Work on this bottleneck

SMR first-of-a-kind licensing

How this is computedA posting is filed under a bottleneck when its title names one of that bottleneck’s terms, or its description names them at least twice (title only for software and business roles); its role family is the first family whose title terms its title names.Method →Code → open roles filed here · Why it binds, and who holds it

Permission to build the first small nuclear reactor of a new design. The physics is known; the licence is the wait.

The roles it needs

Judged by Substrata, open to challenge · 2026-09-24 · not reviewed by anyone who hires for it

Nuclear

Reactor, fuel-cycle and licensing work, from technician to engineer.

0 (Computed: A posting is filed under a bottleneck when its title names one of that bottleneck’s terms, or its description names them at least twice (title only for software and business roles); its role family is the first family whose title terms its title names.) open here

Power and grid engineering

Engineers who design, study and connect generation, transformers and the grid.

Nuclear: the official record

What O*NET and ESCO say the work is and needs

O*NET 17-2161.00 · ISCO 2149.7.2

Nuclear Engineers

Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Core tasks

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.

Most important knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Physics
Mathematics
English Language
Public Safety and Security

Essential skills in ESCO: nuclear engineer

perform scientific research
civil engineering
metrology
follow nuclear plant safety precautions
adjust engineering designs
nuclear energy
develop radiation protection strategies
approve engineering design
engineering processes
technical drawings
electric generators
radiation protection
nuclear physics
mining, construction and civil engineering machinery products

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

O*NET 19-4051.00 · ISCO 3111.10

Nuclear Technicians

Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Core tasks

Follow nuclear equipment operational policies and procedures that ensure environmental safety.
Conduct surveillance testing to determine safety of nuclear equipment.
Monitor nuclear reactor equipment performance to identify operational inefficiencies, hazards, or needs for maintenance or repair.

Most important knowledge

Public Safety and Security
Mechanical
Physics
Engineering and Technology
Education and Training

Essential skills in ESCO: nuclear technician

use hand tools
nuclear energy
use measurement instruments
avoid contamination
maintain electromechanical equipment
metrology
technical drawings
fire prevention procedures
maintain hydraulic systems
investigate contamination
radiation protection
maintain records of maintenance interventions
calibrate precision instrument
follow nuclear plant safety precautions

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

Power and grid engineering: the official record

What O*NET and ESCO say the work is and needs

O*NET 17-2071.00 · ISCO 2151.1.5

Electrical Engineers

Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Core tasks

Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes.
Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed on time and within budget.
Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements.

Most important knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Computers and Electronics
Design
English Language
Mathematics

Essential skills in ESCO: power distribution engineer

ensure compliance with safety legislation
assess financial viability
engineering principles
identify customer's needs
ensure compliance with environmental legislation
power engineering
change power distribution systems
engineering processes
electrical engineering
ensure safety in electrical power operations
manage electricity transmission system
electrical power safety regulations
inspect overhead power lines
supervise electricity distribution operations

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

O*NET 51-8012.00 · ISCO 2151.1.6

Power Distributors and Dispatchers

Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Core tasks

Coordinate with engineers, planners, field personnel, or other utility workers to provide information such as clearances, switching orders, or distribution process changes.
Respond to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures, and route current around affected areas.
Control, monitor, or operate equipment that regulates or distributes electricity or steam, using data obtained from instruments or computers.

Most important knowledge

English Language
Public Safety and Security
Mathematics
Computers and Electronics
Telecommunications

Essential skills in ESCO: substation engineer

make electrical calculations
create AutoCAD drawings
use technical drawing software
mechanical engineering
manage engineering project
engineering principles
inspect facility sites
electrical engineering
electrical discharge
electric current
electricity consumption
mechanics
perform project management
ensure compliance with environmental legislation

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

Where to train

Public programmes for these role families, each on its official page

University · United States

Master's in Power Systems Engineering Online (MEng) ↗

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Online, 30 graduate credit hours

Prepares electrical engineers for utility practice; engineers from other disciplines may succeed with AC circuits and maths background.