Information Technology

Job Description

Get Into IT ... As with all of our information here at Get Into Nuclear the aim is to not re-invent the wheel if all of the information is already out there, but to provide a route for you to easily locate, understand and more importantly take action to find yourself your dream role in one of the most exciting industries in the world at this moment in time. With this in mind for a brief overview and some key guidance in a couple of posts from totaljobs.com all around How to get into IT and IT industry job descriptions to give you a brief overview of the Information Technology arena, the roles available and the skills and qualifications that would be required to land a role: It's also worth heading over to prospects.ac.uk and have a look at their information technology section which has a look of info on the sectors, the jobs, the training and course available to you.

Get Into Nuclear ... Now that you have it nailed which part of the IT field you fit into you need to consider how you can apply these skills into the nuclear industry. Firstly, a big requirement that you need to satisfy are the added vetting that is apparent within the nuclear industry - this is covered in a separate post. Depending upon the type of work, the company, the customer and the location so the works there will be varying levels of vetting and you will need to be able to satisfy these to land a role within the industry. Additionally, it should also be noted that security within the UK nuclear industry is very stringent and is probably set to become even more so. Experience of work in industries that have similar security issues and have a strong governance in place will ensure that you stand out from the crowd.

Roles ... At the time of writing when searching "nuclear information technology" on one of the major recruiting sites the first three jobs you'll find are: IT Manager, IT Support Technician and IT Security Officer. Each of these have differing roles and responsibilities for obvious reasons but the key differentiating requirements for the role for a similar role in a different industry are any specific experience surrounding the roles e.g. the particular companies system or processes and any specific vetting requirements.

Where to go from here ... This is all dependant upon your current qualifications, skills and experience: if you have extensive experience of working in the IT function but not necessarily in the UK Nuclear Industry you can check out our jobs page to find out what roles are going at this moment in time or search out Where To Find Jobs In Nuclear page. If you have limited experience and are just starting out you can still check out the current jobs page and have a look at the work available in the industry and also the associated salaries as this make be the deciding factor if you want to pursue a career down this path. Alternatively, if you have limited or no experience and want to find out more information on the qualifications and courses available to you check out the prospect.ac.uk website here to find out more information. We will be creating our own GetIntoNuclear specific pages in the near future; if you want to be informed when you do please register at our Contact Page.

Featured Courses

If you're looking to work in IT in the nuclear industry in the UK, there are several courses that could be relevant, depending on your specific area of interest within IT. Here are a few options:

Cybersecurity: Given the sensitive nature of the nuclear industry, cybersecurity is a crucial area of focus. You could consider taking a course in cybersecurity to develop skills in this area.
Data analysis: The nuclear industry generates vast amounts of data, so having skills in data analysis could be highly valuable. Courses in data science, machine learning, and statistics could be relevant.
Project management: IT projects in the nuclear industry can be complex and require careful planning and execution. A course in project management could help you develop the skills needed to manage IT projects effectively.
Nuclear science: While not strictly an IT course, having a basic understanding of nuclear science could be helpful in the nuclear industry. You could consider taking a course in nuclear engineering or physics.
Health and safety: As with any industry involving hazardous materials, health and safety is a critical consideration in the nuclear industry. Courses in health and safety could be relevant, especially if you're working on IT projects in the nuclear industry.

Some specific courses that you may want to consider include:

MSc in Cyber Security (Nuclear) at the University of Bristol
MSc in Nuclear Science and Engineering at Imperial College London
MSc in Data Science and Analytics at the University of Edinburgh
MSc in Project Management at the University of Liverpool
NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety

These are just a few examples, and there may be other courses that are more tailored to your specific interests and career goals. I would recommend doing some further research to find the courses that best meet your needs.

Salary

Average Salary

Average Hourly Rate

£69,000 - £82,000

£30-£45

The salary for IT professionals in the nuclear industry can vary depending on several factors such as job position, years of experience, educational qualifications, location, and company size.

However, according to available data, the average salary for IT professionals in the nuclear industry in the United States is around $85,000 to $100,000 per year.

It is worth noting that salaries may vary based on the specific role within IT. For instance, a software developer may earn a different salary than a network engineer or a database administrator. Additionally, salaries can also differ based on the company's size, location, and level of experience required.

Requirements

The job requirements for IT professionals in the nuclear industry will depend on the specific job position, level of responsibility, and company requirements. However, some of the general requirements for IT jobs in the nuclear industry may include:

Education: A bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is usually required for most IT jobs in the nuclear industry. Some companies may require advanced degrees or specialized certifications.
Technical Skills: IT professionals in the nuclear industry should have strong technical skills in areas such as programming, database management, cybersecurity, network administration, and system architecture.
Industry Knowledge: IT professionals working in the nuclear industry should have a good understanding of the specific requirements, regulations, and safety standards that apply to the industry.
Communication Skills: IT professionals should have excellent communication skills to work effectively with other teams, stakeholders, and customers.
Analytical Skills: IT professionals in the nuclear industry should have strong analytical skills to identify and solve technical problems.
Teamwork: IT professionals in the nuclear industry will often work as part of a team, so good teamwork skills are essential.
Safety and Security Awareness: Working in the nuclear industry requires an understanding of safety and security protocols, and IT professionals must be aware of these requirements to ensure compliance.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of the role:

PROS

Job Security: The nuclear industry is a highly regulated and essential industry, providing IT professionals with job stability.
Competitive Salaries: The nuclear industry offers competitive salaries, benefits, and perks to attract and retain top talent.
Technologically Advanced: IT professionals in the nuclear industry work with cutting-edge technology and equipment, making the job challenging and exciting.
Career Growth: The nuclear industry offers many opportunities for career advancement, with many companies offering training, mentoring, and professional development programs.
Impactful Work: IT professionals in the nuclear industry play an essential role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of nuclear facilities, making their work impactful.

CONS

High Stress Environment: The nuclear industry is a high-stress environment, with strict regulations and safety protocols that require attention to detail and accuracy.
High Level of Responsibility: IT professionals in the nuclear industry have a high level of responsibility for the safe and secure operation of nuclear facilities, which can be stressful.
Limited Geographic Options: The nuclear industry is limited to specific geographic locations, which may limit job options for some IT professionals.
Long Hours: Working in the nuclear industry may require long hours or shift work to ensure round-the-clock facility operation.
Security Clearances: Some IT positions in the nuclear industry require security clearance, which can be challenging and time-consuming to obtain.

What is the job like

The typical day for an IT professional in the nuclear industry can vary depending on the specific job position and company requirements. However, here is an example of what a typical day might look like:

Review Emails and Messages: The day may start with reviewing emails, messages, and notifications to stay updated on the latest issues, updates, and tasks.
Monitor and Troubleshoot Systems: The IT professional may spend time monitoring and troubleshooting computer systems, network devices, and software applications to ensure they are operating correctly and securely.
Collaborate with Team Members: IT professionals in the nuclear industry often work as part of a team, and they may collaborate with other team members, including engineers, technicians, and project managers, to discuss and address issues or plan new initiatives.
Participate in Meetings: IT professionals may attend meetings with other departments or team members to discuss project status, identify issues, and plan solutions.
Perform System Upgrades and Maintenance: IT professionals may perform routine system upgrades and maintenance tasks, including software upgrades, patch installations, backups, and disaster recovery tests.
Ensure Compliance with Industry Regulations: The IT professional may spend time ensuring that the computer systems and applications they support comply with industry regulations, including security standards, data privacy laws, and safety regulations.
Training and Professional Development: IT professionals may also engage in training and professional development activities, such as attending webinars, taking courses, and earning certifications to stay up to date with the latest technologies, industry regulations, and best practices.

Overall, a typical day for an IT professional in the nuclear industry can involve a mix of technical work, collaboration with team members, and compliance with industry regulations.

Is this job for me

Best Personality for this career.

IT professionals in the nuclear industry require a combination of technical skills, industry knowledge, and personal qualities to succeed in their roles. Here are some of the personality traits that are well-suited for an IT role in the nuclear industry:

Attention to Detail: Attention to detail is critical in the nuclear industry, where even minor mistakes can have severe consequences. IT professionals need to be detail-oriented and meticulous to ensure that computer systems and software applications are operating correctly and securely.
Analytical Thinking: IT professionals in the nuclear industry need strong analytical skills to identify and solve technical problems. They must be able to analyze data, recognize patterns, and make informed decisions based on the available information.
Teamwork: IT professionals in the nuclear industry often work as part of a team, collaborating with other IT professionals, engineers, and technicians. They need excellent teamwork skills, including communication, collaboration, and respect for others' expertise.
Adaptability: The nuclear industry is continually changing, with new technologies, regulations, and safety standards. IT professionals need to be adaptable and able to learn new skills and technologies quickly to keep up with these changes.
Professionalism: IT professionals in the nuclear industry must maintain a high level of professionalism at all times. They must be reliable, responsible, and accountable for their actions and decisions.
Safety Awareness: Safety is paramount in the nuclear industry, and IT professionals must be aware of the specific safety protocols and regulations that apply to their work.
Problem-Solving: IT professionals in the nuclear industry must have excellent problem-solving skills to troubleshoot technical issues quickly and efficiently.

Overall, IT professionals in the nuclear industry need to have a combination of technical skills, industry knowledge, and personal qualities to succeed in their roles.