Thursday, June 16, 2016

Naval Reactors Engineer

(Unlike the other summaries which I wrote, this is copied directly from a document released by NR)

Duty as an Engineer at Naval Reactors Headquarters

Brief Program History:  

A strong Navy is crucial to the security of the United States, a nation with worldwide interests that receives the vast majority of its trade via transoceanic shipment.  Navy warships are deployed around the world every hour of every day to provide a credible "forward presence," ready to respond on the scene wherever America's interests are threatened.  Nuclear propulsion plays an essential role in this, providing the mobility, flexibility, and endurance that today's Navy requires to meet a growing number of missions.  

The mission of Naval Reactors (NR) is to provide militarily effective nuclear propulsion plants and ensure their safe, reliable, and long-lived operation.  This mission requires the combination of fully trained U.S. Navy men and women with ships that excel in speed, endurance, stealth, and independence from logistics supply chains.  

Presidential Executive Order 12344 codified in 50 U.S.C. sections 2406 and 2511 set forth the total responsibility of NR for all aspects of the Navy's nuclear propulsion, including research, design, construction, testing, operation, maintenance, and ultimate disposition of naval nuclear propulsion plants.  NR's responsibility includes all related facilities, radiological controls, and environmental, safety, and health matters, as well as selection, training, and assignment of personnel.  All of this work is accomplished by a lean network of dedicated research laboratories, nuclear-capable shipyards, equipment contractors and suppliers, and training facilities, which are centrally controlled by a small headquarters staff. 

A leader in environmental protection, the Program has published annual environmental reports since the 1960s, which identify that the Program has not had any adverse effect on human health or the quality of the environment.  Because of the Program's demonstrated reliability, U.S. nuclear-powered warships are welcomed in more than 150 ports of call in over 50 foreign countries and dependencies.

Since USS NAUTILUS (SSN 571) first signaled "Underway on nuclear power" in 1955, our nuclear-powered ships have demonstrated their superiority in defending the country -- from the start of the Cold War, to today's unconventional threats, and beyond to future advances that will ensure the dominance of American seapower well into the future.     

Eligibility Requirements and Service Commitments:

Prospective engineers must be U.S. citizens and be willing to renounce any foreign citizenship they hold if accepted to work at NR.  

Accepting a job at NR incurs a 5-year active duty military service obligation.  NR Engineers are specially selected via the NROTC or NUPOC programs and commission as Ensigns in the U.S. Navy.  Engineers complete their service obligations at NR Headquarters in Washington, D.C. 

What Does the Typical Engineer's Job Entail?:

NR Headquarters is comprised of about 350 engineers who technically manage the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP) under the direction of Admiral James Caldwell, Jr. This headquarters team is responsible for all technical aspects of the NNPP including:

- Overseeing advanced R&D in nuclear propulsion plant concepts, materials and designs
- Developing procedures and equipment specifications for use in naval nuclear propulsion plants
- Overseeing the acquisition, construction, testing and operation of propulsion plants
- Developing & implementing the operations, maintenance and refueling procedures for these plants
- Decommissioning and disposing of the nuclear propulsion plants when phased out of naval use
- Ensuring robust safety standards and radiological controls

To carry out these responsibilities, NR engineers function as technical managers in the following disciplines:

- Reactor design
- Materials development
- Testing and quality control
- Components (valves, heat exchangers, pumps, etc)
- Instrumentation and control
- Shielding
- Reactor physics
- Fluid systems design
- Chemistry and radiological controls

A typical engineer will be responsible for several projects, equipment types or designs.  The engineer has responsibility for technical matters which can entail:

- Reviewing and approving equipment designs
- Allocating project funds
- Technically directing laboratory and contractor efforts
- Ascertaining equipment test requirements and reviewing/approving test results
- Responding to fleet engineering problems by coordinating technical investigations and approving corrective actions
- Determining the scope of work and timelines to support future projects

What are NR's onboarding and training programs for new engineers?

Before moving to Washington, D.C., every engineer is paired with a peer sponsor.  Sponsors ensure that every new engineer has a smooth onboarding experience.

New engineers participate in an extensive nuclear reactor training program designed to provide them with the ability to interact knowledgeably across various technical fields involved in nuclear propulsion work.  Training progresses in the following sequence:

- Ten weeks of classroom instruction in the theory and design of an operational nuclear plant.  Courses are taught by NR engineers with cognizance over the various systems contained in the plant.  This training is part-time and occurs in conjunction with a new engineer's normal duties.

- Two weeks of familiarization training at an operational prototype reactor plant in West Milton, NY or Charleston, SC.

- Six months of full-time graduate-level classroom instruction in nuclear engineering at the Bettis Reactor Engineering School (BRES) in Pittsburgh, PA.

- Three weeks of familiarization training at a nuclear shipyard (Puget Sound Naval Shipyard or Newport News Shipbuilding).

- One week of familiarization training at the Navy's Expended Core Facility in Idaho Falls, ID.

After returning to NR headquarters, engineers participate in an executive development seminar series to explore, in-depth with senior managers, the history and wide range of techniques, practices, and policy used to manage the NNPP.

Do NR engineers utilize their college major?

All NR engineers are trained to become competent nuclear engineers, regardless of their academic backgrounds.  Owing to the wide variety of technical fields involved in NNPP work, the majority of new hires are given positions directly relating to their college major.  Program needs ultimately dictate a new engineer's initial assignment.

Will I wear a uniform to work?

Usually not.  All NR engineers wear civilian clothes to work (ranging from business casual to business formal attire).  Special military events will take place requiring engineers to wear their uniforms.

Do NR engineers travel? 

Engineers occasionally travel to Navy sites or contractor facilities.  Travel frequency can increase as engineers become more experienced and assume greater responsibilities.

Do NR engineers ever go to sea? 

NR engineers typically do not go to sea.  1-3 day ship rides aboard an aircraft carrier or submarine can be arranged for operations familiarization training.  Additionally, some engineers will have the opportunity to participate in sea trials or shipboard propulsion plant testing (1-3 days) as headquarters technical representatives.

What happens when an engineer's five-year service obligation ends? 

All engineers initially sign five-year active duty military contracts.  As these service obligations end, engineers can choose from one of four different career paths:

(1) Leave the Navy but continue to work for NR as a civilian.  Officers completing their service obligations may apply to stay at NR as civilian government employees (DOE or DON).  The majority of transitioning officers go this route.

(2) Stay in the Navy and continue to work for NR.  Near the completion of their military service obligations, engineers may apply to laterally transfer into the NR Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) community.

(3) Leave NR but stay in the Navy.  Near the completion of their military service obligations, engineers may apply to laterally transfer to another officer community within the Navy.

(4) Leave the Navy and NR entirely.  Engineers who have completed their service obligations are free to pursue other employment opportunities.

Can I pursue advanced degrees or a PE while working at NR?  

Yes, NR strongly encourages professional development! Many NR engineers earn a Master's Degree while completing their military service obligations.  Some popular graduate schools with distance learning programs include Duke, Penn State, Old Dominion University, Catholic University, and the Naval Postgraduate School -- all of which offer transfer credits to engineers who have completed BRES.  Some engineers also choose to pursue a PE or Doctoral Degree.

NR provides tuition assistance (separate from Post 9/11 GI Bill or Navy Tuition Assistance) to support the professional development of its workforce.  Many engineers earn a graduate degree without paying any out-of-pocket expenses.

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My additional notes:

NRE's have the highest academic standards and must be obtaining a Bachelors of Science (or MS or PhD) in Engineering and be matched to a specific job at NR prior to being brought to the accession interviews in DC.  They DO get the $15,000 bonus, but they may NOT interview until 18 months prior to graduation.

An important note here, even if you are tremendously qualified, you still may not be offered a chance to interview for NRE positions if they do not need someone in your particular area of expertise at that time.  For example, there may be positions available, but they only desire to fill them with Materials and Chemical Engineers.  In this hypothetical, if you were a Mechanical Engineer you would be effectively out of luck at least until circumstances changed.  Getting a "No" when requesting to interview for NRE is not necessarily a pure reflection of your academic credentials.

73 comments:

  1. What if you are paid for school thru the prgram and then end up failing out of OCS or Nuke school?

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    1. You remain bound by the terms of your NUPOC enlisted contract until you are commissioned, at which point this is replaced and you are a commissioned officer. Cases where this point is not reached are handled on a case-by-case basis. If it appears that there was malicious intent to defraud the government of $$, the Navy has several options available. If you are in the application process and nearing the interview stage I'd recommend addressing these questions to your recruiter and/or to our office if they're unable to answer them sufficiently.

      If you want to pass OCS/ODS, you will. They are not intended to filter people out, but rather to train them so that they can be effective going forward. As a result the pass rate is extremely high.

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  2. What is the average salary of a Naval Reactors Engineer and how does it compare with other NUPOC streams? (Submarine, Surface warfare)

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  3. The average salary is the same for all programs with the exception of the BAH (housing allowance). Since you will be receiving an allowance based on being in DC, the pay for an NRE would be about $1000-1500/month more than most locations --- you can check exact numbers in the links at the right (explained in the "What is NUPOC" post as well)

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  4. Regards,

    If I was selected for NUPOC program and commission as Ensigns in the U.S. Navy, then I could apply to complete my service obligations at NR Headquarters or they need to choose me?

    And the uprise in rank every two years is the same as the other programs (submarine/surface)?

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  5. If selected at interview it would be for a specific position. Typically you apply for a certain position, and Naval Reactors with either say "Yes", "No", or "No for Position X, but would you consider position Y?"

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  6. Would a BS in physics be allowed in place of one in engineering? Also, how would one go about earning a PhD during their time there since you can't do it all online like a mater's degree?

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    1. Regarding the degree, maybe, but engineering majors are preferred. Re: the PhD, it’s a great question. I know that it’s common for NREs to pursue/obtain one, but I don’t have a firm grasp of the logistics. I assume that they work with universities in the local region, but that would be a good question to get more detail on via the EVIP trip or reaching out to someone at NR.

      If you are nearing application completion and haven’t had it answered reach out via email and I’ll get in touch with the right people.

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  7. Two part question: are there any formal restrictions on NR employees transferring to naval aviation after 5 years? How about informal restrictions?

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    1. Hi Evan,

      I don't know of any restrictions, but I'm also not aware of it ever happening before either so I can't tell you with confidence that the path is available.

      I would note that if you spent the required 5 years at Naval Reactors and then incurred the time at flight school and subsequent aviation service commitment you'd already be 3/4 of the way to retirement in the Navy (nearly 15/20 years).

      Sorry that's not more helpful.

      Best,
      Brian

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    2. Evan,

      It's pretty much going to be impossible because by the time you are done with your 5 years as an NRE, you will be going through another 2-3 years in flight school. That total time will put you in the window for O-4 and with no operational flight experience, you will be SOL when it comes to competing against those who have flown their entire career.

      The common careers NRE and Instructors transfer is EDO (Engineering Duty Officer), Human Resources, CEC (though not as common).

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  8. I was recently accepted as a Nuclear Reactor Engineer, but have some time before going to ODS or Bettis Reactor Engineering School. I am trying to prepare for both as well as I can beforehand, but cannot find much reference material for either. Is there more detailed information available on ODS (as compared to OCS) and Bettis (BRES)??

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    1. I know that there is, but I don't have access to it -- sorry circling back and realized this was never answered. Once accepted you can work with contacts at NR to get more detail on BRES. ODS is like a watered-down OCS. Neither require much preparation other than to go and in be focused on completing them successfully.

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    2. I am interested in joining the NUPOC program. I was wondering about your perspective. After 2 years, what are your thoughts and opinions about the program?

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  9. How selective is the program? Do you think someone who graduated with a low GPA has a chance of getting in?

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    1. It depends on what you mean by "low" and what the rest of the application looks like, but the answer is probably "no". The GPA would need to round to 4, and even then only a 3.7+ is likely unless it's MIT, Stanford or comparable.

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  10. If a college student is accepted into this program, do they have to maintain a 3.7/3.8 GPA for the remainder of their college career? Or is it more lenient than that? Would they only need to keep their GPA above a 3.0 or a 3.5 or would that put them at risk of being dropped from the program?

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    1. Hi Brianna,

      As long as GPA is maintained above 3.5 you should be in good shape. If it drops below that it could become an issue, but so long as you communicate with your recruiter and have an explanation and plan to fix it it should be fine.

      Good luck!

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    2. Thank you for your prompt reply! If someone was to have their GPA drop below the requirement, do you know if they would be automatically designated elsewhere, like subs or carriers, or instructor, or if they would be expected to fulfill their commitment as enlisted?

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    3. You would just have to explain it to your recruiter + the program managers. If you didn't want to go to another role they would not make you, though it might be offered as an alternative to dropping out of the program altogether.

      For what it's worth, I never saw someone get removed from NRE due to grades. Several got counseled on need to improve performance, but even that was rare and in all cases performance improved and it was no issue.

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  11. Hi Brian,

    Is there a comprehensive list of colleges by tier? I would like to know where some of the schools that I am applying for graduate school stand on the list. Thanks!

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    1. Yes there is but it's not published. I personally performed the last update to the tier list before leaving my NUPOC role, so if you send me the schools you're considering via portal at bottom of page I can look it up.

      To grossly oversimplify, tier 1 schools are all of your elite private universities with engineering programs offered along with your large public universities with large / prominent engineering programs.

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  12. Brian,

    Is majoring in something other than engineering disqualifying? I am double majoring in Math and Physics and currently have a 4.0. However, since neither of these are actually engineering, would I be able to apply for this position? Thanks!

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    1. It's not 100% disqualifying, but it will be somewhat more difficult and will be dependent on them having a need for someone in the organization with your background. Good luck!

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  13. Where does Virginia Tech Mechanical Engineering rank in the tier of schools? Thank you.

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    1. It is a Tier 1 school (or at least was when I left the Navy. I revised the list just before leaving and have no reason to believe there has been any change since. The previous version was in use for decades).

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    2. Hey Brain,
      I am interested specifically in the NRE NUPOC and was wondering where a Chemical Engineering Degree from Clemson University would rank on the Navy's tier list?

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  14. I am a Materials Science Engineering major, interested in the NUPOC program. Specifically, the path an NR engineer. Is there a (physical) bootcamp involved/necessary in the program? Are there any other "fine print" details that I should be aware of?

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    1. If accepted, within a few months of graduation you would go to "Officer Development School" in Newport Rhode Island. This is the closest to "boot camp" you would get, though the program is quite brief (5 weeks if I remember right) and it's designed almost more like a finishing school than a boot camp. Classes on Naval History, training on how to properly wear a uniform, etc. The uniform lessons won't be very important for you as an NRE, because you don't wear a uniform at NR -- but you'll know how at least!

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    2. https://www.public.navy.mil/netc/NSTC/otcn/ods_program_overview.aspx

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  15. I'm currently pursuing a Mech Eng degree at ASU, and a prior enlisted Sub ELT qualified EWS. Would this play any role in being potentially selected for NR? Also, do the available jobs get offered prior to the interviews? I'm not at all interested in going back to sea or to prototype, and only interested in NR but would entertain NPS as well. Thanks!

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    1. I think it would help you in the interviews for sure, and might help marginally in the initial screening process -- but you would still need to screen academically for the program. So short answer -- yes, but not a silver bullet.

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  16. Hi Mr. Linville. Two questions. One: what subjects do we need to excel for on the ASVAB? Two: which degree would you recommend: a bachelors in Science of engineering or a bachelors in mechanical engineering?

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    1. 1. You don't need to take the ASVAB for NUPOC, but if you're looking at other options in the military that require it I'd recommend buying one of the study guides through Kaplan or another publisher -- they're pretty comprehensive (and you can find them cheap online).

      2. For Naval Reactors, Mechanical Engineering is one of the most versatile backgrounds (applicable to many different divisions within NR, so more likely there will be a position open for you to interview for), so I'd lean in that direction. Materials Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Nuclear Engineering are also in high demand at NR. Having said that, any engineering degree is eligible provided academic background meets their criteria and your interviews go well.

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    2. One thank you for answering my questions! Though, it’s been seven months ago.

      I do have one more question. If we do get accepted as a NRE, how will housing work? I understand NRE will be stationed at the Washington Navy Yard ‘till further notice, but are there apartments/houses on base? Or we have to find housing on our own?

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    3. You receive a housing stipend which is a tax-free component of your pay. You buy or rent housing on your own. I'd recommend spending a weekend in DC and the area beforehand to scout places, but there's no shortage of good options.

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  17. Hi Mr. Linville. Two questions. One: what subjects do we need to excel for on the ASVAB? Two: which degree would you recommend: a bachelors in Science of engineering or a bachelors in mechanical engineering?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Mr. Linville. I'm not a hundred percent sure you saw my first comment, but i do have two questions. Number one: In what subject should i practice and excel on the ASVAB. Number two: Which degree would you recommend: a bachelors in science of engineering or a bachelors in mechanical engineering?

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  19. I plan on majoring in Nuclear Engineering at University of Michigan. Is this a bad idea if I want to pursue a job as an NRE? Will the Bettis School be repetitive for me?

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    1. Mech E is a good major to pursue NRE, and if you got into Michigan's engineering program your test scores are likely competitive. You'll need to keep a high GPA, too, to be competitive for interviews though.

      BRES (the bettis school) will cover some material over but at a very fast pace, but then the primary focus is on nuclear engineering / design so I would expect relatively little overlap.

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  20. Hi. I found this to be a super helpful resource, so I wanted to say thanks.
    But I also have a question: Say I was told that I could interview for the NRE role after a pre screen. Would I be in a good position where if I did well at the interview I would get the role? Without knowing more about the background of who makes up the NRE I am unsure of how competitive my background is in comparison.

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    1. Yeah, that's correct. Some of the Nuclear Programs Officers could give you insight on the types of questions to expect, but by screening "yes" that means that on paper NR thinks you're qualified, pending a set of interviews.

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  21. If you don't mind me asking, is one required to complete the full 5-year term after being selected as an NRE? And are there any limits on what master's degrees we can pursue (e.g. limited to certain schools)?

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    1. Yes to the 5 year term. No limitations at all once you're out and on GI Bill. If you're using NR funding while still in an NR role, you have to justify it as being related to your job, but my understanding from friends is that you can stretch that fairly far.

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    2. There are some specific programs that give you significant credit for your work experience and studies at BRES -- I remember Penn State is one; I think about a half dozen do that but don't remember them all at this point. That doesn't mean you have to go that route, but it does shorten the counselor.

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  22. Is the rank you graduate ODS with flexible? Meaning, if you have a lot of technical and research experience are you able to graduate as an O2 or O3?

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  23. This is an excellent resource! Thank you so much for all your answers Brian.

    I'm 34 yrs old. I'll be 35 on October 1st, 2020. I will be graduating with a Petroleum Engineering degree from the University of Houston in May 2021. My GPA is 3.8 and I expect to maintain it.

    Currently I'm working on paperwork to join the CEC program because of my age. Is NRE an option for me or shouldn't I bother?

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    1. If I remember correctly you could get a waiver for instructor or NRE, but recommend reaching out to a recruiter to confirm that. Too old for subs... Waivers only go up to 31 at most at time of commissioning.

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  24. Got a question about Clemson that I'm not doing seeing posted for some reason. Short answer - - believe it's tier 1

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  25. Thanks for the information. I am interested in the NRE program. I have a MS in Petroleum Management (3.6), MBA (3.50), BS Metallurgical Engineering. I initiated an MS in Materials Science & Engineering at the University of California -Davis, Planning to orient my research in Nuclear Science. I have 10 years of experience in Petrochemical and Chemical operations On shore and Off shore served as Technical, Plant, Project, Design, Commissioning/De-Commissioning, and Test Engineer as well as Technical Project Manager. Does the experience make one competitive? Or Does NR just focus on the education?

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    1. Education is primary, but work experience is taken into account as well where applicable. I would confirm with an officer recruiter that you are eligible based on age. If my memory serves, the max age at commissioning is 29 for Subs / Surface with waivers available to 31, and 31 for NRE with waivers available there too but I forget the max cutoff. Take those numbers with a grain of salt -- it's been 4 years since I managed the program so some details are getting a bit fuzzy. You should figure out who the recruiter is at UC Davis and request a "pre-screen". That is very easy to execute and will let you know quickly whether it's worth the time to apply.

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  26. Hi Brian. I am currently a junior at Ohio Northern University pursuing a bachelor's in mechanical engineering with a 3.94 GPA. I was wondering what are my chances of getting an interview, considering that Ohio Northern is a small school (Division 3 in athletics). The school's primary programs are pharmacy and engineering, unlike most small school's that are primarily liberal arts.

    Here is a link from the US news rankings (I don't know if this matters or not): https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/ohio-northern-university-3089/overall-rankings

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    1. Hard to say. I'd submit a pre-screen. Will depend on your Sat / Act scores and which program you're applying for, but my guess is you'd be considered for an interview

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  27. Hi, Brian. Would you say that nuclear engineering is a generally desirable major for NR Engineer applicants? I know you've said that the needs of NR and the desired majors for applicants are always changing from cycle to cycle, but are nuclear engineering students commonly needed in most application cycles or is it rare that a position opens up for one?

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    1. Short answer is yes, it is desirable. Having said that, an EE or ME or CE major with a stronger academic profile than a NE major will still have a leg up. Primary determinants are GPA, test scores, and quality of the engineering program at the university being attended.

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  28. Hi, Brian , first and foremost, this is an excellent resource! I found this to be a super helpful resource with detailed knowledge, so I wanted to say thanks for all your answers sir. I am interested in the NRE program. I am majoring in Aviation/Aerospace Engineering. I was wondering if It could affect my chances of doing an interview for NRE Option during the application cycles ( due to a low GPA, and the needs of navy for having a BS degree in Aero Engr). Also, after 5-6 years of NRE commitment, could I go to NPS or it must be at a civilian college to pursue my master. Thanks for your time!

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    1. I'm not 100% sure I follow, but here's my stab at an answer:

      1. Aerospace Engineering shouldn't negatively impact your application, but I wouldn't expect it to positively impact it either relative to Mech E, Chem E, EE, etc.

      2. You mentioned a low GPA, but not sure if you're saying you have one. There's effectively 0 chance of getting accepted to NRE with a GPA <3.5 (at a top school), and you really want to be in the ~3.7 range and up if possible. If you're not at a top school (MIT, Stanford, CMU, Ga Tech, Michigan, etc.. (think like the top few dozen engineering programs) then a high GPA is more essential still.

      3. You can get a masters during your commitment as an NRE if you want, but obviously you'd have to do it as a part time program. A lot of people do this. If you wanted to do a full-time program, you could go that route after your commitment is up.

      4. NREs do not attend Power School, but they do complete a program called BRES (Bettis Reactor Engineering School) relatively early in their time at NR. BRES is in Pittsburgh, PA

      Hope that helps.

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  29. Hi Brian. Thanks for creating such a helpful resource.

    I have two questions:

    1. On the webpage (https://www.navy.com/careers/nuclear-officer) it says a minimum grade of "B" in all technical courses is required. I got a C+ in one weed-out course my freshman year. Is there any leniency on this or is this requirement fixed?

    2. What type of physical preparedness is required for NRE? Is there a PT boot camp that people accepted to be NRE's have to go through?

    Thanks again for your help!

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    1. 1. I don't think its a hard "no", but its definitely going to be noticed. Most NRE applicants have 3.7ish or higher GPAs from strong engineering programs and very strong SATs especially math.

      2. Technically yes, but as a living breathing human being who I presume is not obese, it's not something I'd worry about. Make sure you can comfortable pass a PRT and you'll be in good shape.

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    2. "Comfortably" sorry for typos ... on my phone.

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  30. Hello Brian, thanks for all the information.

    Where does Utah State University fit in the list with a degree in Mechanical Engineering?

    Thanks, Cody

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    1. To be honest, I don't remember. I'd guess it's Tier 2, but I can't confirm that and there may be updates since. If your SAT/ACTs are strong and your GPA is strong I think you'd have a shot.

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  31. Hello Brian,

    I'm a current math major with a high GPA and 1550 SAT. Is it still possible for me to apply and get accepted as an NRE or is this exclusive to engineering majors?

    Thanks

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    1. Mostly reserved for engineering, but I saw that flex a few times. It would be worth submitting a pre-screen to NR at a minimum. I don't think its a hard no ... would be a surer shot if you were explicitly engineering though

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  33. Hey Brian, First of all I would like to say thank you for putting together such a great resource. It has been so hard to find information about NUPOC and NREs in general, and this has been extremely helpful. I plan on enlisting as a navy nuke in a few months. I want to finish all of nuclear school before applying to STA-21 to finish my college degree (I already have 30+ college credits as a senior in high school and with the 77 awarded for completing nuclear school I should only need a couple credits before getting my bachelors). I would like to enter the NUPOC program with the goal of becoming an NRE. Would me taking this somewhat of an untraditional route of enlisting as a nuke before finishing school and going into NUPOC increase or decrease my chances of getting into NR at all? My last question is whether a score in the 85th percentile in the SAT is considered competitive for NR. I am considering retaking the test to try to get a more competitive score, but I would like to know if this is already considered competitive. Thanks again for the great resource and all of the extra info in the comments.

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    1. Strongly recommend you ignore the recruiter, apply to college, get good grades for two semesters in an engineering major, and then apply to NUPOC directly.

      The path you're laying out can work... but there are a lot of moving parts that could go wrong. And if it goes wrong, then you are finishing out your enlistment not as an officer. That may be ok with you (I'mnot casting aspersions here, either -- lots of great and super sharp enlisted nukes), but be aware of the risk and go in eyes wide open.

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    2. Thank you so much for the reply! I figured it would be more risky because it is a longer process, and there is no guarantee of getting into STA-21 after nuke school. The reason I am considering this is because I can't really pay for school, so I want to enlist and even if I have to finish my enlistment as a nuke I can get my degree afterwards with the GI Bill money. Agains thanks for the great resource, and for your fast reply.

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    3. My advice is the same, but i understand your reasoning. Either could work. Paying for school is unlikely to be a near term issue... student loans can be had by just about anyone, and once you join NUPOC you can use the salary to defray those costs. Alternatively, get an ROTC scholarship or attend USNA.

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    4. Thank you for the information about ROTC and USNA, I will look into that some more.

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  34. Hey Brian, thank you for this wonderful source of information. I'm currently a junior in electrical engineering at Texas A&M university with a GPA of 3.5. Would I be competitive for a position in NR? If not, would it be possible to laterally transfer into NR from either a sub or instructor position? Thank you again for all your help.

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    1. Just replied on the Instructor post, but will re-reply here. Possible yes, but on the low end of GPA for NRE and if your SAT / ACT is not very strong then it probably becomes a "no". That said, I'd give it a try.

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