Job Details

To be eligible to enlist in the U.S. Navy, candidates must be between the ages of 18-34

Aircraft carriers are at the core of ongoing missions because of their potential to carry so much of the Navy's capabilities forward. Nuclear Surface Warfare Officers ensure that Sailors in their department maintain and operate the ship's complex systems safely and efficiently.

Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs) form the backbone of Fleet leadership. In this role you could serve as Commanding Officer over an elite crew and be an authority in every aspect of your Navy assignments. Your responsibilities could include:

1. Directing personnel operations aboard Navy vessels, such as aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, amphibious warfare ships, mine warfare ships and frigates
2. Managing shipboard vertical launch systems and weapons systems
3. Using computer displays and advanced technology in battle and ship defense
4. Providing support to Navy expeditionary forces, Theater Air Missile operations, anti-submarine warfare, surface-to-air warfare, and support and supply missions

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Nuclear Surface Warfare Officers are exposed to a variety of different work environments, from academic settings to training on prototype units, to sea tours and shore assignments. The time spent on conventional ships and nuclear-powered aircraft carriers involves deployments of several months at a time. Fully qualified members may go on to hold positions that involve instructing, advising, consulting, recruiting or commanding surface ships.

TRAINING AND ADVANCEMENT

For current undergraduate students who meet the prerequisite background – especially those pursuing preferred majors such as mathematics, engineering, physics or chemistry – there's all of the above to look forward to – plus the chance to get paid while finishing school through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) program.

If accepted into the NUPOC program as an aspiring Surface Warfare Officer (Nuclear), you can:

1. Receive salary and benefits up to $168,300 and start receiving this funding up to 30 months prior to college graduation
2. Be eligible to receive a $15,000 selection bonus once accepted into the NUPOC program plus an additional $2,000 bonus upon completion of nuclear propulsion training
3. Enjoy military health-care benefits while you are a student in the program

Once out of school, you'll have a position waiting as a respected professional and Officer affiliated with one of the most accomplished nuclear programs on earth. And beyond undergraduate and formal Navy training and education, Surface Warfare Officers (Nuclear) can also pursue additional graduate education by:

1. Pursuing opportunities at institutions such as Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) or Navy War College (NWC)
2. Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at one of the various service colleges

There's also potential to pursue international and federal certifications, as well as state nuclear licensures.

BENEFITS & EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Our people are our most valuable assets, so we care for them well. With world-class training, opportunity to pay for college and advanced degrees, access to the best health care in the country, retirement plans, tax incentives, and more perks than you could have imagined, Navy active-duty benefits are the most competitive out there.

1. Earn up to $168,300 while finishing your degree
2. Free Graduate Education through Post 9/11 GI Bill
3. A regular monthly income ranging from $3,280 to $5,610 for up to 30 months prior to your graduation
4. Receive an immediate one-time sign-on bonus of $15,000
5. Opportunities to travel the world
6. 30 days of paid vacation time each year
7. Competitive pay and bonuses - Lieutenant total compensation at 4 years of Service ($112,343.76 - with dependents stationed in San Diego)
8. Automatic Promotions based on ability and performance
9. Comprehensive medical and dental care at no cost to sailor
10. Low-cost childcare services
11. Excellent retirement benefits including Blended Retirement System/Pension and 5% 401K Government matching contribution
12. Food allowances
13. A housing allowance that is based upon the location of the school you attend

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

To be an eligible candidate, you must be:

1. A U.S. Citizen
2. 19-29 years old
3. In pursuit of a bachelor's degree within 2.5 years from graduation and be currently enrolled full time, or have obtained a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
4. Completion of one year of calculus through differential and integral calculus with a grade of C or better
5. Completion of one year of calculus-based physics with a grade of B or better
6. Complete the rigorous NUPOC interview process with the Director of Naval Reactors and the Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion
7. Prior Service Navy and other branches of service are welcome to apply

Makeup of a competitive candidate:
• GPA > 3.0, preferably in mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry or other technical areas
• Physical fitness
• Extra-curricular activities
• Community involvement
• Outstanding character
• Great leadership potential
• Excellent communication skills
• True desire to serve in the Surface Warfare community