Reactor Engineer or Scientist (Severe Accident/Source Term)

Summary

This position is located in the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, Division of Advanced Reactors and Non-power Production and Utilization Facilities, Technical Branch 1.

The supervisors are Candace de Messieres.

This position is in the Bargaining Unit.

This position is subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements.

This position is not subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements (subject to change).

This job is open to

• Individuals with disabilities
• Federal employees – Competitive service

  Current or former competitive service federal employees.

• Federal employees – Excepted service

  Current excepted service federal employees.

• Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

  Federal employees who meet the definition of a “surplus” or “displaced” employee.

• Land & base management

  Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.

• Military spouses
• Native Americans

  Native Americans or Alaskan Natives with a tribal affiliation.

• National Guard & reserves

  Current members, those who want to join or transitioning military members.

• Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
• The public

  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

• Special authorities

  Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed above, but defined in the federal hiring regulations.

• Veterans

Clarification from the agency

This vacancy is open to the public. All NRC Employees are encouraged to apply.
Based on the staffing needs of the agency/area of consideration, additional selections may be made from this vacancy announcement.

Duties

As a Reactor Engineer or Scientist (Severe Accident/Source Term), you will serve as a technical reviewer for assignments associated with severe accidents and source term for new and advanced reactors to assure public health and safety and protection of the environment. Activities include developing policy and guidance and evaluating vendor submittals, reactor applications, and licensing actions. Responsibilities include evaluating the functional capability of nuclear power plant safety systems, equipment, and procedures needed for safe plant shutdown following abnormal events, the response of containment (or functional containment), the behavior of hydrogen and fission products in core damage accidents, and the radiological consequences of severe accidents. Also responsible for analysis of accident source terms and the environmental impact of design basis and severe accidents.

Such duties include, but not limited to:

• Reviewing submittals regarding non-light-water nuclear reactors to evaluate the implementation of NRC regulations and guidance associated with severe accidents and source term to assure public health and safety and protection of the environment. Reviews will apply risk-informed decision making and performance-based principles.
• Evaluating complex issues associated with the review of severe accidents and source terms in non-light-water nuclear reactors, including reviewing technical reports, assessing readiness, reviewing plans to close gaps, and developing regulations and guidance.
• Developing policy and guidance and evaluating vendor submittals, reactor applications, and licensing actions.
• Providing technical assistance, advice, and recommendations to NRC management and staff and communicating highly complex or precedent-setting issues related to severe accidents and source term with internal and external stakeholders.
• Evaluating the functional capability of nuclear power plant safety systems, equipment, and procedures needed for accident mitigation, the response of containment (or functional containment) and the behavior of hydrogen and fission products and the radiological consequences of severe accidents.
• Analysis of accident source terms and the environmental impact of design basis and severe accidents.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• This is a Drug Testing position.
• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Background investigation leading to a clearance is required for new hires.

To ensure compliance with an applicable preliminary nationwide injunction, which may be supplemented, modified, or vacated, depending on the course of ongoing litigation, the NRC will take no action to implement or enforce the COVID19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. The NRC will request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.

You must meet the qualifications for this position by no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.

Qualifications

In addition to the educational requirements to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GG-13) in the Federal Service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.

Specialized Experience is defined as experience in severe accident, source term, licensing basis event accident analysis, or radiological consequence analysis as it relates to nuclear facility design and operation.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

1. Demonstrated knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices in the fields of nuclear, mechanical, or other engineering or science disciplines sufficient to evaluate severe accident phenomena and radiological consequences for Generations II – IV reactor designs. (Examples may include specific experience, education, and training that demonstrate your knowledge related to severe accident phenomena, containment thermal-hydraulics, source term, and radiological consequences for Generations II – IV reactor designs (e.g., BWR, PWR, evolutionary LWR, non-LWR). Include specific experience and accomplishments which demonstrate your knowledge of the design, development, and application of system level and specialized computer codes for severe accident and radiological consequences for confirmatory analysis to support risk-informing and resolution of safety issues. Examples of computer codes for severe accident and radiological consequences include MELCOR, MAAP, MACCS, and RADTRAD.)
2. Demonstrated experience in leading, managing, or participating with others in complex, highly technical tasks related to severe accident phenomena or radiological consequences of Generation II-IV reactors that utilized risk-informed decision making and sound technical judgement leading to timely issue resolution. (Examples may include your specific experience, accomplishments, or training, which demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Describe situations where it was necessary for you to use tact, diplomacy, and negotiation skills to achieve cooperation or consensus when interacting with colleagues, management, or external stakeholders. Detail experience and your role in successful teamwork, team building, coalition building, or small group dynamics. Describe how your interpersonal skills have played a role in the understanding or resolution of issues and include examples of leading, mentoring, or giving training.)
3. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with colleagues, management, or external entities such as the public, industry, or international groups. (Example: Describe specific experience and accomplishments which demonstrate your ability prioritize, plan, schedule and manage complex technical projects. Include several specific examples of projects performed and describe the complexity of the work, and your ability to organize and accomplish the work.)
4. Demonstrated ability to communicate and present technical information clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. (Examples may include leading complex technical discussions, consolidating complex and diverse opinions, data, or analysis results into concise, balanced, and well-founded recommendations and producing high quality technical reports to diverse stakeholders.)

Education

You must include an unofficial or official copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application. Education must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of credibility of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. If you have multiple degrees (e.g., BS, MS, PhD) please submit transcripts for each degree.

Qualification for 0801 series:

Basic Requirements:

1. Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor’s degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.

OR

1. Combination of education and experience college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:
2. Professional registration or licensure Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1, or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board’s eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
3. Written Test Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
4. Specified academic courses Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.
5. Related curriculum Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor’s degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.)

More detailed information about these alternatives are described in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Qualification Standards Operating Manual which may be accessed at the following website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/general-engineering-series-0801/

GG-1301, (General Physical Science Series):

Basic requirements:

• Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. OR
• Combination of education and experience education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Additional information

The duty location of this position is Rockville, MD. In general, employees are expected to be in the office 4 days per pay period. Telework schedules are approved, on a case-by-case basis. If selected, telework will be determined in accordance with Agency policy and the Collective Bargaining Agreement, if applicable.

The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Individuals with disabilities may contact the Selective Placement Coordinator for assistance with the application or hiring process via Disability.Resource@nrc.gov. Deaf applicants may contact the Disability Program Manager by calling the NRC videophone at 240-428-3217.

Individuals who are eligible for non-competitive appointment under an OPM special appointing authority may apply for consideration under a comparable NRC non-competitive appointing authority. Veterans, please visit: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/

Selectee’s will be required to complete a “Declaration of Federal Employment”, (OF-306), prior to being appointed to determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on your resume or questionnaire can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.

A transferable security clearance from another agency or a background investigation leading to a clearance is required for all new hires. To begin work at the NRC without a security clearance, you must be granted a temporary waiver of the required clearance, referred to as a 145(b) waiver. To be eligible for a 145(b) waiver you will need a favorable education verification, reference, credit, and criminal history checks. If a wavier is granted, the successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication is required for continued employment. If you have resided outside the U.S. for an extended period of time, the agency may not be able to (1) grant the 145(b) waiver where the required investigation cannot be completed in a timely manner, or (2) achieve timely completion of the background investigation required for a security clearance.

The NRC is a zero tolerance agency with respect to illegal drug use. Individuals selected for this position will be subject to pre-appointment drug testing unless currently in a NRC position subject to random drug testing AND will be subject to random drug testing upon appointment to the NRC.

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  As an NRC employee you will enjoy excellent Federal Benefits, including: comprehensive health and life insurance plans; Flexible Spending Account Program for health and dependent care; Long Term Care Insurance; 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. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees. https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

When the application process is complete, your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements. You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to any vacancy questions to determine your level of knowledge, skill and ability related to the job requirements. If you are among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager.

Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to submit a thorough resume that directly relates to this position. Ensure that your resume addresses how you meet the Specialized Experience Requirement and Ideal Candidate criteria. Be sure to provide plenty of detail that addresses how you meet the specific job requirements.

Applications will be evaluated based on the information provided in the resume and response to the vacancy supplemental question against the specialized experience and education requirements for this position.

If selected for an interview, you will be contacted directly by a hiring manager or a representative designated by the hiring manager via the contact information you provide in your application. Applicants should not expect to receive additional status updates.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  As an NRC employee you will enjoy excellent Federal Benefits, including: comprehensive health and life insurance plans; Flexible Spending Account Program for health and dependent care; Long Term Care Insurance; 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. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees. https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have – whether you’re a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you’re eligible under their policies.

  List of supplemental material that may be applicable:

  NOTE: Your complete application includes your resume, your responses to any vacancy questions (if applicable), and if necessary, documents which prove your eligibility to apply. To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builder. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

  1. Job title
  2. Name of employer
  3. Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year) format
  4. Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience.
  5. Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable).
  6. Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).

  If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, please submit your transcript OR list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses along with the course credits in your resume. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.

  Please carefully review the list of document descriptions below, to see which documents are required for your application.

  If you are an NRC employee you are required to submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement saying that one is not available.

  If you are a current/reinstatement eligible Federal employee in the competitive service with status (Tenure Group 1 or 2), you will be considered under our merit promotion procedures and must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility.

  Veterans’ Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; Current Active Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.) You can find additional information about Veterans’ Preference at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.

  If you are applying for a position that requires a college degree, you must submit your College Transcripts.

  All supplemental documents will now be collected electronically and should be submitted before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. You have three choices for submitting your supplemental documents:

  1. Use the “USAJOBS” feature to download documents from your USAJOBS portfolio; or
  2. Use the “Upload” feature to upload documents directly from your computer. The following types of documents can be uploaded: .gif, .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, and .doc; or
  3. Use the “Fax” feature to print the Fax Cover Sheet and fax it, along with your supplemental documents to 1-571-258-4052.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

  We strongly encourage you to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position.

  Your application for this vacancy must be received online via the USAJOBS application system BEFORE 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online application, you will not be considered for this position.

  To ensure you are using the correct resume type when applying to our vacancies, please make sure that the resume you are using during the application process is listed with a format type of “USAJOBS Resume” and a source type of “Built with USAJOBS Resume Builder. Verifying this information on your USAJOBS resume before applying will ensure the successful submission of your application to the NRC job vacancy.

  Paper applications will not be accepted unless hardship circumstances can be demonstrated. Requests for extensions WILL NOT be granted. If applying online poses a hardship for you, the Human Resources Specialist listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted online by the closing date. Applicants must contact the Human Resources Specialist during business hours BEFORE the closing date of the announcement and speak to someone who can provide assistance for your online submission.

  You must answer any job specific vacancy questions. You will be rated based on your responses to any vacancy questions and especially the information provided in your resume. Breadth, recency, and length of experience in the field; training, awards, and commendations; past and current performance; and community or outside professional activities will be considered to determine your level of knowledge, skill or ability for this position. Abbreviated responses to the vacancy questions, such as “significant experience” or “see resume” do not provide enough information and should not be used. You will not be considered for this position if you leave any of the vacancy questions unanswered.

  To begin the application process, select the “Apply On-line” button to the right on this screen. Then follow the prompts to login/register, submit all required supplemental documents, and complete the application process.

  Agency contact information

  Briana Dade

  Phone

  000-000-0000

  TDD

  240-428-3217

  Fax

  000-000-0000

  Email

  Briana.Dade@nrc.gov

  Address

  NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of Human Resources Attn: Please Complete Washington, District of Columbia 20555 United States

  Next steps

  You may check the status of your application at any time after the announcement closes by logging onto USAJOBs and selecting “Application Status.”

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

List of supplemental material that may be applicable:

NOTE: Your complete application includes your resume, your responses to any vacancy questions (if applicable), and if necessary, documents which prove your eligibility to apply. To ensure all of the essential information is in your resume, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS online Resume Builder. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

1. Job title
2. Name of employer
3. Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year) format
4. Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will prorate part-time employment in crediting experience.
5. Detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable).
6. Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).

If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, please submit your transcript OR list your education history including the type of degree and your major of study. If the position requires a certain number of credit hours, you are strongly encouraged to list the relevant courses along with the course credits in your resume. Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.

Please carefully review the list of document descriptions below, to see which documents are required for your application.

If you are an NRC employee you are required to submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement saying that one is not available.

If you are a current/reinstatement eligible Federal employee in the competitive service with status (Tenure Group 1 or 2), you will be considered under our merit promotion procedures and must submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility.

Veterans’ Preference documentation, if applicable (e.g. DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; Current Active Duty members must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter.) You can find additional information about Veterans’ Preference at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.

If you are applying for a position that requires a college degree, you must submit your College Transcripts.

All supplemental documents will now be collected electronically and should be submitted before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. You have three choices for submitting your supplemental documents:

1. Use the “USAJOBS” feature to download documents from your USAJOBS portfolio; or
2. Use the “Upload” feature to upload documents directly from your computer. The following types of documents can be uploaded: .gif, .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, and .doc; or
3. Use the “Fax” feature to print the Fax Cover Sheet and fax it, along with your supplemental documents to 1-571-258-4052.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

We strongly encourage you to read the entire announcement before you submit your application for this position.

Your application for this vacancy must be received online via the USAJOBS application system BEFORE 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online application, you will not be considered for this position.

To ensure you are using the correct resume type when applying to our vacancies, please make sure that the resume you are using during the application process is listed with a format type of “USAJOBS Resume” and a source type of “Built with USAJOBS Resume Builder. Verifying this information on your USAJOBS resume before applying will ensure the successful submission of your application to the NRC job vacancy.

Paper applications will not be accepted unless hardship circumstances can be demonstrated. Requests for extensions WILL NOT be granted. If applying online poses a hardship for you, the Human Resources Specialist listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted online by the closing date. Applicants must contact the Human Resources Specialist during business hours BEFORE the closing date of the announcement and speak to someone who can provide assistance for your online submission.

You must answer any job specific vacancy questions. You will be rated based on your responses to any vacancy questions and especially the information provided in your resume. Breadth, recency, and length of experience in the field; training, awards, and commendations; past and current performance; and community or outside professional activities will be considered to determine your level of knowledge, skill or ability for this position. Abbreviated responses to the vacancy questions, such as “significant experience” or “see resume” do not provide enough information and should not be used. You will not be considered for this position if you leave any of the vacancy questions unanswered.

To begin the application process, select the “Apply On-line” button to the right on this screen. Then follow the prompts to login/register, submit all required supplemental documents, and complete the application process.

Agency contact information

Briana Dade

Phone

000-000-0000

TDD

240-428-3217

Fax

000-000-0000

Email

Briana.Dade@nrc.gov

Address

NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Office of Human Resources Attn: Please Complete Washington, District of Columbia 20555 United States

Next steps

You may check the status of your application at any time after the announcement closes by logging onto USAJOBs and selecting “Application Status.”

Fair & Transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request