The Nuclear Regulator Apprenticeship Network (NRAN) is an 18-month entry-level developmental program for outstanding individuals in engineering and physical science designed to provide a broad understanding of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) mission by focusing on skill development in various program areas across the agency. We are recruiting for the next cohort, which will commence in July 2026.
You must meet basic education and professional knowledge requirements that apply to Federal engineering and physical sciences positions for the grade levels to which you are applying. This knowledge is met by having a bachelor's or higher degree in a relevant professional engineering/physical science discipline from a school of engineering with at least one engineering curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or by documenting how you meet the minimum OPM qualification standards for the 800 Occupational Series or 1301 Occupational Series Engineering technology degrees are not generally qualifying unless supplemented by other evidence of the individual's professional knowledge (e.g., current P.E. license or EIT examination results, as discussed above). More detailed information about these alternatives for meeting the knowledge requirements for Federal professional engineering and sciences jobs is described in the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards. Candidates must meet the qualifications for this position before placement in the position.
Actual duties will vary depending on placement in the engineering or scientific training and development track. The NRAN program is comprised of two phases. The initial training phase focuses on regulatory, technical, and organizational fundamentals, followed by the apprenticeship phase in the regions and headquarters program offices. Each apprenticeship is designed towards gaining a variety of skills, competencies, and position experience. At the end of the program, cohort members are reassigned into positions in the program offices and regions that have been identified to meet the skill needs of the agency. Phase I is a foundational knowledge phase. The programming is executed to the members together as one cohort. This phase focuses on agency and program orientation, cohort development, and training on regulatory fundamentals, technical fundamentals, organization knowledge, and NRC values and culture. The length may vary, but it is generally 10 – 15 weeks in duration. During Phase I, the cohort may have opportunities to travel to the regions, site visits, and training at the NRC's Technical Training Center in Chattanooga, TN, as arranged through the program. Phase II is the apprenticeship phase. In this phase, NRAN members typically engage in (3) 5-month apprenticeships where they gain hands-on experience in regulatory decision-making positions. It is generally expected that one of the apprenticeships be based in a regional office. The expected activities and accomplishments for each apprenticeship are discussed in advance among the NRAN member, apprenticeship supervisor from the receiving office or region, and NRAN Branch Chief and documented in a signed apprenticeship agreement. Changes in the agreement must be mutually agreed-upon by the three signing parties. This phase may include designated technical trainings. The NRAN member will provide a close-out memorandum to the apprenticeship supervisor(s) and NRAN Branch Chief accounting for activities completed or basis for non-completion. NRC employees have responsibilities that include: protecting public health and safety; protecting the environment; protecting and safeguarding nuclear materials and plants in the interest of national security; and assuring conformity with antitrust laws. Agency employees perform these functions through: standards-setting and rulemaking, technical reviews and studies; conducting public hearings; issuance of authorizations, permits, and licenses; inspection, investigation, and enforcement; evaluation of operating experience; and confirmatory research.