Nuclear Propulsion Officer Aspirant

The Nuclear Propulsion Officer Aspirant (NPOA) role in the "operations" sector offers recent graduates or students from BAC+2 seeking a gap year or initial professional experience the opportunity to engage with the French Navy for a twelve-month duration in the "operations" area, encompassing six specialties: watch officer, assistant watch officer on submarines, support for commando unit operations, support for mine warfare operations, support for naval aviation operations, and mechanical engineering.

Institution Overview:

Across all oceans and seas globally, sailors work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of French maritime territory. Whether at sea, on land, or in the air, they are dedicated to executing missions of intelligence, prevention, intervention, protection, and deterrence.

Position Environment:

The nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) are integral to the strategic nuclear forces component (FNS). The presence of an SSBN at sea, or two if necessary, ensures the capability to respond to a presidential fire order at any moment should vital French interests be threatened. These submarines are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and possess exceptional acoustic stealth. At sea, the SSBN serves as an autonomous and undetectable operational base. The operational cycle consists of:

• A training phase on simulators;
• A maintenance period for the vessel;
• A patrol lasting 9 to 10 weeks;
• A support phase for the second crew during their maintenance period;
• A leave period.

Responsibilities:

As part of the ship's crew, the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Aspirant collaborates within the ship group (propulsion, diving safety, classic safety, and all facilities related to the submarine's onboard viability). At sea, their schedule focuses on two primary objectives:

• Understanding the operation of the submarine and its systems;
• Executing effective roles within the submarine organization.

This is reflected in the ship group through a role as an assistant to the officer responsible for diving safety (fire organization) or as an assistant in health and safety at work. If scheduling permits, they may also serve as Central Master after completing qualifying training.

The goal of this year is to affirm the volunteer's interest in pursuing a career within the institution as a contracted officer (OSC) and to prepare for the OSC admission course in a supportive environment.

The volunteer will have the chance to concentrate particularly on the "Nuclear Energy" sector, leading to specialized training as a nuclear boiler engineer.

Location:

Initial officer training (FIO) for four weeks at the Naval Academy. Following this, additional "energy-propulsion" training will be conducted at the Naval Academy. The NPOA will subsequently join the Squadron of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. The initial training course for submariners will be held at the Submarine Navigation School.

Compensation:

• The proposed base salary is approximately 910€ per month (subject to variations based on professional and personal circumstances: assignment location, family situation, private or base housing).
• Free accommodation and meals are provided;
• The volunteer may also qualify for the activity allowance depending on their resources;
• SNCF benefits include a 75% discount for personal travel;
• Potential additional bonuses based on the assignment.

Candidate Profile:

Students or recent graduates interested in gaining leadership experience or experiencing life at sea during a gap year must meet the following criteria:

• Be between 17 and 26 years old at the time of application;
• Hold a minimum of Bac+2 to Bac+5 (general or specialized engineering degree, scientific university degree);
• Possess the necessary medical, physical, and psychological aptitudes for the desired specialty(ies);
• Demonstrate proven language skills (primarily in English).

Prerequisites:

• French nationality;
• Physically and medically fit;
• Completed the Defense and Citizenship Day;
• Able to swim;
• Under 26 years old at the time of application.

Recruitment Process:

• Submit application online;
• Participate in a motivational interview;
• Complete medical, sports, language aptitude tests, and psychological interview;
• Attend an admission board;
• Undergo military and job training;
• Receive unit assignment.