Navy Officer Subspecialty · Engineering
5202 Reactors
An officer subspecialty earned alongside a primary designator, marking advanced education or experience in this field.
Overview
Officers in the Reactors subspecialty work on nuclear reactor operation, analysis, instrumentation, controls, maintenance, and safety. They apply reactor physics and plant engineering to maintain stable operation and respond safely to abnormal conditions.
Core Skills
- reactor operations
- reactor physics
- thermal hydraulics
- reactor controls
- nuclear instrumentation
- radiation monitoring
- equipment qualification
- event investigation
- nuclear procedure compliance
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Azure software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Power Automate
- Microsoft Power BI
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft SharePoint
Civilian Career Paths
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Facilities Management
- Project Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Radiation Safety Officer Certification
- OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Career Growth
- Professional Engineer (PE) License
- NRC Reactor Operator License
- Certified Health Physicist (CHP)
Also Common
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
What the Work Involves
- Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.
- Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures.
- Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired.
- Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.
- Monitor all systems for normal running conditions, performing activities such as checking gauges to assess output or the effects of generator loading on other equipment.
Related Occupations
- Power Plant Operators
- Chemical Engineers
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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