General Engineer/Physical Scientist

Background

This position is in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Headquarters office, Rockville, MD, or in NRC’s Technical Training Center, Chattanooga, TN; or in NRC’s Offices in Naperville, IL; King of Prussia, PA; Atlanta, GA; Arlington, TX.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is proud to be ranked among the best places to work for compensation, work-life balance, and performance for mid-sized agencies in the Federal Government.

The NRC protects public health and safety and advances the nation’s common defense and security by enabling the safe and secure use and deployment of civilian nuclear energy technologies and radioactive materials through efficient and reliable licensing, oversight, and regulation for the benefit of society and the environment.

Duties

Note: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will use Direct Hire Authority to fill vacancies for the General Engineering/Physical Scientist positions within the agency.

NRC employees have responsibilities that include:

Protecting public health and safety;

Protecting the environment;

Protecting and safeguarding nuclear materials and plants in the interest of national security; and assuring conformity with antitrust laws.

Agency employees perform these functions through: standards-setting and rulemaking, technical reviews and studies; conduct of public hearings; issuance of authorizations, permits, and licenses; inspection, investigation, and enforcement; evaluation of operating experience; and confirmatory research.

Duties and responsibilities vary and may increase according to the grade level and series of the position.

Qualifications

This position is being filled using the agency's Direct Hire Authority and will be filled at either the GG-11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 grade level. Applications MAY BE periodically referred to Selecting Officials both during the open period and after the closing date of this vacancy.

All positions, dependent upon grade levels being filled, require some level of related experience and education.

In order to qualify for these positions, 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.

To qualify for GG-11: Doctorate degree (PhD) in or related to an Engineering or Physical Science discipline OR Master’s Degree and one year of post degree work experience OR Bachelor’s degree and two years of post-degree work experience in or related to Engineering or Physical Science.

GG-12 and above: Requires 1 year of experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as work experience applying professional engineering and/or scientific disciplines required for the positions being filled.

The ideal candidate for these positions must demonstrate:

1) Knowledge of the applicable requirements, policies, practices, and programs applicable to engineering and sciences (including but not limited to nuclear reactors, the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear materials, nuclear waste, or risk assessment);

2) Ability to plan, direct, coordinate, and manage complex, highly technical projects;

3) Ability to present technical information both orally and in writing; and

4) Ability to develop and implement successful approaches to problem solving and conflict resolution.

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.

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.

You must meet basic education and professional knowledge requirements that apply to Federal engineering and sciences positions for the grade levels to which you are applying. This knowledge is met by having a bachelor's or higher degree in a relevant professional engineering/science discipline from a school of engineering with at least one engineering curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) in addition to specialized experience.

Note: Engineering technology degrees are not generally qualifying unless supplemented by other evidence of the individual's professional knowledge (e.g., current P.E. license or EIT examination results, as discussed above).

How to Apply

Visit www.nrc.gov Review the NRC Career Opportunities page, click on “Apply Now” then “Search for New Opportunities” and click on “view a list of current NRC vacancies at USAJOBS.” Or, click on the apply button/link on this site to be taken to NRC ‘s USAJOBS.gov employment page. Find the Direct Hire Public Notice – General Engineering/Physical Scientist Announcement number DE-12951542-26-KL and apply on-line by August 6, 2026.

Your complete application must include your resume, responses to all required vacancy questions, and any required documents that prove your eligibility to apply. If you are viewing this opportunity after August 6th please visit NRC’s website and discover additional opportunities for which you might be interested.