist field, combined with awareness of the fundamentals of relevant wider subjects (for example - chemistry, physics, mathematics or nuclear engineering).
- Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication skills are a must, providing the ability to convey complex technical information in an accessible manner to a variety of technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Computer Literacy: Proficiency in the skills and methods necessary for the particular role; this could include knowledge of data analysis tools, image processing, report writing, laboratory procedures or computer-aided design (CAD).
- Critical Thinking: Creative problem solving abilities – to proactively identify issues, consider their root cause objectively, then propose and evaluate potentially innovative solutions.
- Adaptability & Resilience: A willingness to to stay up-to-date, to keep learning and to continually gain expertise in new methods and technologies, as nuclear science and engineering develop and evolve.
How do I become a Technologist?
There are several pathways you can take to pursue a career as a technologist within the nuclear industry:
University
You may consider pursuing a degree in chemistry, computer science, mathematics, physics, chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, or a variety of related fields! Ultimately, your degree would provide a strong foundation in theoretical or practical knowledge – enhancing your prospects of success as a nuclear technologist.
Apprenticeship
Within the nuclear industry, many organisations offer a range of apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship programmes. Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training and practical experience with classroom instruction and typically lead to industry–recognised certifications. Opportunities are wide and include via nuclear research facilities, nuclear plants, government agencies and engineering firms.
Working towards the role
If you start in entry-level positions within the nuclear industry, such as a laboratory technician or research assistant, you could work your way up through gaining experience, acquiring additional certifications, and pursuing further education as required.
