Naval Nuclear Engineering Officer
The intricate machinery aboard our nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines is complex—but managing the intricacies between people demands just as much expertise. As part of the Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program (NUPOC), you’ll join a world-renowned team of engineers, scientists and educators who manage the Sailors and maintain the propulsion plants for the Navy’s most important assets.
From day-one, your skills in math, science and engineering will be put to the test in hands-on environments. You could be in command of the entire reactor and propulsion plant on a billion-dollar warship, or you could serve behind the scenes as reactors engineer. There are even teaching positions available for Officers to instruct the next generation on the fundamentals of nuclear power. Your opportunities in the world of nuclear power are as diverse as your skillset.
Nuclear Jobs Available:
NAVAL REACTORS ENGINEER
Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America’s Navy. The wide array of technical areas involved in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion program include:
- Reactor and fluid systems design
- Reactor physics
- Materials development
- Component design such as steam generators, pumps and valves
- Instrumentation and control of reactor, steam and electric plants
- Testing and quality control
- Shielding
- Chemistry and radiological controls
NUCLEAR SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER
Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers are among our country’s most valuable tools of diplomacy. It is the main responsibility of Nuclear Surface Warfare Officers to ensure that Sailors in the Reactor Department maintain and operate the ship’s complex reactor, power generation and propulsion systems safely and efficiently. Join the nuclear-trained community of Officers who lead these incredible cities at sea.
NUCLEAR SUBMARINE OFFICERS
They’re among the most advanced, secretive vessels in the Navy, diving to undisclosed depths. And their Officers are among the most respected and most highly trained. Navy Nuclear Submarine Officers lead a critically important team of Sailors and supervise all reactor operations, power generation and propulsion systems onboard our subs.
NAVAL NUCLEAR POWER TRAINING UNIT INSTRUCTOR
They lead and oversee a watch-team running one of the most dynamic nuclear power plants in the world. Nuclear Power Training Unit Instructors provide hands-on training to nuclear-trained officers and enlisted personnel while operating a nuclear reactor. Areas of instruction include:
- Reactor start-up, steady-state operations and shutdown
- Chemistry analysis and control
- Maintenance review and approval
- Casualty response
- Reactor safeguard systems
NAVAL NUCLEAR POWER SCHOOL INSTRUCTOR
They teach officers and enlisted personnel the theories and fundamentals behind the design and operation of Navy nuclear reactors and power plants. To be an Instructor at Nuclear Power School you must be at the top of your class and maintain the best understanding of nuclear power. You are responsible for teaching not only the facts, but also the mindset. Areas of instruction include:
- Physics, Chemistry, Algebra and Calculus
- Heat Transfer and Fluid Dynamics
- Reactor Theory
- Mechanical and Electrical Systems Design
- Radiological Controls and Health Physics
PAY, BENEFITS & EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Our people are our most valuable assets, so we care for them well. With world-class training, opportunity to pay for college and advanced degrees, access to the best health care in the country, retirement plans, tax incentives, and more perks than you could have imagined, Navy active-duty benefits are the most competitive out there.
• While in college you could earn a monthly income up to 6,500 for up to 30 months prior to your graduation (18 months for the NRE position)
• Free graduate education through Post 9/11 GI Bill
• Receive an immediate one-time sign-on bonus of $15,000
• 30 days of paid vacation time each year
• Competitive and pay and bonuses: Total compensation at 4 years of service for Lieutenant with dependents in San Diego, CA ($126,000)
• Automatic Promotions based on ability and performance
• Comprehensive medical and dental care at no cost to sailor
• Low-cost childcare services
• Opportunities to travel the world
• Excellent retirement benefits including Blended Retirement System/Pension and 5% 401K Government matching contribution
• Food allowances
• A housing allowance that is based upon the location of the school you attend
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
To be an eligible candidate, you must be:
• A U.S. citizen
• 19-29 years old (age waiver up to 39 may apply on case-by-case basis)
• In pursuit of a bachelor's degree within 2.5 years from graduation and be currently enrolled full time, or have obtained a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
• Completion of one year of calculus with a grade of B or better
• Completion of one year of calculus-based physics with a grade of B or better
• Complete the rigorous NUPOC interview process with the Admiral in charge of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion program, who personally selects all prospective Nuclear Officers
• Prior Service Navy and other branches of service are welcome to apply
Makeup of a competitive candidate:
• GPA > 3.0, preferably in mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry or other technical areas
• Physical fitness
• Extra-curricular activities
• Community involvement
• Outstanding character
• Great leadership potential
• Excellent communication skills