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.