Naval Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) Program - TX

Location: Nationwide (training in Charleston, SC; potential duty stations worldwide) Pay: ~$70,000 annually while in college; $80,000–$90,000 starting post-graduation; $150,000+ by the end of a 5-year contract Bonus: $30,000 upon acceptance

About the Program

The NUPOC Program offers a direct pathway into one of the most elite and intellectually demanding communities in the U.S. Navy. While completing your degree, you’ll receive full pay and benefits as an active-duty Ensign. Upon graduation, you’ll begin a 5-year active-duty contract as a Naval Nuclear Propulsion Officer, leading highly trained teams and managing the operation of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers.

What You’ll Do

As a NUPOC officer, you’ll select one of several career tracks, each offering unique leadership opportunities:

Submarine Officer

• Lead as one of only a handful of officers aboard a nuclear-powered fast-attack or ballistic missile submarine.
• Responsible for the safe operation of the reactor, ship systems, and navigation.
• Gain hands-on experience in tactics, intelligence, and nuclear propulsion while serving in one of the most challenging environments on Earth.

Aircraft Carrier (Surface Nuclear) Officer

• Lead the reactor department aboard a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the centerpiece of American naval power.
• Oversee teams managing propulsion and electrical systems that keep a 100,000-ton warship and its air wing operational.
• Combine engineering leadership with strategic-level operations experience.

Nuclear Power School Instructor

• Teach newly commissioned officers the fundamentals of nuclear science and reactor operations at the Navy’s Nuclear Power School in Charleston, SC.
• Develop the next generation of nuclear-trained officers through rigorous academic instruction in thermodynamics, reactor physics, and systems engineering.
• Sharpen your own technical expertise while building mentorship and teaching skills.

Training Reactor Instructor

• Train officer and enlisted students on a prototype naval reactor — an operational, land-based nuclear plant.
• Oversee students as they perform watchstanding, drills, and reactor operations in real-world conditions.
• Gain unique experience blending engineering leadership, reactor operations, and high-stakes training.

Naval Reactors Engineer

• Serve in Washington, D.C. at Naval Reactors Headquarters, the program that Admiral Rickover built.
• Work directly with civilian engineers, shipyards, and national laboratories to design, develop, and maintain nuclear propulsion systems for the entire fleet.
• Gain unmatched technical project management experience at the intersection of engineering and policy.

Benefits

• Compensation & Stability :
  • ~$70,000 annually while still in school
  • $80,000–$90,000 starting salary after graduation
  • $150,000+ annual earning potential by the end of your initial 5-year contract
  • $30,000 signing bonus upon acceptance
  • Full active-duty benefits (healthcare, housing allowance, retirement accrual)
• Career Growth :
  • Accelerated leadership training
  • Hands-on experience with advanced nuclear propulsion technology
  • Career flexibility across Navy communities and post-service civilian careers
• Education Support :
  • Possible graduate school opportunities
  • World-class nuclear training pipeline in Charleston, SC

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. Citizen
• At least 19 years old and no older than 29 at commissioning (waivers possible)
• Currently enrolled in or completed:
  • Calculus I & II
  • Physics I & II with calculus
• No specific major required — applicants from all degree programs are eligible if coursework requirements are met
• Strong academic performance