Fresh Listing

Posted: April 9, 2026 (0 days ago)

This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.

OPERATIONS ENGINEER

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

Fresh

Location

Salary

$112,556 - $154,682

per year

Closes

April 30, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves working as an inspector and examiner for nuclear power plants, focusing on ensuring safe operations through testing, evaluations, and applying engineering knowledge to reactor systems.

You'll travel to facilities in various regions to check compliance with safety rules and assess how plants run during normal and emergency situations.

It's a great fit for experienced nuclear engineers or licensed operators who enjoy technical analysis and communicating findings to teams.

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g., nuclear, electrical, mechanical, metallurgical, structural, chemical)
  • At least one year of specialized experience in commercial or military nuclear power engineering
  • Knowledge of nuclear reactor principles, theories, and practices
  • Experience with power plant systems, procedures, and integrated operations from reactor work or inspections
  • Familiarity with NRC regulations, licensing guidelines, and inspection procedures
  • Ability to communicate technical information effectively in writing and orally

Full Job Description

These positions are located in the Divisions of Operating Reactor Safety in the following offices: Region I - King of Prussia, PA Region II - Atlanta, GA Region III - Naperville, IL Region IV - Arlington, TX This position is not subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements.

This position is not subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements.

In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the basic education requirements as described in the Education section below, and 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: work experience applying any of a variety of relevant professional engineering disciplines (e.g., nuclear, electrical, mechanical, metallurgical, structural, chemical) in the industry of commercial or military nuclear power.

Such experience must have provided you with the full range of knowledge, skills and abilities identified for what is considered an "Ideal Candidate" for this position.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following: 1. Knowledge of the principles, theories and practices of nuclear reactor and commercial nuclear power plant engineering.

(Examples include: Positions held as a licensed operator, certified operator, or licensed operator trainer which provided you the knowledge and understanding of the principles, theories and practices in commercial nuclear reactor engineering and design).

2. Knowledge of power plant systems, procedures, and integrated facility operations based on reactor operation or inspection experience at operating commercial nuclear reactor facilities.

(Examples include: Specific experience and training in the operation and/or testing of nuclear power plants.

Experience and training related to integrated facility operations during normal and accident conditions.

Identification of current licensed operator qualification, instructor certification or current status of such a qualification). 3.

Ability to apply regulations, regulatory guides and industry standards, reactor and operator licensing guidelines and procedures, and reactor operation, inspection and assessment techniques.

(Examples include: Specific experience, education, training, and accomplishments demonstrating knowledge, skills, and abilities in reactor facility and licensed operator regulations.

Examples could include specific training and/or experience as a senior reactor operator; reactor operator; or licensed operator instructor; Nuclear Safety Review auditor or inspector, etc.) 4.

Knowledge of current NRC rules, regulations, policies, reactor license requirements, and inspection procedures as applied to the normal and accident operation of a commercial nuclear power facility. 5.

Ability to present technical information both orally and in writing.

(Examples include: Education, training and/or experience that has enabled you to effectively communicate results of analysis and solutions to problems, i.e.

those related to the training, testing, evaluation and qualification of commercial nuclear power plant operators and/or the operation of a commercial nuclear power plant facility.

Making oral presentations and developing written communications to present technical information to a variety of audiences.) 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. PLEASE BE CLEAR AND CONCISE.

WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Major Duties:

The successful candidate will perform the full range of duties as an Operations Engineer.

As a region-based inspector and examiner, you will develop, prepare and administer examinations to applicants for operator and senior operator licenses for nuclear reactors.

You will plan, conduct, report, and coordinate findings associated with inspections of light-water reactors, in accordance with the NRC Inspection Manual.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 1. Preparing, reviewing, and administering written and operating examinations for operator license applicants. 2.

Planning and preparing for the scope of an assigned inspection to obtain sufficient information through direct observation and verification of licensee activities, including licensed operator re-qualification training.

3. Performing routine and complex inspections of reactor facilities to observe and assure conformance to NRC rules and regulations, inspection procedures, and orders. 4.

Writing reports of inspection findings to ascertain whether the facility is being operated safely, the licensee's management control programs are effective and regulatory requirements are being satisfied.

5. Coordinating inspection findings into overall licensee assessment.

Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

Browse Similar Jobs

Posted on USAJOBS: 4/9/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 4/10/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: DEST-12930434-26-LS