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Naval Nuclear Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Naval Nuclear Laboratory

NDT Inspector

Idaho Falls, ID · On-site

$32.78/hr

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a ...

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How much do naval nuclear jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for naval nuclear in the United States is $51.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.18 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by those working in Naval Nuclear roles, and how are they addressed?

Professionals in Naval Nuclear positions often encounter the challenge of maintaining strict safety and operational protocols while working in high-pressure environments. These roles require continuous attention to detail, adherence to rigorous regulations, and readiness to respond to emergencies. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as individuals frequently collaborate with engineering, operations, and leadership personnel to ensure safe and efficient reactor operation. Regular training, drills, and mentorship programs help address these challenges and support professional growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Naval Nuclear Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Naval Nuclear Operator, you need a strong background in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, often supported by completion of rigorous Naval Nuclear Power Training. Familiarity with nuclear reactor systems, control panel operations, and specialized safety protocols is essential, along with any necessary military certifications. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to teamwork set outstanding operators apart. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of nuclear propulsion systems in highly demanding environments.

What are Naval Nuclear jobs?

Naval Nuclear jobs refer to specialized positions within the Navy that involve operating, maintaining, and overseeing the nuclear reactors that power submarines and aircraft carriers. These roles include nuclear-trained officers and enlisted personnel responsible for reactor operations, propulsion systems, and nuclear safety. Naval Nuclear jobs require rigorous training, strong technical skills, and a commitment to safety and precision. They play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the Navy's nuclear-powered vessels.

How much do Navy nukes make?

Navy nuclear personnel, including nuclear-trained officers and enlisted sailors, typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually during their initial service, with pay increasing with experience, rank, and years of service. They also receive special duty pay, housing allowances, and benefits due to the technical nature of their work and security clearance requirements.

What is the difference between Naval Nuclear vs Nuclear Power Reactor Operator?

AspectNaval NuclearNuclear Power Reactor Operator
Required CertificationsNaval Nuclear Propulsion Certification, Security ClearanceCommercial Nuclear Reactor License, NRC Certification
Work EnvironmentMilitary ships/submarines, secure military facilitiesCommercial nuclear power plants, civilian facilities
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. Navy, military sectorUtility companies, energy sector

Naval Nuclear personnel operate and maintain nuclear propulsion systems on military vessels, requiring military-specific training and security clearances. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators work in civilian power plants, focusing on electricity generation with NRC certifications. While both roles involve nuclear technology and safety protocols, Naval Nuclear roles are military-focused, whereas Nuclear Power Reactor Operators serve the civilian energy industry.

Can you make $500,000 as a nuclear engineer?

Nuclear engineers working in the naval nuclear field typically earn salaries ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 annually, with higher earnings possible for senior or specialized roles. Reaching a $500,000 salary generally requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership positions, which are uncommon in standard naval nuclear engineering roles.

What is the highest paying nuclear job?

In the nuclear industry, senior roles such as Nuclear Power Plant Managers, Nuclear Engineering Managers, and senior reactor operators tend to have the highest salaries. These positions require extensive experience, specialized certifications, and often involve overseeing plant operations or safety protocols, with salaries reaching six figures in many cases.

What are nuclear jobs in the Navy?

Nuclear jobs in the Navy include roles such as Nuclear Reactor Operators, Nuclear Technicians, and Engineers who operate, maintain, and oversee nuclear propulsion systems on submarines and aircraft carriers. These positions require specialized training, security clearances, and knowledge of nuclear physics, safety protocols, and engineering principles. They are critical for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of naval nuclear vessels.
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What states have the most Naval Nuclear jobs? States with the most job openings for Naval Nuclear jobs include:
Naval Nuclear jobs near you
Infographic showing various Naval Nuclear job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,964 per year, or $51.9 per hour.
Associate Nuclear Engineer and Physicist Nuclear

Associate Nuclear Engineer and Physicist Nuclear

Naval Nuclear Laboratory

Niskayuna, NY • On-site

$63K - $97K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company promotes a positive culture while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets.

Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today! Job Description Are you interested in learning about the nuclear power propulsion systems on the US Navy's aircraft carriers and submarines?

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is seeking an entry level engineer to join the Fleet Reactor Engineering department to lead evaluations of a wide range of nuclear reactor operations and transients. This is an excellent opportunity to gain an integrated understanding of how many different reactor designs operate while developing analytical skills that support our important mission and keep our sailors, the public, and the environment safe. The successful candidate's duties could include, but are not limited to: thermal hydraulic model development and analysis, researching and developing probabilistic models for reactor plant safety, understanding and communicating nuclear plant accident progression, developing scripts to run our models and post-process results, working productively and efficiently with a team of knowledgeable professionals to document different analyses, and understanding and communicating results to coworkers, managers, and Naval Reactors.

NNL develops and supports the world's safest and most advanced reactor plants and as an engineer in the Fleet Reactor Engineering department, your contributions will be directly tied to this important mission! Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related engineering or science field; or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a related engineering or science field. Preferred Skills Experience with thermal-hydraulic analysis, scripting, and coding preferably with reactor safety computer codes such as MELCOR or post-processing in MATLAB or Python; Experience working with and debugging interpreted (Python/MATLAB) and compiled programming languages (C, C++/FORTRAN); Strong interest in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and other related subjects; Ability to understand large/complex systems including fluids, heat transfer, instrumentation and control systems, and electrical components; Strong written and verbal communications skills with an ability to articulate technical ideas in a clear and concise manner Compensation and Benefits Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits Disability, Life & Accident Insurance 401(k) Savings program & Capital Accumulation Plan Personal & Medical Time Off Paid Parental Leave Flexible Work Schedules Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Wellness Program Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!

Pay Range $63,900.00 - $97,800.00 annually Salary information provided is a general guideline only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S.

Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S.

Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets.

The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. All candidates must be U.S.

citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce.

All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana.

Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.

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