Information Technology
Career overview
IT careers in nuclear cover several disciplines. Start with the work you want to do: user support, infrastructure, software, data or cyber security. Business IT and systems supporting plant operations can involve different technical responsibilities and controls.
Search by the occupation and level as well as the word nuclear. Compare employer vacancies for duties, essential criteria, location and development support; do not assume every role requires previous nuclear employment.
Check entry routes and requirements
Search vacancies on NuclearJobs.org
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
Varies by role and employer
Contract-specific
Requirements
Check the requirements of your target role
Choose a discipline and level before comparing requirements. Support roles can have college, apprenticeship, university or work-based routes. A computer science degree is not a universal requirement for every IT vacancy.
Show the systems you have supported or developed, how you diagnosed problems, documented changes and checked results. Explain the limits of your access and how you escalated incidents.
Read the employer's access, security, information-handling and change-control requirements. Do not assume experience in office IT authorises work on operational or safety-related systems.
Check essential and desirable criteria separately, including qualifications, screening, practical experience and any employer-specific authorisation.
Read general career and entry guidance
NI Professionalism Standard in practice
Use three development areas: A — understand the nuclear industry and your contribution; B — work with safety and security in mind; C — take professional responsibility, recognise your limits and keep learning.
Illustrative role example: Explain how systems support nuclear operations; follow access and change controls, report security concerns, and recognise the limits of your authorisation.
Record one example, one gap and one next action in each area. Discuss role-specific competence, training and authorisation with the employer. These examples are development guidance, not an NI assessment or endorsement.
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.