Materials Engineer

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in Rockville, MD seeks a Materials Engineer to join the Office of Advanced Reactors, Division of Advanced Reactor Engineering, Advanced Reactor Engineering Branch 1, 3 or 4.

The role involves evaluating materials-related issues across licensing actions and providing technical guidance to NRC staff and stakeholders. Ideal candidates will demonstrate knowledge of nuclear plant materials design, construction, operation, inspection, and evaluation, plus

Qualifications

• Specialized experience defined as knowledge of the design, construction, operation, inspection, and/or evaluation of nuclear plant materials, components, structures, and/or facilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or participate in complex, highly technical research projects or tasks.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly, both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Review complex materials engineering-related issues to evaluate NRC regulations and changes to licenses.
• Utilize materials engineering expertise to perform operating experience reviews, support inspections and enforcement, and develop regulations and guidance.
• Provide technical advice to NRC management and staff and communicate complex materials engineering issues with stakeholders.
• Review license submittals relative to regulatory requirements using risk-informed and performance-based principles.
• Review safety evaluation reports for design certification, combined license, construction permit, and operating license applications.

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Job description

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.

This Materials Engineer position is located in the Office of Advanced Reactors, Division of Advanced Reactor Engineering, Advanced Reactor Engineering Branch 1, 3 or 4.

Duties

• Review complex materials engineering-related issues to evaluate applicant or licensee implementation of NRC regulations and requirements and to evaluate changes to existing licenses.
• Utilize technical expertise in the area of materials engineering to perform operating experience reviews, support inspection and enforcement activities, and develop regulations and regulatory guidance.
• Provide specialized technical assistance and advice to NRC management and staff and communicate complex materials engineering-related issues with internal and external stakeholders.

Related duties include but are not limited to:

• Reviewing applicant or licensee submittals relative to regulatory requirements and guidance applying risk-informed decision making and performance-based principles where applicable.
• Reviewing and preparing safety evaluation reports regarding design certification applications (Parts 52 and 53), combined license applications (Parts 52 and 53), construction permit applications (Parts 50 and 53), and operating license applications (Parts 50 and 53).
• Reviewing and preparing safety evaluation reports regarding exemptions from the regulations.
• Reviewing and preparing safety evaluation reports on complex industry topical reports to support generic licensing actions.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position, 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.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as: Experience that demonstrates a knowledge of the design, construction, operation, inspection, and/or evaluation of nuclear plant materials, components, structures, and/or facilities.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the design, construction, operation, maintenance, inspection, and evaluation of nuclear facilities.
• Demonstrated experience in leading, managing, or participating with others in complex, highly technical research projects or tasks leading to timely issue resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with internal and external organizations on technical projects on a variety of subjects related to materials or metallurgical engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and present technical information clearly and effectively, 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 must be addressed in your resume. Applicants may also use the supplemental vacancy question to provide additional information pertaining to the specialized experience and ideal candidate criteria.

Education

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., mechanical, metallurgical, materials, nuclear, structural, chemical, electrical) from a school of engineering with at least one professional engineering curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

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).

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.