Nuclear Engineer

US Navy; Frankfort (KY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education benefits (Navy programs)

Tuition assistance

Job summary

US Navy is seeking a Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) to design, regulate, and oversee the nuclear propulsion program at Naval Reactors Headquarters. You will work in an analytical role, coordinating with engineers, officers, and technical teams from HQ in the Washington area.

The role emphasizes long-term engineering projects, rigorous documentation, and travel to labs and shipyards as needed. A strong technical background and eligibility for a high-security clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely related field that includes strong calculus and physics.
• United States citizenship and eligibility for a high level security clearance.
• Strong technical aptitude and comfort with detailed analytical work.

Responsibilities

• Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design and fleet operations.
• Oversee defueling and decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines.
• Work in an analytical/oversight role and coordinate with senior engineers, naval officers, and technical teams.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Oral communication

Team coordination

Education

Engineering/Physics/Math degree

Job description

Job description

Job Type: Full-time
Job Title: Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer)Category / Component: Officer ActiveOverviewDesign, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards.Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role rather than operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and shipyard issues; frequent coordination with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for attention to detail, judgment, and written and oral communication.Work mainly at Naval Reactors Headquarters in the Washington, District of Columbia area with regular engagement with Department of Energy laboratories, nuclear training sites, shipyards, and nuclear powered ships and submarines; office based work that includes document reviews, technical meetings, inspections, and site visits rather than day to day shipboard watchstanding.Pathways, Training & AdvancementOfficer commissioning through programs such as Officer Candidate School or the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program followed by a structured technical qualification program at Naval Reactors; rotational exposure to laboratories, prototypes, shipyards, and fleet support issues; progressive responsibility leading projects and becoming a subject matter expert, with opportunities for professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields.Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for those who already hold qualifying degrees; all applicants must meet Nuclear Propulsion Program academic and technical screening standards in addition to general officer commissioning requirements.

QualificationsAll Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include:

• Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy
• A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor's or qualifying professional degree for officer positions
• Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy. Some communities have more restrictive age ranges
• Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards
• Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening
• Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs
• Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator
• Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter

Additional qualifications for this job may include:

• Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely related field that includes strong backgrounds in calculus and physics; outstanding academic record, particularly in technical coursework; United States citizenship and eligibility for a high level security clearance; strong technical aptitude and comfort with detailed analytical work.

EducationEducation benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy.

Pay, Benefits & ServicePay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options. Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.

IncentivesIncentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed. Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.

Notes and DisclaimersThis description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community. It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes. Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.