Duties

Summary

The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) is an independent Federal agency established by Congress to provide safety oversight of the defense nuclear complex operated by the Department of Energy (DOE) and to assure that the activities of the complex are carried out in a manner that provides adequate protection for the public and workers.

Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

The DNFSB is looking for individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

1) Nuclear Facility Design and Construction; 2) Electrical Engineering and Instrumentation & Control; 3) Nuclear Safety Analysis; 4) Chemical Process Operations and Chemical Engineering; 5) Nuclear Weapon Component Manufacturing and Surveillance; 6) Nuclear Weapon/Nuclear Explosive Operations; 7) Nuclear Operations; 8) Nuclear Waste Treatment or Vitrification/Immobilization; 9) Structural Engineering; 10) Mechanical Engineering; 11) Quality Assurance; 12) Health Physics; 13) Nuclear Criticality Safety ; 14) Fire Protection Engineering; 15) Operations Engineering; 16) Materials Science and Engineering; 17) Civil Engineering; and 18) Environmental Engineering.

DNFSB General Engineer responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

DN-III

• Perform independent analysis and participate in technical review teams.
• Identify and develop appropriate DNFSB actions and recommendations.
• Interact with DNFSBs technical, support, and outside expert personnel to resolve problems and implement the oversight programs.
• Provide technical advice and guidance and conduct special studies or analyses within specialized area(s) of expertise.
• Participate in on-site reviews and field assignments.

DN-IV

• Lead multi-disciplined technical teams to review and assess the adequacy of DOE policies, programs, and activities relating to the design, construction, operation, and decommissioning of DOE's defense nuclear facilities.
• Plan, design, and implement complex programs, projects, and other work that is broad in scope and has the potential for significantly impacting public health and safety.
• Assist in identifying and developing appropriate DNFSB actions, including formal recommendations, and identifying and proposing other potential DOE facilities, activities, and programs for review and evaluation that are of major importance to the DNFSB and the nation.
• Provide expert technical advice and guidance within highly specialized area(s) of expertise.
• Prepare Technical Reports and other documents for public release; author staff reports on the results of safety oversight activities.

DN-V

• Plan, design, and implement exceptionally complex programs, projects and other work activities are broad in scope and have the potential for significantly impacting public health and safety.
• Lead multi-disciplined technical teams at headquarters and at DOE sites to review and assess the adequacy of DOE policies, programs, and activities relating to the design, construction, operation, and decommissioning of DOE's defense nuclear facilities.
• Meet with DOE representatives at headquarters or at DOE sites and facilities, scientific groups and committees.
• Provide written reports and summaries of the results of safety oversight activities and take necessary follow-up action.
• Conduct or direct special studies or analyses in highly specialized area(s) of expertise.
• Serves as primary or secondary author of Technical Reports and other documents for public release.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - Occasional travel Position may require traveling between 3 to 10 days overnight per month. Travel may be authorized for the pre-employment interview process.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
05

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Conditions of Employment:

• U.S. Citizenship Required.
• Will be required to complete background investigation and drug screening.
• A two-year trial/probationary period may be required.
• Must provide resume and supporting documents (See required documents).

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the Education and Work Experience Requirements and the Professional Accomplishments as listed below.

DN-3 - Must demonstrate broad professional knowledge of, and skill in applying, scientific or engineering theories, concepts, principles, standards, and methods in a variety of assignments, which involve combinations of multiple scientific and/or engineering disciplines and technical methods and processes pertaining to the work performed; formulate, execute, and explain recommendations or solutions to modify standard practices, processes, and techniques and resolve a wide variety of complex technical problems; and act as a principal contributor on team-based projects or coordinate a team project and provide technical oversight and direction.

Education/Work Experience Requirements

Must meet 1 requirement

• Bachelor's in an engineering or scientific field AND at least 5 years of direct experience performing engineering work; OR
• Master's in an engineering or scientific field AND at least 4 years of direct experience performing engineering work; OR
• Doctorate (Ph.D.) in an engineering or scientific field AND at least 1 year of direct experience performing engineering work

Professional Accomplishments Must be a recognized authority in a highly specialized technical area of expertise. Must meet 2 requirements.

• Professional achievements (e.g., recognized professional certification, license, or qualification, special recognition monetary or honorary award(s)) in his or her field of expertise.
• Professional and practical knowledge of national nuclear policy, the defense nuclear weapons program and processes, or the nuclear industry, as well as a significant understanding of technical issues and their implications. Knowledge may be demonstrated through formal written correspondence with public/private nuclear organizations, preparing drafts of speeches for others on national nuclear policy issues and/or making contributions to scientific or engineering publications; and writing, implementing or operating procedures, training materials, or other formalized documents.
• Demonstrates leadership skills by the completion of complex and challenging projects, which equips with unique leadership skill.

DN-4 - Must have expert knowledge as demonstrated through comprehensive, intensive, practical knowledge of a scientific or engineering field(s), and skill in applying this knowledge to difficult and complex work; providing expert advice to senior colleagues and/or agency officials responsible for broad program operations; and providing significant and innovative recommendations for advancing technical programs and executing major projects representing an important segment of the agency's programs affecting the welfare of the public and environment.

Education/Work Experience Requirements

Must meet 1 requirement below

• Bachelor's in an engineering or scientific field AND 10 or more years of direct experience performing engineering work, at least 1 year of which involved overseeing engineering work; OR
• Master's in an engineering or scientific field AND at least 9 years of direct experience performing engineering work, at least 1 year of overseeing engineering work; OR
• Doctorate (Ph.D.) in an engineering or scientific field AND at least 6 years of direct experience performing engineering work, at least 1 year of which involved overseeing engineering work (i.e., work with oversight responsibilities that includes safety inspections, research, special study and analysis and formulating recommendations).
  
  Professional Accomplishments. Must demonstrate he/she is a recognized authority in a highly specialized technical area(s) of expertise. Must meet 2 requirements below
• Membership and participation in a national or international professional scientific/engineering body and/or committee(s).
• Demonstrates outstanding achievements (e.g., nationally recognized certification, license, or qualification, honorary award(s), special recognition(s), published journal article(s) in his or her field(s) of expertise).
• Holds two advanced engineering or science degrees (e.g., MS, ME, or Ph.D.) and mastery of several engineering and/or scientific field(s) relevant to the DNFSB's oversight mission.
• Demonstrates significant professional and practical knowledge of national nuclear policy, the defense nuclear weapons program and processes, or the nuclear industry, as well as a thorough understanding of technical issues and their implications. Knowledge may be demonstrated through formal written correspondence with Federal and state agencies or private sector organizations on applicable topics, published studies and/or journal articles on related subjects; and writing, implementing or operating procedures, training materials, or other formalized documents.
• Demonstrates leadership skills by the completion of complex and challenging projects, which equips with unique leadership skill.
  
  DN-5 - Must demonstrate mastery of, and skill in applying, in his or her scientific or engineering area(s) of specialty sufficient to formulate, evaluate, and complex engineering and scientific problems potentially problems of a programmatic nature; have experience planning, evaluating, and executing short/long-range programs, which impact national or international issues; and serving as an authoritative expert and consultant on broad and complex programs, a highly specialized field, or an industry which affects national or international interests, the well-being of the public and the nation, and/or the sustainability of natural resources and the environment.
  
  Education/Work Experience Requirements

Must meet 1 of the requirement below

• Bachelor's in an engineering or scientific field AND 19 or more years of direct experience performing engineering work, at least 3 years of which involved overseeing engineering work; OR
• Master's in an engineering or scientific field AND at least 18 years of direct experience performing engineering work, at least 3 years involved overseeing engineering work; OR
• Doctorate (Ph.D.) in an engineering or scientific field AND at least 15 years of direct experience performing engineering work, at least 3 years involved overseeing engineering work (work with oversight responsibilities that includes safety inspections, research, special study and analysis and formulating recommendations).

Professional Accomplishments. Must demonstrate he/she is a nationally or internationally recognized authority in a highly specialized technical area(s) of expertise. Must meet 2 requirements

• Holds a leadership position on national or international professional scientific/engineering bodies and/or committee(s).
• Demonstrates outstanding achievements (e.g., nationally recognized certification, license, or qualification, published journal article(s), filed patent(s), earned awards) in his or her field(s) of expertise.
• Holds multiple advanced engineering or science degrees (e.g., MS, ME, or Ph.D.) and mastery of several engineering and/or scientific field(s) relevant to the DNFSB's oversight mission.
• Demonstrates extensive professional and practical knowledge of national nuclear policy, the defense nuclear weapons program and processes, or the nuclear industry, as well as a thorough understanding of technical issues and their implications. Knowledge may be demonstrated through scientific/engineering published studies or journal articles publication, oral presentations at scientific/engineering conferences; and/or development of related rules, regulations, and/or policies while serving as a member of a national and/or international scientific/engineering governing body; and writing, implementing or operating procedures, training materials, or other formalized documents.
• Demonstrates leadership skills by the completion of complex and challenging projects, which equips with unique leadership skill.

Education

All applicants must possess a Bachelor's of science or higher degree in one or more of the following disciplines - Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Fire Protection Engineering, Reliability Engineering, Systems or Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Seismology, Materials Science, or any related academic discipline, such as Physics or Chemistry from a college or university with at least one program accredited by Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Advanced degrees are preferred.

Detailed information about these disciplines and how they assist in carrying out the DNFSB's work and mission can be found at- https://www.dnfsb.gov/careers/areas-expertise

Registration as a professional engineer by any State in the U.S. is desirable.

Foreign Education
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the qualification requirements if the applicant can provide documentation indicating that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide such evidence when applying. Candidates who do not submit this information may be eliminated from consideration. For further information, visit http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html .

Additional information

Applicants must meet the Education and Work Experience Requirements and the Professional Accomplishments as listed. Work Experience is experience gained in the Federal civilian, military, and/or private sector. Please read Qualifications carefully.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

The Office of the Technical Director will consider the following experience and education to screen resumes to make interview determinations.

• Knowledge and experience in professional, technical writing
• Knowledge and experience in leading, interacting, and/or working with technical teams
• Knowledge and experience in providing technical advice and guidance
• Knowledge and experience in regulating and/or working in the nuclear industry
• Knowledge and experience in conducting safety oversight reviews and/or special studies
• Knowledge and experience in evaluating field operations and/or facility operations
• Knowledge and experience in program review and evaluation of programs that impact public health and safety
• Superior academic qualifications such as a high grade point average of B or higher
• Possession of a certification and/or license in engineering
• Registration as a Professional Engineer by any State in the U.S.

The Rating of the rating of High Indications, Moderate Indications, Low Indications will be applied to each resume reviewed.

NOTE: Applications will be accepted and reviewed, on an on-going basis between the opening and closing dates.

To preview questions please click here .

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information

Drug test required
Yes

Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk

Trust determination process
Credentialing , Suitability/Fitness , National security

Required Documents

A resume or any other written format you choose to describe your qualifications. Please include the following in your resume or application:

• Job Announcement number - DNFSB-OTD-2020-0004
• Full name, e-mail and mailing address, and contact telephone number
• Detailed work experience with duration of employment for each job entry. Work Experience is experience gained in the Federal civilian, military, and/or private sector.
• Provide the grade level(s) for which you wish to be considered. If you do not include the grade level(s), you will be considered for the lowest grade level for which you qualify.
• DN-III applicants must submit transcript(s) documenting education. Unofficial transcript(s) are acceptable.
• Information about your paid and non-paid work experience related to this position including: job title, duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, duration of employment, and salary
• Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishments
• Educational information including the name, city, and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html

Current or former Federal employees must include (a) Notice of Personnel Action(s) (SF-50B) documenting your highest grade level attained; and (b) your most recent performance appraisal (optional). NO CASH/PERFORMANCE AWARDS OR BONUS SF-50Bs will be accepted.

DO NOT SUBMIT ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (i.e., copies of certificates, diplomas, etc.).

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting 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 .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.