Operations Engineer

Operations Engineer roles support nuclear reactor oversight in the Office of the Chief Nuclear Reactor Inspector, R3 Division of Reactor Safety, Operator Licensing Branch (Region III).

Responsibilities

• Develop, prepare, and administer examinations for applicants for operator and senior operator nuclear reactor licenses.
• Plan, conduct, report, and coordinate findings for light-water reactor inspections in accordance with the NRC Inspection Manual.
• Prepare, review, and administer written and operating examinations for operator license applicants.
• Plan and prepare inspection scope to obtain sufficient information through direct observation and verification of licensee activities, including licensed operator re-qualification training.
• Perform routine and complex inspections of reactor facilities to verify conformance with NRC rules and regulations, inspection procedures, and orders.
• Write reports of inspection findings to determine whether the facility is operated safely, licensee management control programs are effective, and regulatory requirements are met.
• Coordinate inspection findings into an overall licensee assessment.

Requirements

• Meet position qualifications no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement and before placement in the position.
• Resume information must be true and accurate.
• U.S. Citizenship required (all U.S. Citizens may apply).
• This is a Drug Testing position.
• Must be able to meet and maintain security and suitability requirements.
• Must be able to complete a 1 or 2-year trial period during which fitness and whether continued employment advances the public interest are evaluated.
• Employment is terminated after the trial period unless certification is received in writing that continued employment advances the public interest.
• At least 1 year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service, or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
• Knowledge of principles, theories, and practices of nuclear reactor and commercial nuclear power plant engineering.
• Knowledge of power plant systems, procedures, and integrated facility operations based on reactor operation or inspection experience at operating commercial nuclear reactor facilities.
• Ability to apply regulations, regulatory guides, industry standards, reactor and operator licensing guidelines and procedures, and reactor operation, inspection, and assessment techniques.
• Knowledge of current NRC rules and regulations, policies, reactor license requirements, and inspection procedures for normal and accident operation.
• Ability to present technical information orally and in writing.
• Education expectation for Federal Government professional engineering positions: Bachelor’s or higher in a relevant engineering discipline with an ABET-accredited curriculum, or meet professional alternatives (including P.E. registration, EIT examination, or qualifying coursework plus qualifying work experience under P.E. supervision).
• Engineering technology degrees are generally not qualifying unless supplemented by other evidence of professional knowledge (such as current P.E. license or EIT results).
• If qualifying on education, include unofficial or official transcripts with the application.
• For qualifying on foreign education, provide proof of equivalency and credibility; documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
• Duty location: Naperville, IL.
• Selectees may be required to complete OF-306 to determine suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.
• Subject to pre-appointment drug testing.
• A transferable security clearance from another agency or a background investigation leading to a clearance is required for new hires.
• To start without a security clearance, a temporary 145(b) waiver must be granted; continued employment requires completion of background investigation and favorable adjudication.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and life insurance plans
• Flexible Spending Account Program for health and dependent care
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan)
• Annual (vacation) and paid sick leave
• Family friendly leave policies
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Transit benefits

Additional Information

• Not a full-time remote position.
• Supervision: Karla Stoedter.
• This position is not subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements.
• This position is not subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements.
• Selectees may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy.
• Based on staffing needs, additional selections may be made from this vacancy announcement.
• False statements or responses on resume or questionnaire can jeopardize employment and may lead to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.
• The NRC has a zero-tolerance policy regarding illegal drug use.
• Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government and upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Evaluation is based on how well you meet the qualifications listed above.
• Applications are reviewed to confirm job requirements are met.
• Your application is evaluated based on resume details and responses to vacancy questions to determine your level of knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• You must respond to all required application questions.
• Top candidates may be referred to the hiring manager for possible interview and selection based on the number of vacancies to be filled in each office.
• Your resume is the primary means for assessing your skills, knowledge, and abilities related to this position.

Required Documents

• Resume (limit to 2 pages) including: personal information, education, and detailed work experience (work schedule, hours per week, dates of employment, title, series, grade if applicable) plus other qualifications.
• Transcripts: submit official or unofficial college/university transcripts if the position has a positive education requirement.
• Current Federal Employees/Reinstatement Eligibles: submit a copy of your most recent non-award SF-50.
• Veteran Preference Eligibles: submit DD-214, SF-15, and related documentation (including a VA letter showing disability percentage; and certification if currently on active duty).
• Individuals with Disabilities applying under Schedule A: submit supporting documentation (Schedule A Letter).
• Military Spouse: submit documentation verifying marriage and current military orders or documentation specified for a 100% disabled service member spouse or an un-remarried widow/widower scenario.
• Peace Corps: submit proof of non-competitive eligibility (e.g., description of service).
• All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.

Open To

• U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• Current federal employees whose agencies follow OPM hiring rules and pay scales.
• Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales, and evaluation criteria.
• Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, or a spouse, widow, widower, or parent of a veteran (may be eligible for derived preference).
• Military spouses of active duty service members, or whose spouse is 100% disabled or died on active duty.
• Individuals eligible under Schedule A.
• Individuals with at least 2 years with the Peace Corps or 1 year with AmeriCorps VISTA.
• Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed in another hiring path.

Location: Atlanta, GA (onsite). Duty location: Naperville, IL. Salary: USD 106,437 - 158,322 per year. Minimum experience: 1 year. Education: Bachelor’s or higher degree in a relevant ABET-accredited professional engineering discipline OR P.E. registration.