Nuclear Engineer

Fission. Enriched uranium. The most powerful energy sources in the world need the most powerful minds behind them. As a Nuclear Reactors Engineer, you'll be the technical authority responsible for the oversight of research, design, maintenance, operations and regulation of Navy nuclear reactors and power plants that drive the most advanced fleet of submarines and aircraft carriers on earth. Here, you can fuel a passion for problem-solving by defining and redefining the cutting edge of nuclear propulsion, while helping ensure that all personnel associated with Navy reactors are prepared to work with the technology - safely and efficiently.

As a Naval Reactors Engineer, you can set the standard in nuclear reactor research and regulation.

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What to Expect

Nuclear Officer

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Responsibilities

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

As a Navy Reactors Engineer stationed at Naval Reactors Headquarters in Washington, D.C., you will provide technical oversight while managing projects ranging from reactor design to fleet operations to de-fueling and decommissioning warships.

Work Environment

Preliminary training and eventual staff assignments center around Naval Reactors headquarters at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. At headquarters, you will be a part of a stream-lined, elite staff of roughly 500 people who oversee the entire Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program from cradle-to-grave.

Even junior level Naval Reactors Engineers assume responsibility for key technical work in a variety of state-of-the-art facilities, including:

Two Department of Energy laboratories Two nuclear prototype/training sites Nearly 100 nuclear-powered ships and submarines Six shipyards More than 1,000 firms that support the Naval Reactors Program

Training & Advancement

Upon graduation from college, the formal training process of becoming an officer in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion program is officially underway. For those pursuing a Naval Reactors Engineer position, the first step is Officer Development School (ODS) in Newport, RI - a 5-week course of instruction in Newport, RI, that provides a comprehensive and intense introduction to the responsibilities of being a Naval Officer.

Upon completion of ODS, newly commissioned Ensigns move on to receive initial training at Naval Reactors Headquarters in Washington, D.C. (9 weeks of instruction) and Nuclear Power Training Unit (2 weeks of instruction) that form the basis for more advanced academic work. Officers then attend Bettis Reactor Engineering School (BRES), a 6-month postgraduate-level education in nuclear engineering at Naval Nuclear Labs just outside Pittsburgh, PA.

This is followed by approximately three weeks spent gaining a working background at one of the Navy's shipyards in either Newport News, VA, or Bremerton, WA.

Following the training pipeline, Naval Reactors Engineers are then assigned a Nuclear Engineer position with the group responsible for managing all technical aspects of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion program-reviewing, approving and confirming the design, operation and maintenance of nearly 100 nuclear reactors. Continuing education is required for the next six months as Engineers start in a junior role under a supervisor and rapidly advance to take on increasing responsibilities and complete their 5-year commitment.

Post-Service Opportunities

As a Naval Reactors Engineer, you will have incredible post-service prospects. The highly-selective nature of the program combined with world-class advanced training and qualifications means your skills and knowledge are in high demand. Adding "Navy Nuke" to your list of accomplishments will make you a top candidate for a variety of future careers including civilian engineering and management jobs after you complete your service.

Education Opportunities

In addition to the best-in-class training and state-of-the-art facilities, current undergrad students who meet the prerequisite background will also get the chance to get paid while finishing school through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) program. Students in majors like mathematics, engineering, physics and chemistry may receive preferred acceptance into the program.

If accepted into the NUPOC program as an aspiring Naval Reactors Engineer, you can:

Receive a salary in excess of $4,000 per month for up to 18 months prior to your college graduation Receive an immediate one-time sign-on bonus of $15,000 Enjoy…