WORKFORCE DIVERSITY

For Engineering and IT Professionals

FA L L 2 0 0 9

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Powering Up – Careers
in Nuclear Energy
By Michael A. Casano

I
t has been nearly 60 years since
Idaho’s Experimental Breeder
Reactor 1 (EBR-1) became the
first electricity-generating nuclear
power plant in the United States. At
the time, EBR-1 produced enough
electricity to power four 200-watt
light bulbs, later expanding its power
capabilities to light up the entire
facility. Today, nuclear power plants
supply approximately 20% of the
electricity used by the United States
each year, according to the Energy
Information Administration (EIA).
Currently, there are 104 nuclear THERESA MOTKO, CLYDE THOMAS,
reactors operating in 31 states. CASENERGY MEMBER CASENERGY MEMBER
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER, SYSTEM ENGINEER,
ENTERGY CONSTELLATION ENERGY
Much has been written about
nuclear energy, with many of the
cleansafeenergy.org), a national Todd Whitman and co-founder and
discussions focused on the safety
grassroots coalition that promotes former leader of Greenpeace, Dr.
of the nuclear plants that generate
the economic and environmental Patrick Moore.
it. In response, there are a number
of organizations that are quick to benefits of nuclear power through

point out how nuclear energy can regional and national media and Regardless of what side of the

improve energy security and ensure
clean air quality, saying it minimally
impacts the carbon footprint, unlike
the burning of coal and fossil fuels.
One such organization is the
CASEnergy Coalition (www.
educational outreach. Made up
of more than 2,000 members
across the business, environmental,
academic, consumer, and labor
community, the coalition is led by
former Environmental Protection
Agency Administrator Christine
debate you are on, what cannot be
argued is the industry’s desire to
have the most qualified engineers,
technicians, and other young
professionals working in key
positions. This fact is no more
apparent than at the Indian Point

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WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
For Engineering and IT Professionals
FA L L 2 0 0 9
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
Powering Up – Careers in Nuclear Energy
Energy Center (IPEC) in Buchanan,
NY. Owned and operated by the
Entergy Corporation (www.entergy.
com), IPEC’s two operating nuclear
units generate more than 2,000
megawatts at 98% capacity – one
of the highest rates in the industry.
At full strength, the units generate
enough electricity to supply power
to homes, businesses, hospitals,
and other critical infrastructure in
New York City’s five boroughs and
Westchester County.
OVIDIO RAMIREZ, ELECTRICAL
SYSTEMS ENGINEER, ENTERGY
One of the engineers responsible
to maintain the operational
success at IPEC is Ovidio
Ramirez. An electrical systems
engineer at the facility, Ramirez
is involved in reactor protection
and control, which addresses all
the instrumentation and control
systems that regulate power in
the reactor. Ramirez handles the
analysis, design, management, and
implementation of modifications to
those systems, identifying potential
issues before they escalate.
“The object here is to be proactive
with addressing the monitoring
tools used to watch anything
involving the core,” says Ramirez.
“Once you see any sort of
degrading trend, we look to start
some sort of troubleshooting
instance, or if not, some solution to
eliminate those degrading trends.”
Ramirez’s decision to pursue a
career in nuclear energy came
about during his senior year at
Manhattan College. Focused on
electrical engineering, Ramirez
began looking for jobs at electric
companies such as Con Edison.
However, his plans changed after
speaking with representatives of
Entergy at a school career fair.
“When you’re in the electrical
engineering field, it becomes
second nature to build or analyze
circuits,” explains Ramirez. “Here,
a lot of the troubleshooting
involves a similar analysis of
circuits,” explains Ramirez. “Here,
a lot of the troubleshooting
involves a similar analysis of
circuits to figure out what the
issues can possibly be. So, I’m able
to use my particular background in
circuit analysis I learned in college
when coming up with a solution to
address a particular issue involving
circuitry here at the plant.”
If you look to break into the nuclear
energy field, Ramirez notes it is
important to take engineering
courses related to general power
and power transmission. A strong
general background gives you an
immediate advantage since many
engineers begin working on those
types of systems first, instead of
more involved circuitry work.
As far as soft skills training, public
speaking is high atop Ramirez’s
list. “You’re required to speak to
hiring bosses and in front of large
groups of people to give statuses
on what you’re working on,” he
remarks. “If there’s an issue, you’re
responsible to clearly present
what that situation is and make
recommendations on a solution.
And, you’re going to have to deal
with various departments to make
sure they understand how to
implement your solution. So, you
need to feel comfortable speaking
with everyone to keep things
moving and to make sure you
clearly get your points across.”
THERESA MOTKO, ELECTRICAL
ENGINEER, ENTERGY
Theresa Motko agrees on
the importance of strong
communications skills – given
the benefits she found by taking
professional development classes
in college where she practiced
public speaking and presentations.
A colleague of Ramirez’s at IPEC,
Motko maintains the reliability of
the instrumentation and safety
systems that regulate power in
the reactor. Much like Ramirez,
Motko’s entry into the field came
about after hearing others speak
positively about the profession.
Motko attended Sacred Heart
Academy in Hempstead, NY – a
high school focused predominantly
on liberal arts, medicine, and law.
However, during her senior year, an
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WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
For Engineering and IT Professionals
FA L L 2 0 0 9
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
Powering Up – Careers in Nuclear Energy
“Although the nuclear
energy industry is
heavy in technical
and engineering
disciples, there are
also opportunities in
other areas, such as
in business services,
communications,
and law…there is
a diverse group of
people working here
who operate the
facility. There’s a lot
of opportunity out
here, especially with
the development of
new sites. It’s an
exciting time for
those of us working
here.”
electrical engineer from the New
York Power Authority came in to
speak to her math class, part of an
initiative to raise awareness of the
career with high-school girls.
“The engineer explained that there
were not a lot of women in the
field and that there were a lot of
opportunities there,” she recalls.
“At that point, I had decided to
pursue biomedical engineering,
where I would at least have the
engineering background. But I
also wanted to pursue a career in
the medical field. However, after
beginning college, I decided that
I did like the engineering aspects,
so I switched over to electrical
engineering.”
Motko says that misunderstandings
on the safety of nuclear energy
can be attributed to the limited
knowledge people may have in
general on how energy is created.
That, in turn, may cause some
hesitancy by qualified engineers
to pursue jobs in the field. “The
biggest hurdle when it comes to
nuclear energy being discussed
is the fact that many people have
that negative connotation, not
only with Three Mile Island but
also with Chernobyl,” she declares.
“The misconception is that we’re
susceptible to the same kind of
failure or accident happening here
in the United States. We’re not
because it’s two totally different
designed types of reactors.”
Instead, Motko emphasizes that
the current business environment
is ideal for aspiring engineers
looking for jobs in nuclear energy.
Many of the engineers who began
in the industry now look to retire,
providing opportunities for new
engineers to take their place. “I was
actually part of the first string of
new hires straight out of college,”
she remembers. “Now, we have
quite a number of new engineers
here. Being around people
the same age and with similar
backgrounds gives us a great
sense of camaraderie. It’s a good
networking group as well.”
To enter the field, both Motko and
Ramirez encourage affiliations
with related organizations so you
can network and learn of potential
job opportunities. Along with
being members of the CASEnergy
Coalition, Ramirez and Motko
belong to the North American
Young Generation in Nuclear,
comprised of young professionals
passionate about the nuclear
industry who want us share their
ideas through networking with
other companies and individuals.
Aspiring engineers should also
explore internships with companies
while in college. For example, IPEC
offers summer internships and co-
op programs that provide a good
learning experience for students
because they get to experience the
day-in, day-out work engineers do.
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WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
For Engineering and IT Professionals
FA L L 2 0 0 9
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
Powering Up – Careers in Nuclear Energy
If there is one aspect students
interested in entering the nuclear
energy industry should keep
in mind, it’s that the field has
opportunities for both technical
and non-technical professionals.
It is one of the highest paying
(according to a 2006 U.S.
Department of Labor study, the
median annual salary for nuclear
engineers is $90,220). And,
the field can arguably boast job
security since primary work must
be done right at the nuclear
facility, limiting the possibilities of
outsourcing work overseas.
That’s why people who may have
doubts entering in the field should
consider the real potential working in
the nuclear energy industry can bring.
Motko adds: “Although the nuclear
energy industry is heavy in technical
and engineering disciplines, there
are also opportunities in other
areas, such as in business services,
communications, and law. Although
it’s a specific industry, there is a
diverse group of people working
here who operate the facility.
There’s a lot of opportunity out here,
especially with the development of
new sites. It’s an exciting time for
those of us working here.”
CLYDE R. THOMAS, SYSTEM
ENGINEER, CONSTELLATION
ENERGY
For the past five years, Clyde R.
Thomas of Constellation Energy,
has held the position of system
“To help meet the
engineer at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear
Power Plant (CCNPP). He was country’s need for
recently reassigned to the design
department where he is in training reliable, economic,
to become an instrument and
controls (I&C) design engineer.
and emission-free
“Once I become qualified for electricity, the
my new position, I will provide
documentation and solutions for nuclear energy
completion of new and existing
modifications to plant equipment,” industry becomes
explains Thomas.
an obvious choice…
He adds, “My short-term goals The nuclear industry
include pursuing my passion to help
reduce our country’s dependence relies on committed
on fossil fuels and lowering CO2
emissions. Eventually, I hope people with integrity
to apply for a position within
Constellation Energy Projects &
who are willing to
Services Group in its photovoltaic act as stewards of
department.”
public health, safety,
Thomas, who is also a member of
CASEnergy and North American and the environment.
Young Generation in Nuclear
System engineers
(NA-YGN)), is also interested in
exploring solar power research and play a vital role to
the ability to use the power of the
sun to produce electricity. resolve problems and
But for now, he notes, every day at improve processes
work is unique and challenging.
that will affect the
“My primary responsibilities
as a system engineer involve nation.”
performance monitoring activities,
which include developing and
deciphering trend data, providing
technical support for daily
operations, plant improvements,
and equipment acquisitions,”
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For Engineering and IT Professionals
FA L L 2 0 0 9
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
Powering Up – Careers in Nuclear Energy
comments Thomas. “I am also
responsible for analysis, self-
assessment, technical procedure
reviews, corrective action
responses, root cause analysis,
critical path analysis, and detailed
review of vendor engineering
products.”
The most challenging aspect
of Thomas’s job is to interface
with the various disciplines. “On
a day-to-day basis, I interact
with engineering, maintenance,
operations staff, and other
groups both inside and outside
the company to quickly resolve
technical issues,” says Thomas,
who notes that in his quest to
provide technical support to
the field, he typically finds most
everyone has their own problem-
solving solutions. “Even though
everyone has good ideas, rarely
does everyone agree on one
solution. As a system engineer,
the challenge is to evaluate the
various resolutions, including
my own, in order to find a viable
solution,” he declares.
As a CCNPP employee, Thomas
wears many hats. In addition
to his primary responsibilities
as a system engineer, he also
plays an important role within
the emergency response (ER)
organization, assisting with
evacuation and protective
measures in the unlikely event
of an emergency situation at the
plant. “I find it satisfying to know
I am qualified to assist those in
need in case of an emergency,”
notes Thomas, who enjoys the
variety of roles he performs.
THE OBVIOUS CHOICE
While in school, Thomas who
earned a bachelor’s degree
in electrical engineering from
Penn State University, focused
on digital signal processing; he
also attended classes and earned
credits in power systems. “My
college education prepared me
for my system engineer position
by providing me with the skills
and tools needed to analyze
problems in order to achieve a
logical solution. Most days I use
my problem-solving skills to find
solutions,” reiterates Thomas.
Thomas states those interested in
a career in the nuclear industry
will find it to be an investment in
a stable, viable future – one that
involves producing electricity that
doesn’t deplete or diminish current
resources, such as fossil fuels. “To
help meet the country’s need for
reliable, economic, and emission-
free electricity, the nuclear industry
becomes an obvious choice,”
explains Thomas. “The nuclear
industry relies on committed people
with integrity who are willing to
act as stewards of public health,
safety, and the environment.
System engineers play a vital role
to resolve problems and improve
processes that will affect the
nation,” concludes Thomas.
Constellation Energy (www.
constellation.com) is a leading
supplier of energy products
and services to wholesale and
retail electric and natural gas
customers. It owns a diversified
fleet of generating units located
in the United States and Canada,
totaling approximately 7,100
megawatts of generating capacity,
and is among the leaders pursuing
the development of new nuclear
plants in the United States. The
company delivers electricity and
natural gas through the Baltimore
Gas and Electric Company (BGE),
its regulated utility in Central
Maryland. A Fortune 500 company
headquartered in Baltimore,
Constellation Energy had revenues
of $19.8 billion in 2008.
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WORKFORCE DIVERSITY
For Engineering and IT Professionals
FA L L 2 0 0 9

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Powering Up – Careers in Nuclear Energy

CASENERGY COALITION

The CASEnergy Coalition (www.cleansafeenergy.

org), is a national grassroots coalition that promotes
the economic and environmental benefits of
nuclear energy as part of a green energy portfolio.
Made up of more than 2,100 members across the
business, environmental, academic, consumer, and
labor community, the coalition is led by former
Environmental Protection Agency administrator
Christine Todd Whitman and co-founder and former
leader of Greenpeace, Dr. Patrick Moore.

GOV. CHRISTINE TODD DR. PATRICK MOORE,

Jobs at nuclear power plants pay substantially more WHITMAN, CO-CHAIR, CO-CHAIR, CASENERGY
than average salaries in areas where the plants are CASENERGY COALITION COALITION
located. For example, the following are median annual
salaries for select positions:
• Senior Reactor Operator: $85,426
• Reactor Operator: $77,782
• Electrical Technician: $67,517
• Mechanical Technician: $66,581

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median

annual salary for nuclear engineers is $82,900 –
approximately $8,000 more than all other engineering
disciplines except petroleum engineering.

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