MMC 3395 Getting Out in 13 months. Looking for advice.

[MMC G]

I retire in June of 2011. I am a  20 year  Machinist Mate PPWS/QAS/Nuke Planner/Nuke Valve Cutter/Master Training Specialist. 

I have been reading through the boards and what I thought was a set path for instant SRO now has me second guessing what I'm looking for.

I'm getting out of the Navy because I want to see more of my family.  I'm currently on month 5 of two back to back Red Sea cruises and am not giddy for the idea of 80 hour work weeks.  I'm looking for something that is between forty and sixty hours a week.  I would enjoy training, QA, operation and as a last choice maintenance.  I am not set on a location or part of the country, but the North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee areas seem pretty attractive.

What jobs are the Navy Nukes in my range doing well at?  Who would be a good contact for obtaining interviews?  What are the honest salary ranges outside of bonus money for starting for these jobs?

Thanks for you time.

[adrianI]

As far as contacts: If you have any friends at plants around the country they could probably get your name to HR

As far as salary, it is going to vary depending what position you take. SRO will probably  pay the most but like you said you wanted to spend more time with your family and ILT class is no joke. I think the going rate for SRO's (at least at Exelon) is around 95k

[co60slr]

I retire in June of 2011. I am a  20 year  Machinist Mate PPWS/QAS/Nuke Planner/Nuke Valve Cutter/Master Training Specialist. 

I have been reading through the boards and what I thought was a set path for instant SRO now has me second guessing what I'm looking for.

I'm getting out of the Navy because I want to see more of my family.  I'm currently on month 5 of two back to back Red Sea cruises and am not giddy for the idea of 80 hour work weeks.  I'm looking for something that is between forty and sixty hours a week.  I would enjoy training, QA, operation and as a last choice maintenance.  I am not set on a location or part of the country, but the North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee areas seem pretty attractive.

What jobs are the Navy Nukes in my range doing well at?  Who would be a good contact for obtaining interviews?  What are the honest salary ranges outside of bonus money for starting for these jobs?

In the last 6 months, we've talked a bit in the Forum here about nuclear and non-nuclear jobs, the use of national recruiters in your search, the importance of networking, etc.  It seems your question is a shotgun approach to "everything", so I'm not sure quite how to answer without typing a book here.  <grin>  I think one of your top assets is your willingness to relocate anywhere to find a job that suits you.

First, why are you second quessing DSRO?  Regardless, have you thought about the AUO/NLO path vice jumping right into licensing?

It's my perception that many want to live in the warm, stable economy of the Southeast, which is why it can be more competitive.  If you're looking for the dream job that pays 6 figures in the SE, but don't want to go through a training program I think you'll have a difficult job search.  However, you're far enough away from retirement to have a very comprehensive (and fun) job search.  There is no table or spreadsheet of jobs/locations/salaries.  As a thumbrule, companies in better economies pay less, companies trying to fill positions that are hard to keep filled pay more.   For example, some utilities don't hire direct SROs, where others are using that as their primary staffing tool here in 2010.

If you want to get into nuclear operations, you need a Navy to Commercial Nuclear transition plan.  Honestly, you have to spend some time in someone's "commercial nuke school" again in order to be competitive on this side of the fence.  While many are hiring Instructors, you'll still have to obtain at least a SRO Certification (same process as DSRO without the NRC Exam).

I've talked with some in your shoes/desires who choose maintenance as the best option, which you indicate is your last option?  I've seen a few go into Corrective Actions Management as well.

For job searching, you have 3 options:  1) Upload your resume to a posted job announcement, 2) find/contact a recruiter directly via Internet, Job Fair, etc, 3) network with an old "shipmate" who's in a location/position you'd like to be in and ask for help.  You can also use a national recruiter, but be careful (see other recent postings on that subject).  Network, network, network!!!

Finally, you also have the luxury of time on your side.  Timing your separation and getting into that new dream job is critical.  Do as much research before you request a retirement date...especially if you'd like to jump right into your new job during terminal leave or at retirement.  Attend TAP when you return and start working on your transition plan now. 

[JustinHEMI05]

Your best bet for finding openings is to simply find out what utility owns the places you want to work, and watch their job sites. Even though I am happily employed, I treat surfing the job boards as a pass time. I am pretty up to date on who is hiring where and for what, so you can PM me for help getting you one your way. I won't do the searches for you, but I am more than happy to show you what to look for and how to do it.

As far as what you want to do, I have the same question... what is making you second guess instant SRO? Adrian I indicated a starting salary for instant SRO, but keep in mind, that is one utility (Exelon). Utilities in the south are likely to offer an instant SRO out of the Navy less than that. I don't know for sure, but I base that guess on what an EMC friend was offered 3 years ago at a southern plant (77K).

Like someone else pointed out, instant SRO is probably going to your most pay starting out. Any other positions and you are probably going to start at a pay cut.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[LaFeet]

You might want to consider taking the NRRPT exam (the material is no tougher than what you are already used to - but more varied).  Its not a necessity, but it can not hurt.

Good Luck and thanks for your service

[adrianI]

Also, not that it will help you get the job, but.... you can look at NRC GFES and license exams on their website. This will at least give you an idea of what you'll be learning in license class.

warning: it's not as scary as it looks. They prepare you pretty well (at least at Exelon plants, I can't speak about anywhere else)