From Control Systems to Probabilistic Risk Analysis - Is it a good opportunity?

[logmeout]

Hi,

I have an opportunity to change positions within my company and join a group that does PRA in the Nuclear industry. Currently, I am a "Control Systems" engineer who works on HMIs and PLCs for robotic tools used in repair and refurbishment work of reactors.

I am having a hard time determining if this is the right move. Although, I have made very good money due to working lots of OT in the field (but I am not sure if that will continue), I have not learned very much as I had previous experience as an CS integrator and management has not been very stable. I have been at this job for a year, and within that time span my group merged with another one, and I lost my initial director, manager, and supervisor. Also the long hours have been getting to me and the travel, I barely have a life.

But I don't know much about PRA and its future prospects. I don't think it has much scope outside of the nuclear industry (does anyone else use it? chemical plants maybe? whereas my current skill set is pretty industry generic - for anybody that requires industrial automation). Do you think this is or will be a useful/valuable skill to have?

It'd be great if someone could provide me a lil' advice or input. Also, I must add that I'm still fairly young, just 6 years out of school and this would be my fourth job switch, does that look bad even thought I left each time on my own terms for what I considered were better opportunities?

Thanks,
logmeout

[Fermi2]

If you're ready to be bored to tears and learn absolutely nothing then go PRA.

[logmeout]

dang, seriously?

[Fermi2]

Why the hell would you ask seriously? I said it didn't I?

[logmeout]

It was a pretty harsh response without any background details on how you came to this opinion. By seriously, I meant why do you think that?

[dirac]

You would probably learn a lot about Bayesian analysis and other statistical methods which are widely used in reliability engineering in any field. As far as the future of PRA, it will always be around in the nuke industry. I believe some plants are moving to Risk Analysis Tech Specs which if anything means it is a growing field.

[Fermi2]

You would probably learn a lot about Bayesian analysis and other statistical methods which are widely used in reliability engineering in any field. As far as the future of PRA, it will always be around in the nuke industry. I believe some plants are moving to Risk Analysis Tech Specs which if anything means it is a growing field.

You won't see Risk Analysis TS for years and years.

logmeout, it's a very static job based on research that has already been done. It's mostly computerized now. Other industries use it too, the nuke world mostly it's a finished product.

And no it wasn't a rude answer. I posted an answer, you stated "seriously?" NOT why do you think that? Learn to ask the question you want the answer to.

[logmeout]

I didn't say it was rude. I meant it was harsh with respect to how you felt about PRA and I simply used "seriously?" in place of asking "why do you think it will bore me to tears?". My bad for not being explicit. So moving on.

Thanks for the answer.

[logmeout]

What are good jobs to learn about the operation of the plant?

Where is the $ in the nuclear industry? What roles are really needed and have a shortage of people?

If PSA is not it, what should I be looking for instead?

Thanks