Military Nuclear Engineers
Military Career
General Information
Description
Nuclear engineers direct research and development to capitalize on the energy released in nuclear reactions. In the Military, these engineers oversee projects that apply nuclear technology to weapons systems as well as nuclear power plants. They are responsible for maintaining the security of nuclear weapons, and the safety of all personnel that work with nuclear materials.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Nuclear engineers work in offices, research laboratories, and power plant control centers, either on land or aboard nuclear-powered ships and submarines.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Officer
- Managerial/professional
- College degree required
Military Workforce
Nuclear Engineers in the Military
5,491
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$129,295
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$46,884 - $294,189
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
-
Bachelor's degree 85%
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Master's degree 7%
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Post baccalaureate 3%
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Post-secondary certificate 3%
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High school 0%
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Some college 0%
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Doctoral degree 0%
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Associate's degree 0%
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Less than high school 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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First professional degree 0%
Military training
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Nuclear engineers in the Military are given many opportunities to build upon the skills and education they bring with them to the job. Job training for nuclear engineers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Depending on their specialty, job-specific training content may include: Advanced mathematics such as differential equationsNuclear propulsionThermodynamicsReactor dynamicsSystems and components of a nuclear propulsion plantAssociate systems of full-scale nuclear plants
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Related College Majors
Select major to see colleges that offer it
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Design
- Chemistry
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