Reflections on a Career in Nuclear

After nearly five decades in the nuclear field, Bill Cash—one of our most respected colleagues—has retired, closing a chapter marked by technical leadership, cross-sector consulting, and a deep commitment to radiation safety. We sat down with him to reflect on his career journey, the evolution of the nuclear industry, and his advice to the next generation of professionals.

A Journey Through Decades of Change in the Nuclear Field

Bill’s career began in the 1970s with a nuclear engineering degree from what was then Lowell Tech (now the University of Massachusetts Lowell), followed by a master’s degree from the University of Florida. It was a time when nuclear energy was still the “new frontier” in power generation.

He started his professional journey as a Radiation Protection (RP) technician at Maine Yankee, later joining Yankee Atomic Electric Company as an engineer in Southborough, MA. There, he provided technical support for multiple operating nuclear units, focusing on emergency planning and outage operations.

In 1979—around the time of the Three Mile Island (TMI) accident—he joined the team at Seabrook Station. “There was no internet back then,” he recalled. “We learned about TMI by making phone calls. It was a bellwether event that changed everything—ushering in significant regulatory changes and the formation of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO).”

Bill spent 13 years at Seabrook Station, progressing from foreman to Radiation Protection Manager (RPM) and holding roles in chemistry and project management. After officially retiring in 2008, he transitioned into consulting work for RSCS beginning in 2009. At RSCS, his projects have ranged from uranium enrichment in Mexico to acting as the Radiation Safety Officer at Harvard University, with a strong preference for hands-on technical work.

Renewing Focus on Technical Excellence

Reflecting on industry trends, Bill observed a decline in the number of professionals with deep, practical expertise in radiation safety. “Many come in with degrees but don’t have the practical, field-based experience needed. And once they’re working full-time, they don’t have time to catch up,” he explained.

He emphasized that hands-on experience is irreplaceable: “If you’re going into radiation safety, get in the field. Provide day-to-day rad support for workers. That needs to be part of your objective—especially in the first few years.”

Milestone Events That Shaped the Industry

Throughout his career, Bill witnessed major events that reshaped nuclear operations:

• Three Mile Island (TMI): A pivotal accident that exposed the importance of operator training, leading to sweeping regulatory reforms.
• Fukushima: An event that brought heightened awareness to emergency preparedness and the vulnerabilities of backup power systems.

He also highlighted the emerging promise of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as more manageable and inherently safer than traditional large-scale reactors.

Words of Wisdom for Future Nuclear Professionals

When asked to share a parting thought for the next generation, he didn’t hesitate:

“Continue to learn. After Seabrook, I learned a lot in the 16-year period of consulting with RSCS.  Don’t be afraid to change careers—you learn by changing. There is some risk involved in that, but you’ll be glad you did.”

Bill’s legacy is one of curiosity, commitment, and continuous learning—a powerful reminder that the best nuclear professionals are those who never stop evolving.