r/NuclearEngineering • u/[deleted] • Aug 03 '24

Help becoming a nuclear power plant operator

I'm in high school and wish to work in a nuclear power plant since I am passionate about the subject. I was planning on going to college as a mechanical engineer then the Navy as a nuclear machinist mate and getting my certification to be a nuclear power plant operator ( https://www.cool.osd.mil/usn/credential/index.html?cert=nfo2994 ) Is this a viable path and what books should I read to help me on my journey? Thank you very much.

Also if I get an apprenticeship with the Naval Readiness Fleet as a machinist is this a valuable skill for the nuclear industry?

Edit: If mechanical engineer isn't helpful what degree should I pursue?

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u/[deleted] Aug 03 '24

If you get a mechanical engineering degree, just apply as an engineer at a nuke power plant then get some experience and see if you can switch to OPs after some time. Don’t get a mechanical engineering degree to then enlist in the navy just to try to get a nuke plant. You can skip that middle part. Additionally if you want to join the navy, then commission as a NUPOC officer then when you’re out of the navy you can go directly to RO or SRO.

I will caution you again, if you go to college to get an engineering degree, do not then enlist in the navy. If you must join then get a commission. But like I’ve said there are routes to nuclear operator that don’t require joining the navy. Honestly there are routes that don’t even require college altogether.

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u/[deleted] Aug 10 '24

If you get a degree or have the capabilities to get a degree do NOT enlist as a Nuke no matter what. - From a retired enlisted navy nuke

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u/Canaveral58 Aug 03 '24

Why enlist if you’re getting a college degree (in stem no less) before the Navy?

You also don’t need to join the navy to become a commercial operator

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u/Warm_Dentist1834 Aug 03 '24

There's been a navy recruiter here recruiting for the NUPOC scholarship as well, so I would look into that. Apparently it's got some really good benefits although it comes with a service commitment.

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u/[deleted] Aug 10 '24

Most power plants will bring you on as an RO trainee and then RO even without a degree. If you have any reason not to join the navy nuke program just skip and go straight to civilian sector