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 ENGINEER JOBS:

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. As a SWO, you could do any of the following: 

• Directing personnel operations aboard Navy vessels, such as aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, amphibious warfare ships, mine warfare ships and frigates
• Managing shipboard vertical launch systems and weapons systems
• Using computer displays and advanced technology in battle and ship defense
• Providing support to Navy expeditionary forces, Theater Air Missile operations, anti-submarine warfare, surface-to-air warfare, and support and supply missions

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. As one of these highly-skilled Officers, you could be in charge of any of the following:

• Operating a nuclear reactor and nuclear propulsion system
• Maintaining onboard weapons systems
• Managing atmosphere control and fire control
• Driving the vessel and charting its position
• Operating communications and intelligence equipment

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. 

• Earn up to $200,000 while finishing your degree
• Regular monthly income ranging from $4,500 to $7,000 for up to 30 months prior to your graduation (18 months for Naval Reactors Engineer) 
• 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 in San Diego, CA (over $130,000)
• 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 may be approved on case-by-case basis)
• In pursuit of a bachelor's degree within 2.5 years from graduation (18 months for Naval Reactors Engineer) and be currently enrolled full time, or have obtained a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
• Completion of one year of calculus through differential and integral 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 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

America’s Navy is approximately 450,000 Sailors, 300 ships and submarines, and 3,700 aircraft strong. Water and salt flow through our veins in the same proportion as the sea. That mighty force is the lifeblood of the greatest Navy ever to sail unstoppably upon it, slip stealthily beneath it or fly unchallenged above it. And we defend with honor, courage, and commitment every hour of every day. We are America’s Navy. We are forged by the sea.