Early Career Nuclear Engineer at CANDU Energy | Real Impact from Day One

When I tell people I’m an early‑career nuclear engineer, I often get raised eyebrows. It’s not the most common early career path, but for me, it’s exactly where I want to be. I’m George, a nuclear engineer at Candu Energy Inc., an AtkinsRéalis company, where I lead the development of specialized inspection tooling for nuclear refurbishment projects. Currently, I’m focused on the Calandria Inspection Vacuuming Tool (CIVAC) for Qinshan Units 1 and 2 in China. It’s high‑stakes, technical work, and I love every minute of it.

How I became a tooling engineer in the nuclear industry

I was born in Cairo, Egypt, and grew up in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during a time of booming development—think skyscrapers, highways, and massive infrastructure projects sprouting up overnight. Being surrounded by that kind of energy and ambition planted the seed for my interest in engineering.

After moving to Canada, I finished high school and was accepted into multiple engineering programs. I was then seeking a challenge, which the University of Waterloo provided. The co‑op mechanical engineering program not only helped shape my technical foundation but also instilled in me a mindset that thrives on solving problems.

After graduating, I gained experience in the automotive and aviation industries, but it wasn’t until I joined Candu Energy as an early career engineer that everything fell into place. There, my career could genuinely grow in a complex, high‑impact, and opportunity‑rich environment. Nuclear had me hooked.

From student to a nuclear engineering job

Because of my co‑op experience at Waterloo, the transition into professional life wasn’t too jarring, but what surprised me most was how passion drives everything. In school, deadlines and grades keep you moving. At work, especially in nuclear, it’s your curiosity and drive for challenges that keep you going.

Some of the most inspiring people I work with have been at Candu Energy for over 30 years—and they still show up every day excited about the mission. That’s the kind of energy I want to carry throughout my career.

Why I love working at Candu Energy: Thrilling experiences driven by teamwork

Knowing that something I help design directly influences a large, multi‑million‑dollar nuclear refurbishment project is what I find most rewarding in my work at Candu Energy. Ultimately, it’s all about clean and safe energy, and I deeply enjoy the teamwork that enables us to rise to the challenge.

The best days are when we’re gathered around a tough problem—one that doesn’t have a clear answer—and we work through it together. Everyone brings something different to the table, and in nuclear, where precision is non‑negotiable, that is a powerful form of collaboration.

A day in the life of a tooling engineer in the nuclear industry

My days seamlessly blend technical deep dives with ongoing communication and collaboration. I start by catching up on emails and messages—there’s always coordination happening between departments, suppliers, or clients. After that, I concentrate on my tooling projects. Currently, I am leading the CIVAC development for Qinshan, and we are in the 50% design review phase. This means that a significant part of my day involves preparing technical presentations for cross‑functional stakeholders, ranging from Health and Safety to Radiation Protection.

As a tool lead, I manage the entire lifecycle of a tool, from concept to design, modelling, fabrication, testing, and delivery. It’s fast‑paced and high‑responsibility, but that’s what keeps it exciting. There’s never a dull moment.

My favorite projects (so far)

I am currently involved in refurbishing Cernavoda Unit 1 in Romania and Qinshan Units 1 & 2 in China. Both projects are fascinating. I enjoy how knowledge is transferred between them. Insights gained at Cernavoda have helped me develop better solutions for Qinshan. This real‑time problem‑solving and learning process keeps me motivated.

Tooling engineers: At the forefront of the clean energy revolution

As technology continues to advance, the role of a tooling engineer in the nuclear industry is expected to undergo significant evolution. With increased access to digital tools, automation, AI, and advanced simulation software, engineers will be able to address increasingly complex challenges with greater precision and efficiency. Tooling engineers will be at the forefront of this revolution, enabling safer, smarter, greener, and more scalable nuclear solutions for the future.

Advice to engineering graduates considering a nuclear career at Candu Energy

Don’t be intimidated by the word “nuclear.” If you’re someone who enjoys solving complex problems and wants your work to matter, this is a great place to be.

At Candu Energy, you’re not just behind a desk. You’re part of a team shaping clean energy infrastructure that supports communities across the globe. Whether you’re into design, field work, systems engineering, or project management, there’s room here to grow and make an impact.

My advice for an early career path? Be proactive. Work on personal projects. Reach out to professionals. The more you put yourself out there, the faster doors will open.

Come build the future with us.

If you’re a recent grad looking for an internship or an early career engineer looking for a place where your work truly matters, consider joining AtkinsRéalis or Candu Energy. You’ll be challenged, supported, and inspired—every single day.

Explore early career engineer jobs and more openings here.