General Engineer/Physical Scientist

Launch a high‑impact public service career with the NNSA Ignition Program, a structured two‑year federal early‑career development initiative for exceptional recent graduates. This on‑site opportunity in Las Vegas, NV offers a clear path to growth within national security, supported by a comprehensive federal benefits package and a competitive salary range. Position requires a Master’s Degree.

Benefits

Comprehensive federal benefits package.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, build, and test weapons, machines, systems, structures, components, equipment, and materials to meet Nuclear Security Enterprise objectives and requirements.
• Evaluate, oversee, direct, or advise contracted work to ensure quality and compliance with plans, designs, and specifications.
• Monitor NNSA project operations, performance, and quality assurance, advising on NNSA policies and regulations; participate in program planning sessions and milestone reviews; maintain productive interaction with staff.
• Technically direct, oversee, organize, or serve as principal contributors for program segments on team projects; prepare, present, and evaluate plans, designs, reports, and correspondence.

Requirements

• Subject to Random Drug Testing
• Must pass a pre‑employment drug test
• Favorable suitability determination required
• Financial Disclosure is required
• Must be able to obtain/maintain a Q level Security Clearance
• You must be a United States Citizen
• This employer participates in the e‑Verify program
• Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements
• Compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD‑12) requiring two forms of identification
• A two‑year trial period may be required; employees on trial may be terminated during the probationary period for performance, conduct, or business reasons
• More than one position may be filled from this vacancy announcement
• Must obtain certification in the DOE's Technical Qualification Program (TQP) within 18 months of start date; TQP requires competencies identified in standards and certification by NNSA supervision and TQP qualifying officials
• Resume limited to two pages; resumes exceeding this limit may be disqualified
• Be a recent graduate (January 2024 through June 2026) with a Master’s Degree in a qualifying field, or a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in a qualifying field with Superior Academic Achievement
• Grade point averages are rounded to one decimal place
• If more than 10 percent of undergraduate coursework was pass/fail, SAA claims must be supported by class standing or honor society membership with documentation
• Competencies required: General Engineering; Project Management; Technical Competence

Education

All applicants must meet the basic requirements of the General Engineer/Physical Science occupational series. Documentation of education is required with the application. Pathways include:

• 801 - Degree: professional engineering. The curriculum must be ABET‑accredited as a professional engineering program or include calculus and pertinent engineering science or physics coursework, meeting the series standards.
• 1301 - Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics with at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, or a combination of education and experience demonstrating the required knowledge.

Open to

• The public: U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Additional Information

• Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• ICTAP/CTAP eligibility information is available for eligible displaced federal employees
• More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement
• All positions require successful completion of a background investigation
• Selective Service registration requirements apply to all affected males
• A Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be offered for highly qualified applicants
• Answers to four short essay questions in the questionnaire will be reviewed by the hiring manager and leadership

Required Documents

• All applicants must submit a resume supporting specialized experience and responses to the online questionnaire
• A two‑page resume showing full work history, duties, employers, dates, schedule, salary, and education
• Cover Letter is optional but may not be considered if provided
• Transcripts or proof of education as indicated in the announcement; unofficial transcripts are acceptable initially, official transcripts required if selected
• SF‑50, Notification of Personnel Action, if currently or formerly employed by the Federal government
• For more resume guidance, refer to USAJOBS tutorials; documentation formats may be requested during applying