Clarification from the agency

Relocation expenses will not be paid in connection with this position. Applicant's who reside outside of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area will be required to relocate within 120 days upon entering the position.

As Senior Engineer (Technical Advisor for Investigations), you will provide expert engineering and technical analysis, advice, and assistance on investigations, special evaluations, event inquiries, audits, and other Office of the Inspector General (OIG) work to determine if the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB) are effectively fulfilling their regulatory responsibilities in protecting public health and safety related to the uses of nuclear materials.

You will plan, initiate, conduct, and report on investigations, programmatic audits, and evaluations, of NRC and DNFSB programs and functional areas that typically include a variety of engineering work processes carried out in diverse organizations and geographic locations. During each assignment, you will work in close coordination with the Assistant Inspectors General, other OIG staff, appropriate NRC and DNFSB personnel, and other stakeholders.

Your duties will include but not be limited to:

1. Serves as an expert for the Investigations Division and the Audits and Evaluations Division on engineering and technical matters; assists in the assessment and evaluation of NRC and DNFSB programs and operations that are intended to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities and reduce or eliminate risks to public health.
2. Provides technical input on law-enforcement matters and, as necessary, assists with investigatory actions such as witness interviews and the preparation of investigatory reports.
3. Plans and conducts reviews of specific agency programs or systemic problem areas. On own initiative, identifies possible areas of concern that may warrant further study by OIG. 
4. Regularly briefs OIG management to update them on the progress of assignments, identify potential problems and present viable solutions, and, as appropriate, recommend possible further actions. 
5. Serves as a spokesperson on technical issues for the Office of Inspector General, as assigned. 
6. Works effectively as a technical advisor and OIG technical expert team member by sharing information and accepting and providing constructive feedback. 
7. Evaluates responses from NRC and DNFSB to determine compliance with OIG recommendations. 
8. Keeps abreast of current NRC and DNFSB technology and practices. Maintains continual awareness of changing policies, procedures or situations related to assigned areas of responsibility. 
9. Participates in counterpart meetings with senior staff within the OIG and ensures that all work and work products are accomplished in a manner consistent with the policies, standards, and guidelines established by the Inspector General.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• The ability to pass a background investigation for a Q clearance.
• This is a drug tested position.
• The position is subject to NRC's security ownership restrictions.
• Subject to initial and annual confidential financial disclosure reporting.

You must meet the qualifications for this position by no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position.

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.  

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:

1. Advanced knowledge of the engineering theories, principles, and practices related to the safe construction, operation, and shutdown of nuclear facilities, boiling water reactors (BWR) and pressurized water reactors (PWR), and the licensing and regulation of nuclear materials and related facilities.
2. Ability to identify, analyze, and evaluate potential nuclear safety hazards; identify and evaluate relevant equipment testing, radiological control, engineering, security, emergency preparedness, maintenance, and operational activities; and assess facility management quality assurance and administrative control programs.
3. Knowledge of the principles, theories, techniques, and practices of program management and program evaluation as applied in a complex technical environment.
4. Ability to prepare clear, accurate, concise, and logical, written reports that portray the facts, emphasize the significant details and substantiate all recommendations made. In addition to orally presenting information and technical materials in an effective, clear, and coherent manner to a wide range of audiences.
5. Demonstrated skill in effective interpersonal and leadership, mentoring less experienced personnel, and interacting with peers, management, and industry representatives to develop and/or recommend corrective actions to management for current and/or future audits and investigations.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as: Expert knowledge of the engineering theories, principles, and practices related to the safe construction, operation, and shutdown of nuclear facilities and the licensing and regulation of nuclear materials and related facilities. 

How you will be evaluated

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

When the application process is complete, your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements.  You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to any vacancy questions to determine your 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 thorough resume that directly relates to this position.