ABOUT
How do you condense 4 years of intricate math, science and theory about highly classified nuclear technology into just 12 months? Ask a Navy Nuclear Instructor. To be an Instructor at Nuclear Power School and at the Nuclear Power Training Unit you must be at the top of your class and maintain the best understanding of nuclear power. You are responsible for teaching not only the facts, but also the mindset. Your students will help uphold the longest record of safe nuclear operations in the world. They will power our entire defense force and they will need the preparation to so. Navy Nuclear Instructors are the next generation’s mentors to reach the starting line.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Nuclear Power School Instructor
Nuclear Power School Instructors teach Officers and Enlisted personnel the theories and fundamentals behind the design and operation of Navy nuclear reactors and power plants. These teachers are essential in preparing service members for their work in the fast-paced and competitive nuclear power field.
Naval Nuclear Power School is a 24-week course of instruction in science, technology and power plant operations designed to provide theoretical background knowledge of nuclear power. Areas of instruction include:
- Physics, Chemistry, Algebra and Calculus
- Heat Transfer and Fluid Dynamics
- Reactor Theory
- Mechanical and Electrical Systems Design
- Radiological Controls and Health Physics
Nuclear Power Training Unit Instructor
Nuclear Power Training Unit Instructors provide hands-on training and direct oversight to nuclear- trained officers and enlisted personnel while operating a nuclear reactor. They are essential in ensuring the safe operation of shore-based nuclear power plants and in preparing the Officers and Enlisted personnel for their future in the nuclear power field.
Nuclear Power Training Unit is a 26-week course of instruction spent applying the knowledge of nuclear power plant operations in order to attain certification as a nuclear operator. Areas of instruction include:
- Reactor start-up, steady-state operations and shutdown
- Chemistry analysis and control
- Maintenance review and approval
- Casualty response
- Reactor safeguard systems
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 at state-of-the-art facilities, current undergrad students who meet the prerequisite background will also have the chance to be 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 Nuclear Power School Instructor, you can: Receive a salary in excess of $4,000 per month for up to 30 months prior to your college graduation Enjoy military health-care benefits while you are a student in the program
Interested candidates should contact a local recruiter to discuss the opportunity to participate in an instructor specific Q&A Information session to learn more about what the job entails and get answers for any of your questions.
Postgraduate Education Opportunities
As a Navy Nuclear Instructor, 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 by:
- Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges
- Using Tuition Assistance to attend online or in-person graduate programs
- 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
POST-SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
As a Navy Nuclear Instructor, you will have incredible post-service prospects. The highly selective nature of the program combined with world-class advanced training and qualifications means your skills and knowledge are in high demand. Adding “Navy Nuclear Officer” to your list of accomplishments will make you a top candidate for a variety of future careers including civilian engineering and management jobs after you complete your service.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- U.S. citizen between 19 and 29 years of age at the time of commissioning. Exceptions up to age 40 for select jobs may be available.
- Graduate or current student pursuing a BA, BS or MS (preferably major in mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry or other technical areas).
- Those still in school may apply as early as 30 months from completion of an undergraduate degree
for Instructor positions.
- Applicants may also join the NUPOC program as early as 12 months from completion of a master’s degree for all NUPOC positions.
- 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
Nuclear Power School Instructor
Serving at Naval Nuclear Power School (NNPS) in Charleston, SC, you’ll work in an academic setting for up to 5 years. You will teach, mentor and lead students through a difficult course of instruction in a demanding yet collaborative learning environment.
Nuclear Power Training Unit Instructor
Serving at Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) in Charleston, SC, you’ll work in a unique environment combining classroom instruction and self-paced study with real-world operations. Much of your work will take place in the nuclear power plant of a moored submarine, providing valuable hands- on training. You will study the same curriculum taught to the Submarine and Surface Warfare Officers and then go on to teach it, facilitating the same collaborative learning environment that you first
experienced in your own training. This assignment requires dedicated leaders committed to the success of their students.