Nuclear Engineer

ABOUT

Nuclear technicians, power plant operators, and subsystems specialists are responsible for keeping vital Naval submarines and aircraft carriers running. These highly trained, hands-on professionals perform the complex technical functions that are at the core of sub and carrier capabilities. Their job involves everything from operating nuclear propulsion plant machinery to controlling auxiliary equipment that supports Naval reactors to maintaining various electronic, propulsion, and weapons systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES

There are three types of Nuclear Operations jobs for enlisted Sailors. Responsibilities depend on your training, interests, and designation. All three of these ratings are eligible to receive up to a $40,000 bonus for first-time enlistment and up to a $100,000 bonus for re-enlistment.

Machinist’s Mate Nuclear (MMN)

• Operate and maintain steam turbines and reduction gears used for nuclear ship propulsion and auxiliary machinery such as turbo generators, pumps, and oil purifiers
• Maintain auxiliary machinery outside of main machinery spaces, such as electrohydraulic steering engines, elevators, refrigeration plants, air conditioning systems, and desalinization plants
• Operate and maintain compressed gas producing plants
• Perform duties in nuclear propulsion plants operating reactor control, propulsion, and power generation systems

Electrician’s Mate Nuclear (EMN)

• Responsible for the operation of a ship's electrical power generation systems, lighting systems, electrical equipment, and electrical appliances
• Install, operate, adjust, maintain, inspect, test, and repair electrical equipment
• Perform maintenance and repair of related electronic equipment
• Troubleshoot electric breakers and circuits aboard nuclear-powered ships like aircraft carriers and submarines

Electronics Technician Nuclear (ETN)

• Operate and perform maintenance on the electronic systems that make the nuclear reactor on Navy ships run
• Calibrate nuclear control rods to generate power aboard submarines and aircraft carriers
• Be part of a watch team that enables the fission process, generating steam for propulsion

WORK ENVIRONMENT

As an Enlisted Sailor working in nuclear operations, you’ll have the opportunity to work at sea or ashore. Your assignment could place you in an intense, fast-paced environment aboard a nuclear-powered submarine or aircraft carrier.

TRAINING & ADVANCEMENT

NAVY NUCLEAR FIELD (NF) PROGRAM

Upon completion of initial 7–9 week Recruit Training (known as Boot Camp), those pursuing a Nuclear Operations role report to “A” School for technical training based on their specific job rating, followed by advanced nuclear training.

“A” School for MMNs
The three-month Machinist’s Mate Nuclear (MMN) course in Charleston, SC provides basic knowledge of technical mathematics and the theory and operation of a steam power plant. Students learn to operate tools, test equipment and system components, read blueprints, practice rigging techniques, and perform maintenance procedures. From there, it’s on to NNPS and NPTU (see below).

“A” School for EMNs
The six-month Electrician’s Mate Nuclear (EMN) course in Charleston, SC provides basic knowledge of technical mathematics and power distribution. Students learn to solve equations using phasors, vector notations, and basic trigonometry, and analyze DC and AC circuits. They also learn how to operate electrical equipment, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair electrical circuits, motors, and related equipment. From there, it’s on to NNPS and NPTU (see description below).

“A” School for ETNs
The six-month Electronics Technician Nuclear (ETN) course in Charleston, SC provides basic knowledge of technical mathematics and electricity, electronics, solid-state devices, digital logic, systems, microprocessors, and instrumentation/control circuits. Students learn how to interpret schematic diagrams and use test equipment to isolate and correct faults in electronic systems. From there, it’s on to NNPS and NPTU (see description below).

Naval Nuclear Power School (NNPS)
Upon completion of “A” School training, MMNs, EMNs, and ETNs attend Naval Nuclear Power School (NNPS) in Charleston, SC. Here, they learn theory…