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Nuclear Submarine Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nuclear Engineer

Manila, CA

$102K - $122K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy ...

Nuclear Engineer

Plainview, TN

$82K - $98K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy ...

Nuclear Engineer

Louisville, GA

$79K - $95K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy ...

Nuclear Engineer

Marshall, VA

$91K - $110K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy ...

$78K - $94K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy ...

Nuclear Engineer

Ellenville, NY

$93K - $111K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy ...

Nuclear Engineer

Ripon, CA

$104K - $125K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy ...

Nuclear Engineer

Paradis, LA

$89K - $107K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy ...

Nuclear Engineer

Talent, OR

$101K - $121K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy ...

Nuclear Engineer

Manchester, KY

$65K - $78K/yr

Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program ... ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy ...

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Nuclear Submarine Officer information

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How much do nuclear submarine officer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for nuclear submarine officer in the United States is $25.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nuclear submarine officer?

Nuclear Submarine Officers are commissioned officers in the Navy who are responsible for leading and managing the operations of nuclear-powered submarines. They oversee the safe operation of the submarine's nuclear reactor, navigation, weapons systems, and the well-being of the crew. Their duties include ensuring mission readiness, enforcing safety protocols, and making critical decisions during both routine and emergency situations. Nuclear Submarine Officers undergo extensive technical and leadership training to prepare for their roles, which are vital to national security.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nuclear submarine officer?

To thrive as a Nuclear Submarine Officer, you need a solid background in engineering, mathematics, or physical sciences, typically supported by a bachelor's degree and completion of Navy Officer Candidate School. Familiarity with nuclear propulsion systems, navigation technology, and specialized military protocols is critical, and Nuclear Power School certification is often required. Leadership, decision-making under pressure, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this high-stakes environment. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient operation of the submarine and the effective management of its crew during complex missions.

What are some common challenges faced by nuclear submarine officers during extended deployments?

Nuclear Submarine Officers often face unique challenges during extended deployments, including adapting to confined spaces, maintaining operational readiness, and managing long periods away from family. Effective teamwork and strong communication are essential, as officers must coordinate closely with both enlisted crew and fellow officers under high-pressure conditions. Additionally, balancing technical responsibilities with leadership duties requires adaptability and resilience, especially given the demanding schedule and 24/7 operational environment.

What is the difference between Nuclear Submarine Officer vs Nuclear Power Plant Operator?

AspectNuclear Submarine OfficerNuclear Power Plant Operator
CredentialsNaval officer training, security clearance, specialized nuclear trainingTechnical degree, nuclear licensing, security clearance
Work EnvironmentSubmarine onboard, confined, military settingPower plant facility, industrial setting
Industry UsageMilitary, defenseEnergy, civilian power generation

Both roles require nuclear training and security clearance, but Nuclear Submarine Officers serve in military submarines with a focus on defense operations, while Nuclear Power Plant Operators work in civilian energy facilities managing nuclear reactors. The environments and industry applications differ, but the technical skills overlap significantly.

How hard is it to become a nuclear submarine officer?

Becoming a nuclear submarine officer requires completing a rigorous training program, including a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, passing security and medical clearances, and completing specialized nuclear propulsion training. Candidates must also demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, technical aptitude, and the ability to work under high-pressure conditions, often through a competitive selection process. The pathway is challenging but structured to ensure candidates are prepared for the technical and operational demands of the role.

How much do nuclear submarine officers make?

Nuclear submarine officers typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, rank, and years of service. They receive specialized training, security clearances, and often work on rotating schedules that include extended deployments.

How to become a nuclear submarine officer?

To become a nuclear submarine officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or a related field, and must pass a series of military and security clearances. They undergo specialized training at a naval nuclear propulsion school and gain experience through onboard assignments, developing skills in nuclear reactor operations, leadership, and navigation.
More about Nuclear Submarine Officer jobs
Infographic showing various Nuclear Submarine Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,714 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Ballistic Missile Submarine SME (Must Have Security Clearance) STRATCOM

Spiral Solutions and Technologies, Inc.

NE • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Description
Spiral Solutions & Technologies, Inc. (SS&T) is seeking a Ballistic Missile Submarine Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) Joint Exercises, Training, and Assessment Directorate (J7).
The Ballistic Missile Submarine SME supports USSTRATCOM/J7 General, Campaign, and Strategic Assessments in the analysis of core mission areas including Global Strike and Nuclear Operations. This position applies practical nuclear submarine and ballistic missile submarine operational experience in support of campaign, risk, and operations assessments, mission analysis, planning team participation, and senior-level analytical products aligned to strategic deterrence objectives.
Location: Offutt AFB, STRATCOM
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
• Conduct graduate-level quality analysis and assessment of USSTRATCOM core mission areas including Global Strike and Nuclear Operations.
• Perform at the senior operations assessment subject matter expert level by actively participating in USSTRATCOM, component, CCMD, and Joint Staff operations planning teams for Global Campaign Plan consolidated strategic opportunities, CCMD campaign plan or order operations, activities, and investments planning teams, and contingency or steady-state planning teams.
• Produce CCMD-quality commander's estimates and perform mission analysis.
• Analyze diplomatic, informational, military, economic, readiness, and cost information and determine progression or regression toward achievement of campaign, contingency, or exercise objectives through a set of measurement criteria.
• Determine the effectiveness of U.S. operations, activities, and investments in shaping the strategic environment.
• Develop, update, and maintain operations assessments.
• Enter logical and defendable operations, activities, and investments assessments into databases and define, document, and articulate the logic for assessments of progression or regression toward achievement of objectives, effects, and risk.
• Apply and articulate critical thought to identify trends in discrete individual assessments in order to synthesize information and create key findings.
• Identify estimated, intended, and/or resultant cost-benefit of U.S. operations, activities, and investments toward shaping campaign, contingency, or exercise objectives and effects.
• Provide recommendations to improve force integration, resource allocation, and strategic alignment.
• Develop graduate-level quality briefings and reports with in-depth analysis and research, brief assessment findings to senior leaders, and respond to questions.
• Support assessment activities requiring understanding of strategic deterrence, mission execution, and joint or combined operations planning.
Required Qualifications
Minimum 15 years of practical nuclear submarine experience as a commissioned officer, of which at least 3 years shall be in Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN) operations.
Minimum 2 years of experience working at the Office of the Secretary of War, Joint Staff, Combatant Command, service, numbered fleet command, or equivalent.
Bachelor's degree or higher.
Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase 1 and/or Phase 2 graduate.
Operations center experience.
U.S. Navy fleet headquarters, squadron headquarters, Operational Navy Joint Staff, and/or service component Joint Maritime Component Command (JFMCC) experience.
Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance with eligibility for NC2/ESI and Special Access Program (SAP) accesses, obtainable within 30 days of task order award.
Preferred Qualifications
• At least 15 years of practical nuclear submarine experience as an officer, at least three years of which shall be in a Ballistic Missile Submarine.
• At least 2 years of experience working at the Office of the Secretary of War, Joint Staff, CCMD, service, numbered fleet command, or equivalent.
• A bachelor's degree or higher.
• Operations center experience required.
• Joint Professional Military Education Phase 1 and/or Phase 2 graduate required.
• U.S. Navy fleet headquarters, squadron headquarters, operational Navy Joint Staff, and/or service component Joint Maritime Component Command experience required.
• U.S. citizenship required.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience supporting campaign, contingency, or exercise assessments at the Combatant Command, Joint Staff, or service component level.
• Experience developing commander's estimates, mission analysis products, or senior-level assessment briefings.
• Experience working with strategic deterrence assessment frameworks, operations assessment processes, or campaign plan analysis.
Security Clearance Requirements
This position supports classified programs and requires access to classified systems and material. All contractor personnel must be United States citizens and possess a Top-Secret clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information, Nuclear Command and Control/Extremely Sensitive Information, and Special Access Program access prior to commencing work.