Nuclear Engineer

About the role

This position is part of the Deputy Administrator for Naval Reactors, Department of Energy. National Nuclear Security Administration Demonstration Project: This position is covered by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Demonstration Project. The NN-04 pay band is equivalent to the GS-14/15 grade levels.

For more information on the NNSA Demonstration Project and Pay Band/Salary Tables, review ***

What you will do

• This is an Open Continuous Announcement which allows acceptance of applications through the closing date of 12/15/2026.
• Check the "How to Apply" section for more details.
• As a Nuclear Engineer, NN-0840-04, you will: Lead and provide expert engineering support across the lifecycle of naval nuclear propulsion plants, including research, development, design, acquisition, specification, construction, inspection, installation, certification, testing, overhaul, refueling, operations, maintenance, supply support, and ultimate disposition.
• Advise program offices and site managers on interpretation and application of technical requirements and policies; evaluate proposed modifications and alternative approaches; recommend and track corrective actions; and provide oversight and coordination with Navy, DoD, DOE, design laboratories, shipyards, and other partner organizations.
• Prepare internal policy guidance, technical standards, and related documentation that may drive changes in policy, technical direction, and program execution for naval nuclear propulsion activities.
• Participate in meetings, panels, and conferences with federal and state agencies, national laboratories, contractors, and other stakeholders; present briefings and speeches; communicate office positions; and articulate issues, impacts, and solutions on complex technical and policy matters.
• Review, analyze, and assess technical research and development reports, engineering plans, and program proposals related to areas such as submarines, surface ships, reactor plants, instrumentation and control, materials, nuclear components, and reactor safety; provide recommendations to inform program decisions.
• Serve on ad-hoc and cross-functional teams with other government and private-sector engineers to conduct broad policy and technical studies, support advanced concepts (e.g., advanced submarines, new ship designs, advanced and nuclear technologies), and address emergent issues in naval nuclear propulsion.

Education

Basic Requirements: Degree: Engineering.

To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.-OR Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering.

The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico.

Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration.

For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.

Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.

Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.

Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance.

Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all inclusive).

For Professional, Scientific and Engineering Positions: If qualifying on the basis of an alternate method, i.e., professional license, you must submit official documentation to support your claim with your application package. If selected for the position you will be required to submit official transcripts prior to onboarding.

Education must be from an accredited 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.

Foreign Education: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the qualification requirements.

You must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private U.S. organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program.

It is your responsibility to provide such evidence with your application. See Recognition of Foreign Qualifications for more information. If this vacancy specifies particular educational requirements, please provide documentation to verify your educational claims.

This can include unofficial transcripts or any report that lists the institution, courses titles, credit earned, and final grades. For additional information, please see How to fill out your education.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g. resume, supporting documents), and your responses on the application questionnaire for this position.

You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): The competencies for the Nuclear Engineer are: Nuclear Engineering Oral Communication Technical Competence Written Communication Structured Resume Review: After it has been determined that you meet the minimum qualifications, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will review the first two pages of your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required competencies.

Additional documentation (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume) may not be considered. Once the announcement closes, we will conduct a review of your application package to verify your eligibility and qualifications. If you are found qualified, your application will move forward to additional phases of the review process.

All qualified applicants, including Non-Competitive, Merit Promotion and Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) applicants, will be referred to the hiring office for consideration.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) Eligibles: View information about ICTAP/CTAP eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. In order to be considered under these programs, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category.

In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this job announcement. Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment, the veteran must 1) be a preference eligible; or 2) be a veteran separated after 3 or more years of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.

In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. (Note: Veteran's preference does not apply under Merit Promotion procedures.) If your resume is incomplete or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible' or 'not qualified'.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the cut-off dates listed in the "How to Apply" section of this announcement OR by the closing date (12/15/2026) .

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click ***

Documents you must provide

• Limit your resume to no more than two pages.
• The USAJOBS database will not allow an applicant to submit an application that includes a resume over two pages.
• Be clear and specific in describing your job-related qualifications, as HR cannot make assumptions regarding your experience.
• Include dates (month and year) and hours worked per week.
• For military or Federal civilian service, you MUST include your pay plan/band, series, and/or rank/grade (e.g., Captain, E-5, GS-0301-9).
• Do NOT include photographs, social media links (e.g., LinkedIn), inappropriate content, or other personal or sensitive information such as date of birth, social security number, gender, religious affiliation.
• IF INCLUDED YOUR RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
• OTHER SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (only submit if applicable): CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEE: Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action which shows the grade, step, tenure (block 24) "1" (Career) or "2" (Career-Conditional), and position occupied (block 34) "1" (Competitive Service).
• Provide proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an Interchange Agreement.
• If applying for a higher grade, provide a SF-50 which shows the length of time you have been in your current/highest grade or promotion potential held.
• You may need to provide more than one (1) SF-50, if your SF-50 does not clearly demonstrate that you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirement (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Appointment/Conversion, Within-Grade/Range Increases and Promotion actions).
• NOTE: Pay adjustments and awards are NOT acceptable.
• QUALIFYING BASED ON EDUCATION: Submit a copy of your transcripts from an accredited institution.
• Unofficial transcripts will be accepted that includes your name, educational institution name, declared degree program, course title(s), credits completed, grade, date of completion, Grade Point Average (GPA), and date of degree conferral.
• If selected, an official transcript will be required.
• VETERAN DOCUMENTATION: Submit a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Member Copy 4 or equivalent).
• ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: If applying based on eligibility under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, you must submit certification from the Armed Forces that you will be discharged or released from active duty within 120 days from the date on the certification.
• This must indicate your dates of active service, rank/grade, expected character of service (i.e., honorable or general) and type of separation (i.e., separation or retirement).
• NOTE: The VOW Act provides tentative preference.
• If selected, a DD-214 must be provided prior to appointment.
• 10-POINT VETERANS' PREFERENCE: Submit a SF-15 and provide an official document from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying your overall compensable service-connected disability rating (NOTE: Your overall percentage must be clearly shown), and/or any other associated documentation based on your preference.
• NONCOMPETITIVE OR SPECIAL HIRING AUTHORITIES: (e.g., Military Spouses, Individuals with Disabilities, Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA, Land Management, Former Overseas Employees, etc.) Provide documentation which supports your eligibility.
• INTERAGENCY CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM/CAREER TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ICTAP/CTAP): Submit a copy of the following: Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice, notice of proposed removal for failure to relocate, notice of disability annuity termination, or certification from the National Guard Bureau or Military Department that you are eligible for disability retirement; SF-50 "Notification of Personnel Action'', documenting your RIF separation, noting your position, grade level, and duty location, and/or Agency certification of inability to place you through reemployment priority list (RPL), etc.; Latest performance appraisal including your rating; AND Any documentation from your agency that shows your current promotion potential.
• CURRENT OR FORMER POLITICAL SCHEDULE A, SCHEDULE C, NON-CAREER SES OR PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTEE EMPLOYEE: Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title; Type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee); Agency; AND Beginning and ending dates of appointment.
• All documents, including transcripts, must be in English.
• For more information about what to include in your resume, please view this USAJOBS Resume Tutorial video on YouTube.
• Failure to submit required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your status will be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. If you are determined qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.

You may check your application status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic notifications when your application status changes by logging into your USAJOBS Account and editing the Notification Settings. Thank you for your interest in the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration!

Additional information

These positions may be filled as fulltime (max 80 hours per pay period) or part time (max 64 hours per pay period). This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. As needed, additional positions may be filled using this announcement.

In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration.

Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement.

The Fair Chance Act prohibits specific inquiries concerning an applicant's criminal or credit background unless the hiring agency has made a conditional offer of employment to the applicant.

An applicant may submit a complaint to the agency within 30 calendar days of the date of alleged noncompliance by completing the Fair Chance Act Intake Form and submitting it to the Administrative Investigations Program at ***.

The Department of Energy (DOE) encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707.

Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DOE mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs.

To determine your eligibility for a non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees.

If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Shared Certificates: The Department of Energy shares lists of applicants among its internal Departmental Elements and organizations.

You may be referred for consideration to other DOE Hiring Managers throughout the Department for more than one position based on this application. By applying to this announcement, you understand your application materials may be shared with multiple Hiring Mangers throughout DOE. If additional positions are filled from this announcement conditions of employment may differ.

You will be notified if you are referred for additional positions. EEO Policy: Click HERE. Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Click HERE.

Veterans Information: Click HERE. Selective Service Registration: Click HERE.