Reactor Plant Component Operations (RPCO) Engineer

Job Description

Reactor Plant Component Operations (RPCO) Engineer | Naval Nuclear Laboratory

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory, initially located at the Knolls (NY) or Bettis (PA) Laboratory, with subsequent relocation to a shipyard. The company develops advanced nuclear propulsion technology and provides technical support for the U.S. Navy’s submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. This position offers significant responsibility and hands-on experience, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of critical naval nuclear reactors and training the Sailors who operate them. The culture fosters Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration, promoting a positive environment focused on national defense.

The TL;DR
• Role: Full Time
• Location: Knolls, NY or Bettis, PA initially, then shipyards nationwide (e.g., Hampton Roads VA, Portsmouth ME, Groton CT, Honolulu HI, Bremerton WA)
• Pay: $63300–$96900 annually
• Mission: Provide engineering support and independent oversight of work associated with installation, reactor servicing, testing, and modification of reactor plant systems, components, and safety systems in naval shipyards.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Engineering Support: Provide engineering support and independent oversight of work related to naval nuclear reactor plant systems, components, and safety systems in shipyards.
• On-Site Engagement: Engage directly on the deckplates of nuclear-powered assets during nuclear work and operations.
• Decision Making: Apply sound engineering principles and judgment to make key observations and decisions on the safe operations of nuclear assets.
• Influence and Feedback: Influence and provide feedback to on-site management and partner organizations regarding reactor plant activities.
• Fleet Support: During the initial laboratory assignment, provide reactor plant engineering support, including problem resolution and improvement initiatives, for aircraft carrier and submarine platforms throughout their lifecycle.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related engineering or science field.
• Experience: Successful completion of a job-specific qualification, with training expected to take approximately one year, demonstrating an adequate understanding of requirements and ability to function in a technical support and oversight capacity in a field location.
• Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to work independently while also supporting team goals, ability to learn and apply multiple engineering disciplines to complex problems.
• Bonus: Minimum GPA of 3.5, BS in Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, or Physics, strong leadership and mentoring ability, eagerness to learn and adapt to varying tasks and responsibilities, ability to work in an industrial environment.