A professional who conducts research into problems of nuclear energy systems; designs and develops nuclear equipment; and monitors testing, operation, and maintenance of nuclear reactors. Responsibilities include:

• Plans and conducts nuclear research to discover facts or to test, prove, or modify known nuclear theories concerning release, control, and utilization of nuclear energy.
• Evaluates findings to develop new concepts of thermonuclear analysis and new uses of radioactive processes.
• Plans, designs, and develops nuclear equipment such as reactor cores, radiation shielding, and associated instrumentation and control mechanisms.
• Studies nuclear fuel cycle to define most economical uses of nuclear material and safest means of waste products disposal.
• Monitors nuclear tests and examines operations of facilities which process or utilize radioactive or fissionable material to ensure efficient functioning and conformance with safety specifications, regulations, and laws.
• Prepares technical reports, utilizing knowledge obtained during research and development activities and inspectional functions.
• May direct operating and maintenance activities of operational nuclear facility.