I applied through university. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at US Navy (Washington, DC) in Mar 2011
Interview
I went through three technical interviews at the Navy Yard in Washington DC, where I demonstrated basic calculus skills, problem solving skills, and graduate studies, then interviewed with Admiral Donald, the 4 star admiral who is the Director of Naval Reactors. After I was accepted, I had to complete a 6 month Advanced Nuclear Power certification as well as qualify Engineering Officer of the Watch at a Nuclear Reactor Prototype.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How do you describe the force that is internal to a structure due to its own weight?
Math, Physics, thermofluids topics were asked by 2 different interviewers. They tended to care much more about thought process than the ultimate correct answers to the problems. Ended with the admiral interview; very direct and simple behavior questions.
Three technical interviews in Calculus/Physics, one personal with the admiral. Technical interview process was relatively straightforward and are straight from the practice problems your recruiter gives you. Definitely concentrate on optimization calculus problems and how to derive the volumes of shapes.
I applied in-person. The process took 3 months. I interviewed at US Navy (Washington, DC)
Interview
3 Rounds of interviews.
2 - Technical in nature, can be asked about any technical subject studied while at University. Calculus and Physics are fair game to all candidates. If you do not perform well on 1, you may receive 3rd technical interview.
1 - Interview with NAVSEA08 - Will be more of a personality interview, could reflect on past failures/obstacles, why you want to do the job, where you think you may struggle, and why you are a good candidate
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
The questions for technical interviews are derived from the NUPOC study guide materials.
These questions are random in nature, but you will generally have to demonstrate your knowledge on Physics and Calculus at a minimum and then often will answer questions concerning your major field of study.
