Please read this Public Notice carefully before applying. Your application goes to a resume database and may be used during the notice period. U.S. citizenship is required. Direct hiring authority for the 0801 series is being used to fill this position.
Positions are located in the Division of Operating Reactor Safety as follows:
Region I - King of Prussia, PA,
Region II - Atlanta, GA,
Region III - Naperville, IL, and
Region IV - Arlington, TX
Summary
Please read this Public Notice carefully before applying. Your application goes to a resume database and may be used during the notice period. U.S. citizenship is required. Direct hiring authority for the 0801 series is being used to fill this position.
Positions are located in the Division of Operating Reactor Safety as follows:
Region I - King of Prussia, PA,
Region II - Atlanta, GA,
Region III - Naperville, IL, and
Region IV - Arlington, TX
The successful candidate will perform the full range of Project Engineer (Resident Inspector Development Program (RIDP)) duties. Such duties include, but are not limited to:
Participating in formal classroom training and other developmental activities to gain full certification as an NRC Inspector.
Participating in the assessment of licensee performance at nuclear facilities; the selectee/s will perform direct inspections of licensee activities during operation phases.
Planning, preparing, and performing in-depth inspections at assigned plant(s) during start-up, operation and decommissioning to ensure compliance with design specifications, and conditions of the operating license.
Ensuring inspection program completion in accordance with schedules specified in the Inspection Manual or other official documents.
Preparing and presenting inspection reports describing findings and conclusions regarding the licensee's safety performance and conformance with NRC requirements, provisions of operating licenses, and applicable industry codes and standards.
Assisting the Branch Chief or Senior Project Engineer in the handling of allegations and tracking the status of allegations.
Selectees will be assigned to work in the Region I Office in King of Prussia, PA, the Region II Office in Atlanta, GA, the Region III Office in Naperville, IL or the Region IV Office in Arlington, TX based upon geographic preference indicated in their application. The selectees must become qualified through the NRC Inspection Manual Chapter (IMC) 1245 process within two years. Upon completion of training, developmental assignments, and Inspection Manual Chapter 1245 qualification process, selectees will be expected to seek reassignment from their regional office to a Resident Inspector position at one of the Resident Inspector Offices in their assigned Region. A list of the resident inspector offices in each region is included below. To learn more about our locations, visit the NRC website at NRC Locations.
Selectees are required to serve a trial period to assess their overall fitness and qualifications for continued employment. The trial period for new employees is two years. New employees who are preference eligible veterans serve a one-year trial period.
Geographic mobility is a condition of employment for selection under this announcement and selectee must sign a Mobility Agreement. The Mobility Agreement will be furnished to selectee at the point of job offer and must be signed at the time the offer is accepted.
NOTE THAT THE TOUR LENGTH FOR A RESIDENT INSPECTOR AT A SINGLE SITE IS LIMITED TO TEN (10) YEARS BY COMMISSION POLICY.
Resident Office Locations Relocation Incentives: Provided the employee meets all relocation incentive eligibility requirements, at the time of a subsequent qualifying move to/between/from Resident Inspector positions, the employee may be eligible for a relocation incentive. The relocation incentive is a one-time payment calculated as a percentage of the employee's total pay at the time of the qualifying assignment. Dependent upon the location of the resident site, the percentage may be 15%-25% or 30%-50%.
For a complete list of NRC resident office locations at the power reactor units regulated by the NRC, and their regional designation, please refer to this link: Operating Power Reactor Units
Retention Incentives: Resident/senior resident inspectors may be eligible for the Resident Inspector Program Group Retention Incentive. The amount of the retention incentive is 15 percent of adjusted basic pay, including any locality or special rate, to be paid annually and subject to annual review and approval. Payment will be initiated as a lump sum after completion of a service obligation period of 26 pay periods.
All information in your resume must be true and accurate.
Conditions of Employment:
U.S. Citizenship Required
This is a Drug Testing position
Must be able to meet and maintain security & suitability requirements
Security clearance level required is "LH".
This position requires signing a Mobility Agreement.
Qualification as an NRC inspector is expected within two years.
Position is not subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure or Security Ownership restriction reporting.
Qualifications
In addition to meeting the basic education requirements for professional engineering positions, as described above in the Education section, to qualify for this position at the advertised grade levels, you must meet the following:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as experience that demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices in the field of engineering. You must also have recent experience associated with applying any of a variety of relevant professional engineering disciplines (e.g., nuclear, electrical, mechanical, metallurgical, civil/structural, chemical). Recent experience in the industry of commercial, government or military nuclear power is preferred. You must also be familiar with nuclear industry standards, rules and regulations and be able to apply them.
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:
(1) Knowledge of the design features and operating characteristics of nuclear facilities by describing professional experience with reactor facilities, commercial, government, or military. This experience may have been as a power plant operator, in a staff position in operations, or associated with plant operations.
(2) Demonstrated ability to evaluate activities and events, develop inspection findings, and evaluate adequacy of corrective actions.
(3) Demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful approaches to problem solving and conflict resolution.
(4) Demonstrated ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing.
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. The NRC encourages applicants to provide concise job experience details in your resume. Applicants may also use the supplemental vacancy question to provide additional information pertaining to specialized experience and ideal candidate criteria.
PLEASE BE CLEAR AND CONCISE. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Education
You must include an unofficial or official copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application. Transcript must include the School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). Education must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you have multiple degrees (e.g., BS, MS, PhD) please submit transcripts for each degree.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
To qualify for these positions, you must meet BOTH basic education/professional knowledge requirements that apply to Federal engineering positions at all grade levels AND the specialized experience requirements outlined above no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position. Regardless of the grade level of the vacancy, candidates for Federal Government professional engineering positions must meet certain basic professional knowledge requirements.
Generally, these knowledge requirements are met by having a bachelor's or higher degree in a relevant professional engineering discipline (e.g., nuclear, electrical, mechanical, metallurgical, civil/structural, chemical) from a school of engineering with at least one professional engineering curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). If you do not possess such a professional engineering degree, you may still satisfy the professional knowledge requirements if you have current Professional Engineer (P.E.) registration in one of the relevant disciplines from any U.S. State or Territory; or if you successfully passed an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) written examination administered by a State Board of Engineering Examiners; or if you have either a related professional degree or at least 60 semester hours of specified engineering-related college courses combined with at least a year of professional engineering work experience performed under professional engineer supervision and guidance.
NOTE: Engineering technology degrees are not generally qualifying unless supplemented by other evidence of the individual's professional knowledge (e.g., current P.E. licensure or EIT examination results, as discussed above).
More detailed information about these alternatives for meeting the knowledge requirements for Federal professional engineering jobs are described in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management qualification Standards Operating Manual which may be accessed at the following website: 0800 Professional Engineering Occupational Requirements
You must include an unofficial copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application.
Additional information
This position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy.
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: FedsHireVets
The NRC is a zero tolerance agency with respect to illegal drug use. Individuals selected for these positions will be subject to pre-appointment drug testing.
The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the coordinator at (301) 415-5888 or TDD 240-482-3217. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Applications MAY BE periodically referred to Selecting Officials both during the open period and after the closing date of this vacancy. You MAY BE referred to selecting officials based on your UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS and NRC's NEEDS.
Selectees 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 need favorable education verification, reference, credit, and criminal history checks. If a wavier is granted, the successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication are 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.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
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; 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.
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.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a highly competitive vacancy with a limited number of openings available. When a need exists, applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements. Applications will be rated based on the information provided in the resume to determine 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 concise resume.
Applicants MAY BE periodically referred to Selecting Officials during the open period, your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements. Your application will be evaluated based on the information provided in your resume to determine your level of knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the job requirements.
If you are among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager for possible interview and selection based upon the number of available vacancies to be filled in each office.
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; 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.
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.
The following documents are required for your application package to be complete. If you fail to provide any required documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); and 4) other qualifications. Please limit your resume to 2 pages. See below for Additional Resume Information.
Transcripts: You must submit an official or unofficial copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application, if the position has a positive education requirement. Failure to submit transcripts will result in loss of consideration. Diplomas do not provide the information needed for determining qualifications and will not be accepted in lieu of transcripts.
In addition to the above, the below documents are acceptable for submission if you claim the following eligibilities:
Current Federal Employees/Reinstatement Eligibles: You may submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility. This SF-50 should not be an award SF-50.
Veteran Preference Eligibles: You maysubmit DD-214 showing type of discharge/character of service (e.g. DD-214 Member 4 Copy); SF-15 Form; and related documentation such as a VA letter showing disability percentage. If currently on active duty, you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active-duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.
Individuals with Disabilities: If you are applying under the Schedule A Hiring Authority, you maysubmit supporting documentation (i.e., Schedule A Letter). You may refer to the following link for additional information. USAJOBS Help Center - Individuals with disabilities
All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
Additional Resume Information:
Your resume is crucial in our evaluation of your qualifications. Resumes should clearly demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and abilities. Please limit your résumé to 2 pages. To ensure your resume contains all required information, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, please ensure it contains all the required information, and you organize it so we can associate the following information with each experience/position:
Job title
Name of employer
Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year) format
Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will pro-rate part-time employment in crediting experience.
Concise, results-focused language for job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable).
Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).
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.) or other inappropriate material on your resume or cover letter. If your resume contains prohibited information as listed above, your application may be determined ineligible, and you will not receive consideration for this position. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter, links to social media such as LinkedIn, to determine your qualifications. Cover letters are optional.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin an application. To be considered for this position, you must complete the online application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 07/23/2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. For a preview of the application questions, please see https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12941883.
Your complete application must include your resume, responses to all required vacancy questions, and any required documents that prove your eligibility to apply.
To begin your application, select the "Apply" button located on the right side of this screen. Follow the subsequent prompts to log in or register, submit all required documents, answer the questions, and complete the application process. You may either select your required documents within your USAJOBS profile to upload with your application or directly upload them during the application process. The following types of document types can be uploaded: .gif, jpg., .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, .doc, and .docx.
Important Considerations:
Paper Applications: Paper applications will not be accepted unless you can demonstrate hardship circumstances through the agency contact listed below.
Application Extensions: Requests for application extensions will not be granted.
Hardship Assistance: If you experience hardship applying online, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below for assistance. You must reach out during business hours before the announcement closing date and speak with someone who can provide support for your online submission.
The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the coordinator at (301) 415-5888 or TDD 240-482-3217. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Region IV -Division of Operating Reactor Safety
1600 East Lamar Boulevard
Arlington, TX 76011
US
Next steps
Applicants MAY BE periodically referred to Selecting Officials both during the open period and for up to 90 days after the closing date of the vacancy. Because of the large number of applications anticipated, applicants status will not be updated UNLESS referred.
The following documents are required for your application package to be complete. If you fail to provide any required documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
Resume that includes: 1) personal information such as name, address, contact information; 2) education; 3) detailed work experience including work schedule, hours worked per week, dates of employment; title, series, grade (if applicable); and 4) other qualifications. Please limit your resume to 2 pages. See below for Additional Resume Information.
Transcripts: You must submit an official or unofficial copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application, if the position has a positive education requirement. Failure to submit transcripts will result in loss of consideration. Diplomas do not provide the information needed for determining qualifications and will not be accepted in lieu of transcripts.
In addition to the above, the below documents are acceptable for submission if you claim the following eligibilities:
Current Federal Employees/Reinstatement Eligibles: You may submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) to verify competitive status or reinstatement eligibility. This SF-50 should not be an award SF-50.
Veteran Preference Eligibles: You maysubmit DD-214 showing type of discharge/character of service (e.g. DD-214 Member 4 Copy); SF-15 Form; and related documentation such as a VA letter showing disability percentage. If currently on active duty, you must submit a certification of expected discharge or release from active-duty service under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted. Veteran's preference must be verified prior to appointment. You can find additional information about Veterans' Preference at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/.
Individuals with Disabilities: If you are applying under the Schedule A Hiring Authority, you maysubmit supporting documentation (i.e., Schedule A Letter). You may refer to the following link for additional information. USAJOBS Help Center - Individuals with disabilities
All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English.
Additional Resume Information:
Your resume is crucial in our evaluation of your qualifications. Resumes should clearly demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and abilities. Please limit your résumé to 2 pages. To ensure your resume contains all required information, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder. If you choose to use your own resume, please ensure it contains all the required information, and you organize it so we can associate the following information with each experience/position:
Job title
Name of employer
Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year) format
Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will pro-rate part-time employment in crediting experience.
Concise, results-focused language for job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable).
Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).
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.) or other inappropriate material on your resume or cover letter. If your resume contains prohibited information as listed above, your application may be determined ineligible, and you will not receive consideration for this position. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter, links to social media such as LinkedIn, to determine your qualifications. Cover letters are optional.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin an application. To be considered for this position, you must complete the online application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 07/23/2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. For a preview of the application questions, please see https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12941883.
Your complete application must include your resume, responses to all required vacancy questions, and any required documents that prove your eligibility to apply.
To begin your application, select the "Apply" button located on the right side of this screen. Follow the subsequent prompts to log in or register, submit all required documents, answer the questions, and complete the application process. You may either select your required documents within your USAJOBS profile to upload with your application or directly upload them during the application process. The following types of document types can be uploaded: .gif, jpg., .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, .doc, and .docx.
Important Considerations:
Paper Applications: Paper applications will not be accepted unless you can demonstrate hardship circumstances through the agency contact listed below.
Application Extensions: Requests for application extensions will not be granted.
Hardship Assistance: If you experience hardship applying online, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below for assistance. You must reach out during business hours before the announcement closing date and speak with someone who can provide support for your online submission.
The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the coordinator at (301) 415-5888 or TDD 240-482-3217. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Region IV -Division of Operating Reactor Safety
1600 East Lamar Boulevard
Arlington, TX 76011
US
Next steps
Applicants MAY BE periodically referred to Selecting Officials both during the open period and for up to 90 days after the closing date of the vacancy. Because of the large number of applications anticipated, applicants status will not be updated UNLESS referred.
