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Navy Nuclear Power Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$82K - $104K/yr

Navy Nuclear Power School (NNPS) graduate * High School/GED and 2 years of related Manufacturing, Shipbuilding, Trades, Military experience * High School/GED and 4 years of non-related Manufacturing ...

... Navy nuclear or commercial nuclear power plants. Minimum requirements include: * Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering * Excellent written and oral communication skills Financial incentives may ...

$82K - $104K/yr

Navy Nuclear Power School (NNPS) graduate * High School/GED and 2 years of related Manufacturing, Shipbuilding, Trades, Military experience * High School/GED and 4 years of non-related Manufacturing ...

Nuclear Engineer

Mickleton, NJ

$95K - $114K/yr

... 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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Palermo, NJ

$101K - $121K/yr

... 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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Paulsboro, NJ

$96K - $115K/yr

... 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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Newcastle, WA

$111K - $133K/yr

... 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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Covington, WA

$111K - $133K/yr

... 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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Salyersville, KY

$95K - $114K/yr

... 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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Eggertsville, NY

$90K - $108K/yr

... 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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Swayzee, IN

$91K - $110K/yr

... 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 ...

Nuclear Engineer

Jasper, TX

$86K - $103K/yr

... 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 ...

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Navy Nuclear Power information

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$51

$77

How much do navy nuclear power jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for navy nuclear power 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 is the difference between Navy Nuclear Power vs Navy Nuclear Reactor Operator?

AspectNavy Nuclear PowerNavy Nuclear Reactor Operator
CertificationsRequires Navy nuclear propulsion training and certificationsRequires similar Navy nuclear training and certifications
Work EnvironmentSubmarine or aircraft carrier nuclear propulsion systemsOperate and monitor nuclear reactors aboard ships
Industry UsageMilitary naval vesselsMilitary naval vessels
Job FocusDesign, maintenance, and operation of nuclear propulsion systemsMonitoring and controlling reactor operations

Both Navy Nuclear Power and Navy Nuclear Reactor Operator roles involve extensive nuclear training, working in military naval environments, and ensuring the safe operation of nuclear propulsion systems. While Navy Nuclear Power encompasses broader responsibilities, including system design and maintenance, Navy Nuclear Reactor Operators focus primarily on operating and monitoring reactors during daily missions.

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

Navy nuclear power engineers typically earn salaries that range from $70,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and years of service. Reaching a $500,000 annual salary is uncommon in this field and usually requires additional roles, management positions, or private sector work with specialized skills and certifications. High earnings may be possible through advanced positions or consulting, but they are not typical for standard Navy nuclear engineers.

How much do Navy nukes get paid?

Navy nuclear propulsion plant operators, or Navy nukes, typically start with a salary around $3,000 to $4,000 per month during training and advance to higher pay grades with experience, reaching over $6,000 per month as they gain seniority. They also receive benefits such as housing allowances, special duty pay, and bonuses, depending on their rank and years of service. Certifications in nuclear engineering and security clearances are required for these roles.

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 propulsion systems on submarines and aircraft carriers, requiring specialized training and security clearances. Skills in engineering, physics, and safety protocols are essential for these roles.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by Navy Nuclear Power personnel while working aboard submarines or ships?

Navy Nuclear Power personnel often work in confined, highly regulated environments where attention to detail and strict adherence to safety protocols are critical. One of the unique challenges is maintaining focus and operational discipline during long deployments, often with limited personal space and extended hours. Teamwork is essential, as personnel must coordinate closely with other crew members to ensure the safe and efficient operation of nuclear reactors. Additionally, adapting to a rotating shift schedule and managing stress under high-stakes conditions are important aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Navy Nuclear Power operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Navy Nuclear Power operator, you need a solid background in math, physics, and mechanical aptitude, along with successful completion of the Navy's rigorous Nuclear Power School. Familiarity with reactor control systems, instrumentation, and safety protocols is essential, as is maintaining security clearances. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for this high-responsibility role. These skills ensure the safe and efficient operation of nuclear propulsion systems critical to naval missions.

What are Navy Nuclear Power personnel?

Navy Nuclear Power personnel are highly trained sailors and officers who operate and maintain the nuclear reactors that power U.S. Navy submarines and aircraft carriers. They are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of complex nuclear propulsion systems, ensuring the ships can remain at sea for extended periods without refueling. These roles require rigorous technical training and a strong understanding of nuclear physics, engineering, and safety protocols. Navy Nuclear Power personnel play a critical role in the Navy's mission by providing reliable, sustained power for the fleet.

What jobs can Navy nukes get?

Navy nuclear-trained personnel, often called Navy nukes, can pursue careers as nuclear engineers, reactor operators, or technical specialists in civilian nuclear power plants, government agencies, or defense contractors. These roles require strong technical skills, security clearances, and often additional certifications or training in nuclear safety and operations.
More about Navy Nuclear Power jobs
What cities are hiring for Navy Nuclear Power jobs? Cities with the most Navy Nuclear Power job openings:
What states have the most Navy Nuclear Power jobs? States with the most job openings for Navy Nuclear Power jobs include:
Infographic showing various Navy Nuclear Power job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,964 per year, or $51.9 per hour.
Project Manager (Power Capitol Projects) - Per Diem

Project Manager (Power Capitol Projects) - Per Diem

System One Holdings, LLC

Welch, MN • On-site

$83/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Position: Project Manager (Nuclear)
Location: Welch, MN
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Contract Duration: 12-months
Pay Rate: $103.00.00/hr.
Per Diem: 7-Days a week - $178/day
System One is actively seeking a Project Manager for a long-term contract position supporting cradle-to-grave projects onsite at Prairie Island or Monticello plants.
The scope of the Project Manager role involves working at one of two nuclear power plants: Prairie Island or Monticello. The Project Manager will take on capital project scopes of work including but not limited to nuclear plant modifications/upgrades, equipment replacement, or facility upgrade related projects. The role may also include creating or revising long-term project plans, enhancing project estimates, managing project resources, and managing program related projects.
Project Manager Responsibilities:
  • Involves coordination with stakeholders, interfacing with the construction/maintenance organization and engineering department, and implementing projects.
  • Weekly meetings, coordination, sourcing vendors, contract initiation and management, monitoring financials, escalating concerns, adhering to scope, schedule, and budget, risk management, and presenting to gain approvals for authorization.
  • Involves field/plant observation and working with internal/external stakeholders.
  • The position supports a large team of 32 people under the Director of Nuclear Projects. Key stakeholders include the maintenance organization, engineering department, controls group, finance organization, senior leaders, internal supply department, and external vendors.
  • Role primarily involves working at a desk with the expectation to visit the field/ construction site/ operating nuclear power plant for observation and issue resolution.

Project Manager Requirements:
  • Must have at least 5-7 years of cradle-to-grave project management experience, experience managing projects of at least $1 million, and a nuclear power background is strongly preferred.
  • ABET accredited Mechanical/Electrical/Civil/Nuclear Engineering background, as well as construction experience is preferred. Finance background is also beneficial.
  • Familiarity with Project Management Institute (PMI) - PMBOK Waterfall/Predictive project management techniques/processes.
  • Ex-Navy nuclear experience or previous utility/power plant experience is preferred if no commercial nuclear power experience.
  • Previous experience with SAP, Unifier, UKG Workday, MS Project, and P6/Primavera is helpful.

Preferred Skills:
  • PMP certification is strongly preferred but not required.
  • SRO certification or Operator license from a plant knowledge perspective is also beneficial.

Ref: #192-Precision San Antonio