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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 Jun 11, 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 jobs can Navy nukes get?

Navy nuclear-trained personnel, often called Navy nukes, can pursue a variety of careers in the civilian nuclear industry, including nuclear power plant operators, technicians, engineers, and safety specialists. Their training provides skills in reactor operations, maintenance, and safety protocols, which are highly valued in commercial and government nuclear facilities.

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 initial service, with pay increasing with rank, experience, and years of service. Advanced roles and certifications can lead to higher salaries, and nuclear personnel often receive special duty pay and allowances due to the technical nature of their work and security requirements.

What nuclear jobs are in the Navy?

Navy nuclear jobs include roles such as Nuclear Reactor Operator, Nuclear Machinist's Mate, and Nuclear Electronics Technician. These positions involve operating and maintaining nuclear reactors on submarines and aircraft carriers, requiring specialized training and security clearances. They often require knowledge of nuclear physics, engineering, and safety protocols.

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.

What does a nuclear officer do in the Navy?

A naval nuclear officer is responsible for operating and maintaining nuclear propulsion systems on submarines and aircraft carriers. They oversee reactor safety, perform technical inspections, and ensure compliance with safety protocols, often working in a highly disciplined environment that requires specialized training and certifications. Their role is critical to the vessel's propulsion and overall mission success.
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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 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 7% 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.

Experienced Engineer

Naval Nuclear Laboratory

Idaho Falls, ID • On-site

$86K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

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 The Capital Projects - Laboratory Design and Integration sub-division is delivering the next generation of infrastructure to perform examinations and testing on spent nuclear fuel and irradiated materials-critical capabilities that enable the enduring technical supremacy of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP).

The Safety Assessments Unit integrates nuclear and facility safety into the design of multiple key facilities, including the NEAP Laboratory, the Interim Irradiations Examination Recapitalization (IIER) facility, and future NNPP nuclear facilities within the Capital Projects portfolio. Safety Assessments is seeking an experienced Multidisciplined Engineer to deliver criticality safety evaluations that underpin the design of next-generation NNPP fuel handling equipment and examination process development. This role will focus on authoring criticality safety and equipment safety evaluations.

This is accomplished through coordination and collaboration with a wide range of Program experts, including criticality safety and structural performance analysts who develop analytical models that underpin authored safety evaluations for fuel handling operations, fuel handling equipment designers, fuel handling operations personnel, future Laboratory safety basis owners, and government regulators (Naval Reactors). Key Responsibilities • Demonstrating in-depth understanding and ability to communicate nuclear safety requirements, guidance, and standards from the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP) and the Department of Energy (DOE) • Evaluating nuclear hazards, developing creative prevention or mitigation strategies, and formally documenting technical conclusions. • Developing and maintaining a strong understanding of nuclear fuel examination operations, equipment, and processes • Collaborating with and advising design teams, analysts, operations, other stakeholders and Naval Reactors on safety related topics.

• Serving as the nuclear safety expert on equipment design teams and advocating for design solutions that balance safety and operability in line with applicable CSEs. • Providing support as assigned within the NEAP Division. • Interfacing with a multi-site, multi-disciplined group of team members, subject matter experts, and stakeholders.

• Providing succinct summaries, both oral and written, of work and work-related risks, issues, and opportunities. Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience; or Masters degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering or science field and a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience; or Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in a related technical, engineering, science field; or Currently an Advanced Reactor Training Engineer, Refueling Engineer, or Field (RPCO) Engineer at the Company. Preferred Skills • Experience authoring, reviewing or overseeing implementation of criticality safety evaluations.

• Experience in nuclear fuel handling operations or fuel handling equipment design. • Excellent technical writing skills. • Strong teaming and collaboration skills.

• Demonstrated ability to cultivate strong working relationships. • Excellent communication and engagement skills. • Broad and successful technical experience.

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 $86,100.00 - $134,600.00 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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