Nuclear engineers research, design, develop, and operate systems that involve nuclear energy and radiation. They apply principles of nuclear physics, mathematics, and engineering to design and develop nuclear equipment such as reactor cores, nuclear batteries, and radiation shielding. They also work on developing safety protocols to protect workers and the public from radiation exposure and play a crucial role in managing nuclear waste and finding safe disposal solutions. Nuclear engineers work in multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with physicists, chemists, and other engineers to address the complex challenges associated with nuclear technology. They may work in industries that use radioactivity or radiation, such as medicine, food, and agriculture, where they detect problems, monitor processes, and protect the public. Nuclear engineers may also work for electric power companies that use nuclear power plants or help service and maintain these plants. The federal government also hires nuclear engineers to design next-generation reactors for submarines, aircraft carriers, and space probes; regulate nuclear power or radiation uses; and develop advanced technologies that will be used in future power plants.