This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/645934700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: These positions are being filled using Direct-Hire Authority. These positions are located in the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES), Division of Systems Analysis (DSA), Code and Reactor Analysis Branch I (CRAB I) and Code and Reactor Analysis Branch II (CRAB II). The supervisors are Chris Hoxie and Kenneth Armstrong, respectively.
Based on the staffing needs of the agency/area of consideration, additional selections may be made from this vacancy announcement.
Learn more about this agency03/30/2022 to 09/27/2022
$74,950 - $138,868 per year
GG 11 - 13
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Occasional travel - Occasional travel may be required.
Yes—Travel expenses associated with interview and/or relocation may be paid.
Permanent
Full-time
Excepted
13
No
Yes
RES/DSA-2022-0007
645934700
DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: These positions are being filled using Direct-Hire Authority. This is an OPEN UNTIL FILLED ANNOUNCEMENT. It will be used to fill positions as vacancies occur. Over the course of the open period, applications will be reviewed and referred for positions as they become available. The first set of applications will be reviewed and made available for referral on/about April 13, 2022. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to apply early to receive the broadest consideration.
As Reactor Systems Engineer at the full performance level of the position, you will conduct and coordinate specialized research and analysis in the development, maintenance, and application of transient coupled neutronic, thermal-hydraulic, and fuel performance computer codes to support the resolution of relevant technical issues. You will provide coordination, planning, development, and technical direction of relevant safety research programs. Typical duties include but not limited to:
1. Performs routine studies of detailed thermal-hydraulic, neutronic, and nuclear fuel performance behavior using advanced multiphysics computational codes (e.g., TRACE PARCS-BISON and TRACE-PARCS-FAST and the NRC Blue Crab Suite of codes for advanced non-LWRs).
2. Performs routine confirmatory calculations and supports reviews and evaluations of the safety and non-safety related reactor systems design, process design parameters, technical specifications, the reactor core, fuel and systems design, nuclear methods, or performance of operating reactor and new reactor designs (including advanced non LWRs).
3. Supports the development of plans and objectives for analytic and experimental research programs to support the development and maintenance of constitutive relationships and correlations to improve the accuracy of code simulations and extend code capabilities. Performs detailed Verification and Validation studies to evaluate the applicability of NRC computer codes to proposed regulatory uses.
4. Prepares and delivers presentations for technical and programmatic review meetings. Attends and participates in technical conferences and seminars sponsored by the NRC and/or professional societies for addressing reactor safety and thermal hydraulic code issues, as requested.
5. May be required to manage contracts with the National Laboratories (Department of Energy), other Government agencies, academic institutions, and private contractors in support of licensing reviews. May serve as a COR (Contract Officer Representative) and manage programs and contracts.
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.
In order to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
For the GG-11 level:
To qualify at the GG-11 grade level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GG-09 grade level which is defined as experience that demonstrates the knowledge of computer languages (e.g. Fortran and/or C++) and/or knowledge of one or more of the following areas of reactor and nuclear power plant systems design and analysis: neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, or fuel performance.
OR
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree OR a Ph.D. OR equivalent doctoral degree.
For the GG-12 level:
To qualify at the GG-12 grade level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GG-11 grade level, which is defined as experience that demonstrates computer language coding experience (e.g. Fortran and/or C++) and/or technical knowledge or experience in one or more of the following areas: neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, or fuel performance. In particular experience coding and maintaining codes for scientific and technical applications particularly relating to one or more of the following areas: neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, or fuel performance.
For the GG-13 level:
To qualify at the GG-13 grade level, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GG-12 grade level which is defined as experience that demonstrates computer language coding experience (e.g. Fortran and/or C++) and/or experience in one or more of the following areas associated with reactor and nuclear power plant systems design and analysis: neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, or fuel performance. In particular experience performing innovative scientific and technical computer code development and maintenance for scientific and technical applications particularly relating to one or more of the following areas: neutronics, thermal-hydraulics, or fuel performance.
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:
1. Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and mathematical models and methods for steady state and transient analysis of nuclear reactor neutronics, thermal hydraulic systems and reactor fuel designs, particularly related to development, maintenance, assessment, and application of analytical codes for the analysis of PWRs, BWRs, research and test reactors, and/or advanced non-LWR reactor systems and nuclear fuel designs. Examples may include your experience in applying your knowledge in research programs in areas such as nuclear reactor core neutronics, reactor coolant thermal hydraulic systems, and nuclear fuel performance under normal and postulated off-normal conditions (e.g., Anticipated Transient Without SCRAM), design basis accident conditions (e.g., LOCA), and severe accident conditions to support the safety assessment of nuclear power plants.
2. Demonstrated skill of computer code planning, development, maintenance, assessment, and application for analytical codes including skills with code development tools , and the ability to maintain neutronic and thermal hydraulic reactor systems codes and fuel performance codes to meet emerging analysis needs introduced by new advanced non-LWR systems and new fuel design features. Examples may include your experience of computer code planning, development, maintenance, assessment, and application that you have led or been involved in including identification of code improvements, modification of code structure, verification testing, and related documentation. Examples may also include your specific role and specific work products that reflect your technical knowledge and contribution to the projects. Examples may also include your experience of your knowledge computer programming languages and code development tools such as: Fortran C++, Python, Microsoft Visual Studio, Intel Fortran and GFORTRAN compilers at or greater than the FORTRAN 2008 standard. Examples also include experience with analytical codes such as TRACE, PARCS, SAM, GRIFFIN, FAST, BISON, SNAP or frameworks such as MOOSE.
3. Demonstrated skill in preparing contracts to support complex technical nuclear regulatory research programs and knowledge of administrative and policy issues to identify their effect on the management of complex technical programs. Examples may include your specific education, work experience and developmental assignments that demonstrate your skill in identifying, planning and acquiring resources for assigned programs. Examples may also include your experience in evaluating varied proposals and approaches to management issues and recommending and implementing changes for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of a program or project.
4. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with management and staff, coworkers, and personnel of other U.S. government agencies or equivalent industry organizations and/or international organizations. Examples may include your ability to use informal and formal networks to build support for programs. This may include your experience to serve as a point of contact on neutronics analysis or thermal hydraulic analysis or fuel performance analysis or new and advanced reactor designs, with other program offices, the Commission or equivalent industry organizations, advisory groups, international organizations, and/or other stakeholders, and your experience providing advice and recommendations on research areas and initiatives to enhance regulatory effectiveness and efficiency. Provide examples of specific assignments that required you to work within a team environment, the techniques used to develop effective working relationships, and your role on the team.
5. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate technical information both orally and in writing. Examples may include your specific experience and accomplishments which demonstrate your ability to lead complex technical discussions and to consolidate complex and diverse opinions into concise, balanced and well-founded recommendations and your ability to produce high quality technical reports.
A description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate should be addressed in your resume and additional space provided for supplemental response.
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.
Qualification for All Professional Engineering 0800 Series:
Basic Requirements:
OR
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-dataoversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0800/general-engineering-series-0801/
These positions are in the Bargaining Unit with the National Treasury Employees Union, Chapter 208, have potential Contractor Representative Duties (COR) that may subject it to the Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements, and are subject to the security ownership restriction reporting requirements.
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.
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.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
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. Qualified applicants will be forwarded to the hiring manager for possible interview and selection.
Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your knowledge, skills, 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.
If selected for an interview, you will be contacted directly by a hiring manager via the contact information you provided in your application. Applicants should not expect to receive additional status updates.
List of supplemental material that may be applicable:
If you are a current/reinstatement eligible Federal employee 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/.
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.
All supplemental documents will now be collected electronically and should be submitted BEFORE the closing date of this vacancy announcement. File uploads are limited to 5MB in size per document. If your file size exceeds 5MB it will not upload. You can reduce the file size by using the reduce file size feature in Adobe Acrobat before upload. 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.
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.
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.
The NRC requires that applicants submit resumes built using the USAJOBS Resume Builder tool. The Resume Builder tool is activated upon selecting "Build New Resume" under the "Resumes" section of your USAJOBS account.
Resumes uploaded to your USAJOBS jobseeker account that have not been built using the USAJOBS Resume Builder tool WILL NOT be accepted and you WILL NOT be allowed to further advance through the NRC application process.
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.
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. Qualified applicants will be forwarded to the hiring manager for possible interview and selection.
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.
240-428-3217
000-000-0000
You may check the status of your application at any time after the announcement closes by logging onto USAJOBs and selecting “Application Status.”
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/645934700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
If you are curious, inspired, or interested in bringing your energy to a committed team in a dynamic science, engineering, technical, or administrative career, consider the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). We are professionals dedicated to protecting people and the environment by safeguarding the use of nuclear materials in medicine, industry, and research.
NRC is an independent agency established to protect public health and safety as nuclear energy fuels electrical power and a variety of industrial, medical, and research applications. We come from diverse educational and experiential backgrounds—the military, industry, and academia.
The NRC prides itself on creating a work environment rich in opportunity, diversity, leadership, training, teamwork and work life balance. Help guide our nation into the next generation of nuclear safety! Begin a challenging career with the NRC where you can be a part of a select group of professionals who protect people and the environment with the peaceful use of nuclear materials in medicine, industry and research. To find out more about the NRC, we invite you to visit us on the web at www.nrc.gov.
240-428-3217
000-000-0000