01/21/2021
There are 4 types of Nuclear Operations jobs for enlisted Sailors. Responsibilities depend on your training, interests & designation. All 3 of these jobs are eligible receive up to a $40,000 bonus for first-time enlistment & up to a $100,000 bonus for re-enlistment.
Machinist’s Mate Nuclear (MMN):
Nuclear Machinist’s Mates operate & maintain steam turbines & reduction gears used for nuclear ship propulsion & auxiliary machinery such as turbogenerators, pumps & oil purifiers. They also maintain auxiliary machinery outside of main machinery spaces, such as electrohydraulic steering engines & elevators, refrigeration plants, air conditioning systems & desalinization plants. They may also operate & maintain compressed gas producing plants. Nuclear-trained MMs perform duties in nuclear propulsion plants operating reactor control, propulsion & power generation systems.
Electrician’s Mate Nuclear (EMN):
Nuclear Electrician’s Mates are responsible for the operation of a ship's electrical power generation systems, lighting systems, electrical equipment and electrical appliances. The duties include installation, operation, adjustment, routine maintenance, inspection, test and repair of electrical equipment. They also perform maintenance and repair of related electronic equipment. As an EMN, you’re responsible for troubleshooting the electric breakers and circuits aboard nuclear-powered ships like aircraft carriers and submarines.
Electronics Technician Nuclear (ETN):
Nuclear Electronics Technicians operate and perform maintenance on the electronic systems that make the nuclear reactor on Navy ships run. From submarines to aircraft carriers, these Sailors calibrate the actual nuclear control rods to generate power aboard these ships. After your training at Nuclear Power & Prototype School, you’ll be part of a watch team that enables the fission process, which generates steam for propulsion.
Education:
Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy technical & operational training in the field of nuclear operations can translate to up to 77 credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education. You may also continue your education through opportunities like the following:
Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance
Post-9/11 GI Bill
Upon completion of initial 8 week Recruit Training (known as Boot Camp), those pursuing a Nuclear Operations role report to “A” School for technical training based on their specific job rating, & then move on to acquire advanced nuclear training.
“A” School for MMNs – The 3-month Machinist’s Mate Nuclear (MMN) course in Charleston, SC provides a basic knowledge of technical mathematics and understanding of the theory and operation of a steam power plant. Students learn to operate tools, test equipment and system components, read blueprints, practice rigging techniques, & perform maintenance procedures. From there, it’s on to NNPS and NPTU (see below).
“A” School for EMNs – The 6-month Electrician’s Mate Nuclear (EMN) course in Charleston, SC provides a basic knowledge of technical mathematics & power distribution. Students learn to solve basic equations using phasors, vector notations & basic trigonometry & analyze DC & AC circuits. They also learn how to operate electrical equipment using controllers, & how to properly test, maintain, troubleshoot, & repair electrical circuits, motors & other related electrical equipment. From there, it’s on to NNPS & NPTU (see description below).
“A” School for ETNs – The 6-month Electronics Technician Nuclear (ETN) course in Charleston, SC provides a basic knowledge of technical mathematics & good working knowledge of electricity & electronics, solid-state devices, digital logic & systems, microprocessors, & instrumentation & control circuits. Students learn how to interpret schematic diagrams & use appropriate test equipment to isolate and correct faults in electronic systems. From there, it’s on to NNPS and NPTU (see description below).
Naval Nuclear Power School (NNPS) – Upon completion of “A” School training, MMNs, EMNs & ETNs attend Naval Nuclear Power School (NNPS) in Charleston, SC. Here they learn theory & practical application of nuclear physics & reactor engineering. The six-month course provides a comprehensive understanding of a pressurized-water Naval nuclear power plant, including reactor core nuclear principles, heat transfer & fluid systems, plant chemistry & materials, mechanical & electrical systems, & radiological control.
Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU) – Following NNPS, MMNs, EMNs & ETNs begin prototype training in their rating specialty at one of two Nuclear Power Training Units (NPTUs) – located in Charleston, SC and Ballston Spa, NY. This 6-month course teaches the fundamentals of a Naval nuclear power plant & the interrelationship of its mechanical, electrical, and reactor subsystems.
