Navy Nuclear Officer Careers

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 propulsion plant on a billion-dollar warship, or you could serve behind the scenes as a reactors engineer in a submarine, designing the control rods that keep our ships afloat. There are even teaching posts 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.

Enriched uranium. Control rods. Pressurized water reactors. All essential components of the Navy’s dozens of nuclear power plants, each one managed and designed by Naval Reactors Engineers.

  

Nuclear-powered aircraft carriers are among our country’s most valuable tools of diplomacy. Join the nuclear-trained community of Officers who lead these incredible cities at sea.

 

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 aboard our subs.

 

Nothing projects naval power and capability more than our fleet of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines. Nuclear Power Training Unit Instructors provide hands-on training and direct oversight to nuclear-trained officers and enlisted personnel while operating a nuclear reactor aboard one of these vessels.

 

For the Officers and Enlisted Sailors who work with nuclear power plants every day, it's critical to have a solid understanding of how to operate them safely and effectively. Nuclear Power School Instructors are the Officers who provide this intensive – often classified – education.

 

 

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 $168,300 while finishing your degree

•      Regular monthly income ranging from $3,280 to $5,610 for up to 30 months prior to your graduation   

•      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 ($112,343.76)

•      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

  

•      A U.S. citizen

•      19-29 years old

•      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 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

 

•      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