Summary This position is located in various organizations within the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) is a hiring authority granted by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to address critical hiring needs or severe candidate shortages. Please read carefully before applying. Your application goes to a resume database and may be used during the notice period. U.S. citizenship is REQUIRED. Direct hiring authority for the 0810 series is being used. Duties The successful candidate will perform the full range of structural assessment duties. Such duties include but are not limited to:
1.) Reviewing and evaluating the structural integrity of proposed designs for storing and transporting irradiated fuel elements from the standpoint of their adequacy to comply with regulatory standards. Based on consideration of design information and analysis, recommends the approval or disapproval of proposed designs or prepares, for submission to the applicant, requests for additional information required to make a determination.
2.) Determining the adequacy of information contained in applications and ascertains if the data is in conformity with the regulations of the Commission. If necessary, communicates with the applicant to obtain additional information or clarification required to complete the application.
3.) Preparing written safety evaluations of license and Certificate of Compliance (CoC) applications for storage and transportation designs for irradiated spent fuel and other radioactive licensed material. Evaluates, among other things, the consequences of accident conditions. Recommends issuance or denial of licenses or CoCs and necessary technical conditions and limitations to be incorporated in licenses or CoCs.
4.) Participating in the development of guides, standards, criteria, and methods of analysis related to storage and transportation of spent fuel and other radioactive material. Participates in research and development relative to structural and mechanical adequacy of storage and transportation designs.
5.) Performing structural reviews of designs for storing and transporting irradiated spent fuel and other radioactive materials. Such evaluations include the structural and mechanical considerations of the designs. Implements Commission's regulations and policies.Qualifications This position is being filled using the agency's Direct Hire Authority.
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 which demonstrates sound knowledge of principles, theories, and practices in the field of civil/structural engineering to be able to review and evaluate the structural integrity of proposed designs for the storage and transportation of radioactive materials to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
The ideal candidate for this position must demonstrate:
- Knowledge of and experience applying the principles, theories, and practices in the field of structural engineering related to the licensing, inspection and other regulatory programs and policies for the commercial use of radioactive materials.
- Demonstrated knowledge of, and application of, industry codes and regulatory standards applicable to structural, mechanical, and civil engineering for the commercial use of radioactive materials. Experience or familiarity with structural design, reinforced concrete, steel design, soil/structure interaction analysis, earthquake engineering, and structural and seismic analysis. Experience or familiarity with ASME, AISC and ACI Codes and demonstrated familiarity with the use of computer codes for structural analysis.
- Demonstrated experience in leading, managing, or participating in complex, highly technical research projects or tasks with others that will lead to timely issue resolution.
- Demonstrated skills in communicating information, ideas and advice in a clear, concise, and logical manner, both orally and in writing.
PLEASE BE CLEAR AND CONCISE. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. 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. 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) (or by documenting how you meet the minimum OPM qualification standards for the 0810 Occupational Series in addition to the 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). More detailed information about these alternatives for meeting the knowledge requirements for Federal professional engineering and sciences jobs is described in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards. Note: It is your responsibility to furnish documentation that verifies you meet the basic education and professional knowledge requirements; in the absence of such documentation, you would be rated not qualified.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education.
All documentation must be in English or include an English translation.
You must include an unofficial copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application.
Requirements
You must meet the qualifications for this position by no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this public notice and before placement in the position.
All information in your resume must be true and accurate.
Conditions of Employment:
- U.S. Citizenship Required
- This is a Drug Testing position
- This position maybe subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements and subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements.
- Must be able to meet and maintain security & suitability requirements
- As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.How you will be evaluated
PLEASE NOTE: This is a highly competitive vacancy with a limited number of openings available. When a need exists, applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements. Applications will be rated based on the information provided in the resume to determine level of knowledge, skill and ability related to the job requirements. If you are among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager.
Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to submit a concise resume.
Applicants MAY BE periodically referred to Selecting Officials during the open period, your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements. Your application will be evaluated based on the information provided in your resume to determine your level of knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the job requirements.
If you are among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager for possible interview and selection based upon the number of available vacancies to be filled in each office.
Benefits
As an NRC employee you will enjoy excellent Federal Benefits, including: 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 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan); annual (vacation) and paid sick leave; family friendly leave policies; 11 paid holidays per year; transit benefits. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees. How to apply Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin an application. To be considered for this position, you must complete the online application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 11/19/2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. For a preview of the application questions, please see https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13108157.
Your complete application must include your resume, responses to all required vacancy questions, and any required documents that prove your eligibility to apply.
To begin your application, select the "Apply" button located on the right side of this screen. Follow the subsequent prompts to log in or register, submit all required documents, answer the questions, and complete the application process. You may either select your required documents within your USAJOBS profile to upload with your application or directly upload them during the application process. The following types of document types can be uploaded: .gif, jpg., .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, .doc, and .docx.
Important Considerations:
- Paper Applications: Paper applications will not be accepted unless you can demonstrate hardship circumstances through the agency contact listed below.
- Application Extensions: Requests for application extensions will not be granted.
- Hardship Assistance: If you experience hardship applying online, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below for assistance. You must reach out during business hours before the announcement closing date and speak with someone who can provide support for your online submission.
- The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the coordinator at (301) 415-5888 or TDD 240-482-3217. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Other information This position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy.
Individuals who are eligible for non-competitive appointment under an OPM special appointing authority may apply for consideration under a comparable NRC non-competitive appointing authority. Veterans, please visit: FedsHireVets
The NRC is a zero tolerance agency with respect to illegal drug use. Individuals selected for these positions will be subject to pre-appointment drug testing.
The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the coordinator at (301) 415-5888 or TDD 240-482-3217. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Applications MAY BE periodically referred to Selecting Officials both during the open period and after the closing date of this vacancy. You MAY BE referred to selecting officials based on your UNIQUE QUALIFICATIONS and NRC's NEEDS.
Selectees will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment", (OF-306), prior to being appointed to determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on your resume or questionnaire can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service, a transferable security clearance from another agency or a background investigation leading to a clearance is required for all new hires.
To begin work at the NRC without a security clearance, you must be granted a temporary waiver of the required clearance, referred to as a 145(b) waiver. To be eligible for a 145(b) waiver you need favorable education verification, reference, credit, and criminal history checks. If a wavier is granted, the successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication are required for continued employment.
If you have resided outside the U.S. for an extended period of time, the agency may not be able to (1) grant the 145(b) waiver where the required investigation cannot be completed in a timely manner, or (2) achieve timely completion of the background investigation required for a security clearance.