This position is located in the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES), Division of Engineering (DE), Materials Engineering Branch (MEB). The supervisor is Steve Ruffin. This position is Bargaining Unit with the National Treasury Employees Union, Chapter 208. This position IS subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements. This position IS subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements.
In order to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GG-14) in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following: 1. Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of materials engineering as applied to commercial nuclear power plants (NPP). (Example: Describe your specific training, education and experience that demonstrates your knowledge of the principles, theory, and application of materials engineering and related technical disciplines sufficient to evaluate a broad range of topics at nuclear plants and to support the development of regulatory criteria, guidance, and technical positions.) 2. Demonstrated experience and ability to apply principles of nondestructive examination to a broad range of material/component inspection or evaluation topics and to support the development of the technical basis for regulatory criteria, guidance, or technical positions. (Example: Describe your specific experience that demonstrates your ability to evaluate a broad range of topics relating to the application of nondestructive examination technologies (ultrasonic examination, radiographic examination, magnetic particle examination, etc.) in the context of developing the technical basis for regulatory criteria, guidance, or technical positions. Experience with the inspection or evaluation of nuclear power plant structural materials and components (e.g. vessels, piping, components, or structures) should be emphasized.) 3. Broad knowledge of NRC regulations, policies, practices and programs applicable to nuclear reactors and reactor pressure boundary materials. Demonstrated knowledge of consensus code and standards currently incorporated into NRC regulations pertaining to reactor pressure boundary design, inspection and repair. (Example: Describe specific experience, training, education, and skills which demonstrate your knowledge of NRC regulations, policies, and regulatory guidance in general, and with respect to nondestructive examinations and in-service inspections at nuclear plants. Describe specific experience, training, education, and skills which demonstrate your knowledge of industry standards and guidelines related to these topics at nuclear plants.) 4. Demonstrated ability to develop research strategies and implement and conduct complex research programs as well as communicate and present technical information clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. (Example: Describe specific experience, training, and accomplishments that demonstrate ability to: develop objectives and plans for research programs; serve as the subject matter expert and contracting office representative on laboratory research programs; lead complex technical discussions and explain complicated technical issues to a variety of audiences; make presentations to various audiences on particular projects of interest; and develop clear, concise, balanced and well-founded technical positions and recommendations based on complex and diverse opinions and facts. Provide examples of relevant research programs that you have led, describing the scope of the programs and your specific role in the programs.) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as: experience that demonstrates a knowledge of the design, construction, operation, inspection, evaluation, and/or non-destructive examination of nuclear plant components, structures, and/or facilities.
As a Senior Materials Engineer (Nondestructive Evaluation) in the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES), Division of Engineering (DE), Materials Engineering Branch (MEB), you will be responsible for planning, organizing, directing, coordinating and conducting assigned major research efforts associated with NDE and inservice inspection (ISI) of nuclear power plant structures and components. You will: provide technical assessments of the effectiveness and reliability of industry’s NDE and ISI programs; assess complex NDE/materials engineering-related issues supporting the evaluation of applicant or licensee implementation of NRC regulations and requirements; participate in consensus codes and standards activities; utilize leadership and mentoring skills to train and organize, direct, and review the activities of junior staff; and provide specialized technical assistance and advice to NRC management and staff, and communicate complex NDE-related, materials engineering issues with internal and external stakeholders. Duties include but are not limited to: Serve as a subject matter expert on nondestructive examination and inservice inspection. Assist program offices, as requested, in assessing NDE-related issues. Develop and direct research programs to evaluate: The effectiveness and reliability of NDE methods used by the nuclear industry for the ISI of nuclear power plant systems and components. Advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT), and advanced welding techniques, including NDE of these materials. Qualification of high-temperature materials for advanced reactors, including those fabricated using AMT. Represent the NRC in interactions with organizations focused on nuclear power plant nondestructive examinations and inservice inspections (e.g., licensees, EPRI, ASME Code, etc.). Serve as an engaged member of national standards committees (e.g., ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code). Represent RES in international technical collaborations.