RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
RESPONSIBILITIES Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America ...
Naval Reactors information
See salary details
$19.5K - $30.7K
1% of jobs
$30.7K - $42K
0% of jobs
$42K - $53.2K
7% of jobs
$53.2K - $64.4K
4% of jobs
$75.2K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$64.4K - $75.6K
13% of jobs
$75.6K - $86.9K
22% of jobs
The median wage is $88.9K / yr.
$86.9K - $98.1K
12% of jobs
$98.1K - $109.3K
11% of jobs
$112.9K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$109.3K - $120.5K
15% of jobs
$120.5K - $131.8K
3% of jobs
$131.8K - $143K
12% of jobs
$19.5K
$94.3K
$143K
How much do naval reactors jobs pay per year?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Naval Reactors position, and why are they important?
To excel in a Naval Reactors role, you need a solid background in nuclear engineering, mechanical or electrical engineering, or a related technical field, often supported by specialized training or advanced degrees. Familiarity with nuclear propulsion systems, regulatory safety protocols, and security clearances is typically required, along with experience in using diagnostic and monitoring equipment. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial for success in this high-stakes environment. These skills ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and oversight of naval nuclear reactors, safeguarding both personnel and mission objectives.
What are the typical career progression opportunities for someone working in a Naval Reactors role?
A career in Naval Reactors offers a structured path for advancement, with opportunities to move into roles of increasing technical and managerial responsibility. Entry-level professionals may begin as engineers or analysts, working closely with experienced teams on reactor operations, system maintenance, and regulatory compliance. As you gain experience and demonstrate leadership, you can progress to supervisory, project management, or senior advisor positions, and some may transition to policy, inspection, or training roles within or outside of government service. The skills you develop in this field are highly transferable and respected, opening doors to advanced engineering, safety oversight, or leadership roles in both the naval and civilian nuclear industries.
What is a Naval Reactors job?
A Naval Reactors job typically involves overseeing the design, operation, and maintenance of nuclear reactors used in the U.S. Navy. Personnel in this role ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of naval nuclear propulsion systems. Responsibilities may include engineering, regulatory oversight, and technical support for aircraft carriers and submarines. This position requires a strong background in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
- Entry Level Nuclear Decommissioning
- Naval Reactors Facility
- Environmental Compliance Consultant
- Internship Aviation Compliance Specialist
- Environmental Compliance Manager
- Regulatory Compliance Lead
- Facility Compliance Solutions
- Contractual Environmental Compliance Manager
- Manager Nasa Ames
- Chemical Compliance Specialist

$4K/mo
Full-time
Medical, Retirement, PTO
Posted 22 days ago
United States Navy rating
6.3
Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
38th of 46 rated military and defense
Job description
The most powerful energy sources in the world need the most powerful minds behind them. As a Nuclear Reactors Engineer, you’ll be responsible for researching, designing, maintaining, operating and regulating the nuclear reactors and power plants that drive the most advanced fleet of submarines and aircraft carriers on Earth. Here, you can fuel a passion for problem-solving by defining and redefining the cutting edge of nuclear propulsion, while setting the standard in nuclear reactor research and regulation.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Naval Reactors Engineers have oversight of the Navy's entire fleet of nuclear-powered ships as well as shore-based prototypes and nuclear propulsion support facilities for America’s Navy. The wide array of technical areas involved in the Naval Nuclear Propulsion program include:
- Reactor and fluid systems design
- Reactor physics
- Materials development
- Component design such as steam generators, pumps and valves
- Instrumentation and control of reactor, steam and electric plants
- Testing and quality control
- Shielding
- Chemistry and radiological controls
As a Navy Reactors Engineer stationed at Naval Reactors Headquarters in Washington, D.C., you will provide technical oversight while managing projects ranging from reactor design to fleet operations to de-fueling and decommissioning warships.
PAY AND BENEFITS
- From the day you start, you’ll receive:
- Competitive salary
- Free health insurance
- Free housing
- A retirement plan
- 30 days paid vacation per year
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
In addition to the best-in-class training and state-of-the-art facilities, current undergrad students who meet the prerequisite background will also get the chance to get paid while finishing school through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) program. Students in majors like mathematics, engineering, physics and chemistry may receive preferred acceptance into the program.
If accepted into the NUPOC program as an aspiring Naval Reactors Engineer, you can:
- Receive a salary in excess of $4,000 per month for up to 18 months prior to your college graduation
- Receive an immediate one-time sign-on bonus of $15,000
- Enjoy military health care benefits while you are a student in the program
Postgraduate Education Opportunities As a Naval Reactors Engineer, once you’re out of school you’ll have a position waiting as a respected professional and Officer affiliated with the most accomplished nuclear program on earth. Beyond undergraduate and formal Navy training and education, you can pursue additional graduate education through the following:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Navy Tuition Assistance Program
- Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges
- Using Tuition Assistance to attend online or in-person graduate programs during shore assignments.
- Navy College Program
- VOLED Assistance Center
- VOLED Region Advisors
- The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS)
- Navy War College (NWC)
- USAF Air University Air Command and Staff College
- U.S. citizen between the ages of 19 and 29. Exceptions may be possible up to age 40.
- Graduate or current student pursuing a B.A., B.S. or M.S. (preferably major in mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry or other technical areas).
- Those still in school may apply as early as 18 months from completion of an undergraduate degree for Naval Reactors Engineers. - Applicants may also join the NUPOC program as early as 12 months from completion of a master's degree.
- Additional academic requirements include:
- Completed one academic year of calculus
- Completed one academic year of calculus-based physics
- A competitive GPA and a minimum grade of "B" in all technical courses
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Preliminary training and eventual staff assignments center around Naval Reactors Headquarters at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. At Headquarters, you will be a part of an elite, streamlined staff of roughly 500 people who oversee the entire Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program from cradle to grave. Even junior-level Naval Reactors Engineers assume responsibility for key technical work in a variety of state-of-the-art facilities, including:
- Two Department of Energy laboratories
- Two nuclear prototype/training sites
- Nearly 100 nuclear-powered ships and submarines
- Six shipyards
- More than 1,000 firms that support the Naval Reactors Program
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Industry
National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Washington, DC, US