Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Fuel Cycle

About the role

The Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy - Headquarters is seeking an innovative executive to serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Fuel Cycle. Lead federal investments in cutting-edge nuclear science and technology to solve critical energy challenges. Shape the Future of Global Energy.

What you will do

• Are you a distinguished and visionary executive ready to lead at the forefront of global energy and national security?
• The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking a dynamic, seasoned leader to serve as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Fuel Cycle, for the Office of Nuclear Energy (NE).
• This critical Senior Executive Service (SES) role is your opportunity to direct the Federal operations, strategic planning, and policy implementation that drive the nation's nuclear energy future.
• If you are prepared to manage vital energy investments, collaborate with international partners, and lead a premier team of technical experts, we invite you to apply for this pivotal role.
• Executive Leadership in Advanced Nuclear Fuel Cycles: Must possess proven executive experience directing large-scale Research and Development initiatives across advanced fuels, materials recovery, waste management, and safeguards, with a demonstrated ability to expand and secure the nuclear fuel supply chain.
• High-Level Coalition Building & Strategic Negotiation: Must have a documented track record of serving as a senior spokesperson and lead negotiator with high-ranking officials across Congress, other federal agencies, national laboratories, commercial nuclear executives, and international partners.
• Multi-Program Federal Budget & Resource Governance: Must demonstrate mastery in developing, defending, and executing complex, high-visibility federal budgets and program priorities, aligning financial and personnel resources to achieve major national energy objectives.
• Senior-Level Workforce & Organizational Transformation: Must have extensive experience leading and modernizing complex organizations-directly managing, recruiting, and evaluating senior executives or equivalents and world-class scientific/technical experts.
• Decisive Execution in High-Stakes, Ambiguous Environments: Must exhibit the agility and executive acumen to advise cabinet-level leadership, spearhead urgent and ambiguous strategic directives, and balance competing technical, regulatory, and safety priorities to deliver mission success.
• If you are a proven executive leader with a deep commitment to energy security and the expertise to navigate the complexities of international nuclear policy, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.
• Your leadership will be crucial in advancing U.S. competitiveness and shaping the next generation of nuclear technology.
• Join the Department of Energy and apply your skills to a mission of unparalleled importance.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Subject to a 1-year SES probationary period (unless already completed).
• Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
• If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
• May be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests.
• File a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report OGE-278 within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
• You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty.
• Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
• There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations.
• Please read and retain these documents: Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights, for those who undergo an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record check for personnel vetting, which includes Rap Back, FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI (this is the same statement used when your fingerprints are submitted as part of your background investigation), and SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov), (applicable to those who hold a sensitive position or have eligibility for access to classified information)

Education

This vacancy does not require a positive education requirement.

How you will be evaluated

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) listed above.

ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.

Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment to this position.

The selected individual's application will be forwarded to the OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period.

For more information regarding the SES, go to ***

Documents you must provide

• A complete application includes items described below.
• Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
• Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit.
• Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
• RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience.
• A minimum of 10-point font is required.
• Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs.
• PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
• VACANCY QUESTION/ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy.
• ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable: CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
• SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
• CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.

What to expect next

To verify the status of your application, sign in to your USAJOBS account (***), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: ***

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

Additional information

Veterans Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES. Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders.

Individuals selected for SES positions members may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: *** Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: *** Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see ***) OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch.

If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office.