Nuclear Field (MM/EM/ET) Sailor
Operate and maintain the Navy's nuclear propulsion plants.
Job Overview
Nukes power the Navy's carriers and submarines.
Nuclear-trained Sailors operate reactors, propulsion, and electrical plants aboard carriers and submarines after one of the most demanding training pipelines in the military.
History & Deep Dive
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Daily Responsibilities
- Reactor watchstanding
- Propulsion plant maintenance
- Casualty drills
- Studying qualifications
- Chemistry and radiological control
Training Pipeline
- 1Recruit Training10 weeks
- 2Nuclear Power SchoolCharleston, SC · ~24 weeks
- 3Nuclear Prototype~24 weeks
Official Qualification Requirements
Requirements being verified against the official service publication. We do not display unofficial or estimated scores — contact a recruiter for the current minimum.
SECRET
Requirements are subject to change by the Department of Defense and each service. Always confirm the current standard with an official recruiter before making a decision.
Required in practice. Recruiting sites do not print a job-by-job rule, but this specialty needs access to classified information, and federal personnel-security rules (32 CFR 117.10 and the SEAD-4 adjudicative guidelines) limit security clearances to U.S. citizens. Verified August 2026.
Video Library
Career Progression
Engineering LPO, Chief, Master Chief.
Assignments & Special Schools
- Norfolk, VA
- San Diego, CA
- Bangor, WA
- Pearl Harbor, HI
- Kings Bay, GA
Deployment: 6+ month deployments on carriers or subs.
Advantages
- Massive enlistment bonuses
- Elite engineering training
- Six-figure civilian salaries
Disadvantages
- Extremely demanding pipeline
- Long sea rotations
- High attrition