Materials Engineer

Nuclear Regulatory Commission • Rockville, MD

2d

About The Position

This position is in the Office of Advanced Reactors, Division of Advanced Reactor Engineering, Advanced Reactor Engineering Branch 1, 3, or 4. The role reviews complex materials engineering issues to evaluate applicants’ or licensees’ compliance with NRC regulations and requirements and proposed changes to existing licenses. It uses materials engineering expertise to conduct operating experience reviews, support inspection and enforcement activities, and develop regulations and regulatory guidance. The engineer also provides specialized technical assistance and advice to NRC management and staff and communicates complex technical issues to internal and external stakeholders.

The position reviews applicant or licensee submittals against regulatory requirements and guidance, applying risk-informed decision-making and performance-based principles where applicable. It also reviews and prepares safety evaluation reports for design certification, combined license, construction permit, and operating license applications; exemptions from regulations; and complex industry topical reports supporting generic licensing actions.

The position requires at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower federal grade or equivalent experience involving knowledge of the design, construction, operation, inspection, or evaluation of nuclear plant materials, components, structures, or facilities. Candidates must also meet the federal professional engineering knowledge requirements, which may be satisfied through specified engineering education, registration, examination, or education-and-experience alternatives. The position is subject to financial disclosure, security ownership restriction reporting, drug testing, security and suitability requirements, and a one- or two-year trial period. Situational telework may be available under agency policy.

Requirements

• At least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.
• Specialized experience demonstrating knowledge of the design, construction, operation, inspection, and/or evaluation of nuclear plant materials, components, structures, and/or facilities.
• Meet federal professional engineering knowledge requirements through a qualifying engineering degree, current Professional Engineer registration, passing an Engineer-in-Training examination, or the specified combination of related education and supervised professional engineering experience.
• Submit official or unofficial college and/or university transcripts with the application.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must be able to meet and maintain security and suitability requirements.
• Must complete pre-appointment drug testing.
• Must serve a one- or two-year trial period and receive written certification for continued employment.
• Resume must address specialized experience and qualifications; education documentation must meet the stated accreditation and, where applicable, foreign-education equivalency requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated knowledge of the design, construction, operation, maintenance, inspection, and evaluation of nuclear facilities.
• Experience leading, managing, or participating with others in complex, highly technical research projects or tasks leading to timely issue resolution.
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external organizations on technical projects involving materials or metallurgical engineering.
• Ability to communicate and present technical information clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Review complex materials engineering issues to assess applicants’ or licensees’ implementation of NRC regulations and requirements and evaluate proposed changes to existing licenses.
• Conduct operating experience reviews using technical expertise in materials engineering.
• Support inspection and enforcement activities.
• Develop regulations and regulatory guidance.
• Provide specialized technical assistance and advice to NRC management and staff.
• Communicate complex materials engineering issues to internal and external stakeholders.
• Review applicant or licensee submittals against regulatory requirements and guidance, applying risk-informed decision-making and performance-based principles where applicable.
• Review and prepare safety evaluation reports for design certification applications under Parts 52 and 53, combined license applications under Parts 52 and 53, construction permit applications under Parts 50 and 53, and operating license applications under Parts 50 and 53.
• Review and prepare safety evaluation reports regarding regulatory exemptions.
• Review and prepare safety evaluation reports on complex industry topical reports in support of generic licensing actions.

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 a 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan)
• Annual vacation leave and paid sick leave
• Family-friendly leave policies
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Transit benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time