Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer)
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onPage Avenue, Wellston, Saint Louis County, Missouri, 63133, United States
About the Mission
As a Naval Reactors Officer, you will design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program. Your work spans the entire lifecycle of nuclear-powered ships and submarines, from initial reactor design and fleet operations to eventual defueling and decommissioning. Operating from Naval Reactors Headquarters and collaborating with Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards, you will ensure the safety, reliability, and technical excellence of the nation's nuclear fleet.
About the Role
This position offers a unique opportunity to assume significant technical responsibility early in your career. Unlike traditional shipboard roles, you will work primarily in an analytical and oversight capacity as part of a lean headquarters staff. Your day-to-day involves balancing long-term engineering projects with time-sensitive fleet and shipyard issues. You will provide technical direction on reactor physics, materials development, and instrumentation, while reviewing designs from industry partners and coordinating directly with fleet units.
Success in this role requires high expectations for attention to detail, sound judgment, and exceptional written and oral communication skills. You will frequently coordinate with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams to drive complex engineering solutions.
Work Environment
Based mainly at Naval Reactors Headquarters in the Washington, D.C. area, your work will be office-focused but highly mobile. You will engage regularly with Department of Energy laboratories, nuclear training sites, shipyards, and nuclear-powered vessels. Your duties will include document reviews, technical meetings, inspections, and site visits, rather than day-to-day shipboard watchstanding.
Pathways and Advancement
Officer commissioning is achieved through programs such as Officer Candidate School or the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program. Upon entry, you will undergo a structured technical qualification program at Naval Reactors. Your career will feature rotational exposure to laboratories, prototypes, and fleet support issues, allowing you to progressively lead projects and become a subject matter expert. Opportunities for professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields are available to support your growth.
Hiring Process
Candidates enter through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program (for qualified college students and recent graduates) or via Officer Candidate School (for those with qualifying degrees). All applicants must meet rigorous academic and technical screening standards specific to the Nuclear Propulsion Program, in addition to general officer commissioning requirements. These standards include a strong background in calculus and physics, an outstanding academic record, and eligibility for a high-level security clearance.
Equal Opportunity
The U.S. Navy is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the nation we serve.
Work location
Work model: On-site
Page Avenue, Wellston, Saint Louis County, Missouri, 63133, United States
Wellston, Missouri
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleProvide technical direction in reactor and fluid systems design
- check_circleReview designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners
- check_circleCoordinate with fleet units to ensure safe and reliable nuclear plant operation
- check_circleConduct document reviews, technical meetings, inspections, and site visits
- check_circleDesign, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program
- check_circleManage component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves
- check_circleOversee testing, quality control, and radiation shielding protocols
Requirements
- verifiedUnited States citizenship
- verifiedBachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field
- verifiedStrong background in calculus and physics
- verifiedEligibility for high level security clearance
Benefits & Perks
check_circleTuition Assistance, Post-9/11 GI Bill, and Navy COOL-funded certificationscheck_circleACE-recommended college credit for Navy training and USMAP apprenticeshipscheck_circleHealth coverage and retirement options under standard Navy Active policies
