Air Force AFSC · Support
61DX Physicist/Nuclear Engineer
Overview
Physicists and Nuclear Engineers conduct and manage scientific programs and projects that support highly technical operations and intelligence. They provide expertise in areas including lasers, electro-optics, semiconductors, nuclear weapons, and nuclear technology.
Minimum clearance: Secret
Core Skills
- scientific research and analysis
- mathematical modeling and simulation
- data analysis and visualization
- systems engineering fundamentals
- requirements analysis
- technical report writing
- R&D project management
- risk and safety analysis (nuclear and high-energy systems)
- test planning and execution
- technology evaluation and transition
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Python
- C++
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Civilian Career Paths
- Project Management
- Intelligence Analysis
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
- Certified Manager (CM)
Career Growth
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Certified Professional in Engineering Management (CPEM)
- Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
What the Work Involves
- Design or develop nuclear equipment, such as reactor cores, radiation shielding, or associated instrumentation or control mechanisms.
- Monitor nuclear facility operations to identify any design, construction, or operation practices that violate safety regulations and laws or could jeopardize safe operations.
- Initiate corrective actions or order plant shutdowns in emergency situations.
- Examine accidents to obtain data for use in design of preventive measures.
- Direct operating or maintenance activities of nuclear power plants to ensure efficiency and conformity to safety standards.
Related Occupations
- Nuclear Technicians
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
- Chemical Engineers
- Mathematicians
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a four-year degree or equivalent experience.
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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