This position is within the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB), Office of the Technical Director. As an independent agency in the Executive Branch, the DNFSB oversees nuclear safety across the Department of Energy's (DOE) nuclear weapons complex.
Basic Requirement for Engineers (NOTE: You must attach a copy of your transcripts. Failure to submit transcripts will result in an ineligible rating.) 1. Degree Program - You must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in engineering, mathematics, or science, at an ABET-accredited institution. Please visit ABET's website (Home - ABET) for more information on engineering programs that have received accreditation.Acceptable disciplines include: Engineering Fields: Civil, Structural, Geotechnical, Fire Protection, Reliability, Systems, Industrial, Mechanical, Materials, Nuclear, Electrical, Chemical, and other engineering majors. Mathematics and Science Fields: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and related majors. 2. Grade Point Average - You must possess a minimum 3.4 G.P.A. or higher based on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent). Please limit your resume to no more than 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Applicants must carefully review the information in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section for important information and instructions pertaining to the multi-hurdle assessment process for this position.
The DNFSB's Professional Development Program (PDP) offers a structured, multi-year training opportunity for qualified individuals, encompassing the following phases: Internal Development at DNFSB Headquarters (approximately 2 years). Master's Degree Program at a top-tier academic institution (approximately 1 year). Practicum Assignment to enhance technical skills and professional experience (approximately 1 year). Participants in the PDP will be assigned to the Office of the Technical Director (OTD) and work under the guidance of the technical staff mentors and supervisors. Phase I: DNFSB Headquarters (approximately 2 years) In the first phase, participants will: Complete technical assignments. Perform professional tasks while communicating progress, challenges, and results to supervisors and mentors. Interact with DNFSB administrative, technical, and legal staff; DOE officials; and nuclear site operating contractors on safety--related issues. Key activities include: Reviewing safety documentation. Researching design, operational, and functional requirements within the DOE directives system and national standards. Performing calculations and computer modeling of processes and systems at defense nuclear facilities. Visiting defense nuclear facilities for discussions with site technical personnel on safety issues. Writing reports documenting the results of reviews, discussions, calculations, and modeling. Documenting findings and briefing results to the agency leadership. Phase II: Graduate School (approximately 1 year) During this phase, participants will focus exclusively on completing a master's degree at an agreed-upon academic institution. Participants will receive a full salary, and the DNFSB will cover tuition, relocation, and qualifying expenses. Phase III: Practicum Assignment (approximately 1 year) In this phase, participants will apply and enhance their technical skills through a practicum assignment with an organization that meets the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations. Eligible hosts include: DNFSB resident inspector office located at one of the DOE sites. Other federal agencies. Federally funded research and development centers (e.g. national laboratories). State and local government agencies. Institutions of higher education. Participants will continue to receive a full salary, and the DNFSB will cover relocation and other qualifying expenses. Continued Service Agreement (CSA) Participants are required to sign a CSA for the time spent in graduate school (3:1 - three months of service for every month of graduate school) and for the practicum (1:1 - one month of service for every one month of practicum), The CSA for the practicum will be concurrent with, not additional to, the graduate school CSA. Typically, participants will owe approximately three (3) years of service after completing the practicum. Early Separation Participants who leave the DNFSB before fulfilling their CSA will be required to repay a prorated amount to cover government expenses, such as tuition and relocation. Post-Practicum Assignment Upon completing the practicum, participants will return to DNFSB Headquarters and be assigned a position within the agency's technical staff, focusing on nuclear safety oversight. The CSA service obligation period begins when the participant returns to DNFSB Headquarters.