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You can be smart. Or you can be Nuke smart.

A team of U.S. Navy Nuclear Electrician's Mates (EMN) are assessing and repairing systems aboard an aircraft carrier.

WHAT IS NAVY NUCLEAR?

The Navy’s Nuclear Propulsion Program is home to the biggest jobs in the world. As a Navy Nuke, you’re responsible for safely operating and maintaining nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines. With the longest record of safe nuclear operations in the world, Navy Nuclear Operations accepts only the brightest minds. A hunger for math and science isn’t enough to be a Nuke. You’re either born for it, or you’re not. 

 

Think you were born for it?

 

Explore Career Paths

Electronics Technician Nuclear

Electronic Technicians Nuclear operate and maintain the electronic systems that make the reactor on Navy ships run.

 

Electrician’s Mate Nuclear

Electrician’s Mates Nuclear are responsible for troubleshooting the electric breakers and circuits aboard nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines.

Machinist’s Mate Nuclear

Machinist’s Mates Nuclear are the Navy’s nuclear reactor mechanics. They perform all maintenance on steam-powered propulsion plants aboard aircraft carriers and submarines.

Nuclear Surface Warfare Officer

Nuclear Surface Warfare Officers ensure Sailors in the Reactor Department maintain and operate the ship’s reactor and power generation systems safely and efficiently.

Nuclear Power School Training Instructor

Nuclear Power School Training Instructors teach math, science and nuclear theory to up and coming Navy Nukes, and they do it all in just 12 months.

Naval Reactors Engineer

Nuclear Reactors Engineers are the technical authority overseeing research, design, maintenance, operations and regulations of Navy nuclear reactors and power plants.

Nuclear Power Training Unit Instructor

Nuclear Power Training Unit Instructors lead the watchteams running the world’s most dynamic nuclear power plants and ensure every Sailor in the Nuclear Program receives the proper hands-on training.

Benefits & Opportunities

TRAINING

  • Upon competition of initial Recruiting Training (known as Boot Camp), Enlisted Sailors pursuing a career in the Navy Nuclear Program report to “A” School in Charleston, SC, for six months. Here, they develop a good working knowledge of technical mathematics and specialized skills unique to their role.
  • From there, Sailors move on to Naval Nuclear Power School (NNPS), also in Charleston, SC, where they learn theory and practical application of nuclear physics and reactor engineering. This six-month course provides a comprehensive understanding of a pressurized-water Naval nuclear power plant, including reactor core nuclear principles, heat transfer and fluid systems, plant chemistry and materials, mechanical and electrical systems, and radiological control.
  • Following NNPS, Enlisted Navy Nukes begin prototype training in their rating specialty at one of two Nuclear Power Training Units (NPTUs) – located in Charleston, SC and Ballston Spa, NY. This six-month course teaches the fundamentals of a Naval nuclear power plant and the interrelationship of its mechanical, electrical, and reactor subsystems. Students develop oral communications skills, obtain an understanding of nuclear radiation, and gain knowledge of the safe operation of a complex Naval nuclear power plant.
  • Sailors looking to pursue a career as an officer in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion program begin training upon graduation from college. For most Nuclear officer careers, the first step is Officer Development School for 5 weeks. Those looking to become a Surface Warfare Officer (Nuclear) attend Officer Candidate School for three months. Whether Sailors attend ODS or OCS, they’ll go to Newport, RI, and undergo a comprehensive and intense introduction to the responsibilities of being a Naval Officer.
  • The next step in a Sailor’s Officer training is determined by their specific career. Depending on their job, Sailors may return to Charleston, SC to teach incoming Nukes, they may be assigned to a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier as a Division Officer, or they may be tasked with managing the technical aspects of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion program. 

ADVANCEMENT

In Nuclear Operations, promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance. Specialized training and work experience gained during service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields in the civilian sector. Adding “Navy Nuke” to your resume will make you a top candidate for many future careers.

PAY

Navy Nukes receive the same base pay as Sailors of the same rank. However, Enlisted Nukes have the highest signing bonus in the Navy and can make up to $150,000 from their enlistment bonus and incentives.

NUPOC PROGRAM

The Naval Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) Program is a collegiate program for students interested in engineering and a career as a Navy Officer. Those in the NUPOC program receive a full-time, paid officer’s salary while enrolled in a full-time college degree program, so they can focus on their education without worrying about financial obligations.

Think You’re Nuke Smart?

Meet the Fleet’s Nuclear Engineers

Nuke Campaign - FAQs

FAQS

What is a Navy Nuke?

Navy Nukes are the Sailors responsible for keeping nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines running safely. With careers in both Enlisted and Officers roles, Nukes are highly trained with unparalleled skills in math, physics and engineering.

How much do Navy Nukes make?

Navy Nukes receive the same base pay as Sailors of the same rank. However, Enlisted Nukes have the highest signing bonus in the Navy. E-1 pay begins at $22/hour, while an O-9 can earn around $200,000/year.

Where do Navy Nukes get stationed?

Navy Nukes can be stationed everywhere. Across the armed services, the Navy has some of the most sought-after bases thanks to being on the water.

What does NUPOC stand for?

NUPOC stands for Naval Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program. This is a collegiate program that provides a full-time Officer’s salary for qualified students interested in engineering and an Officer career in the Navy.

How hard is it to get into NUPOC?

Getting into NUPOC is an impressive feat. Candidates must have a strong understanding of math and science, stand-out transcripts, and be able to conduct themselves in an interview with a four-star Admiral prior to admission.

Is NUPOC worth it?

For those eager to start their careers and hungry to learn, NUPOC is more than worth it. In addition to receiving a full-time salary, Candidates receive credits towards post-graduate degrees, all the tuition benefits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, full medical, dental and vision insurance, and all the other benefits of serving in the Navy.