Nuclear Engineer

Job Details

Qualifications & Requirements

BASIC REQUIREMENT: A. Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. -OR- B. Combination of Education and Experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: Professional Registration or Licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT), or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. -OR- Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. -OR- Specified Academic Courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A. -OR- Related Curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all-inclusive.) SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [GS-12] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: (1) Professional engineering experience supporting the operations, maintenance, modification, or oversight of a commercial nuclear power generating facility. (2) Experience applying engineering principles, nuclear industry standards, nuclear regulatory requirements, and technical reasoning to evaluation the safety, reliability, performance, and operations of a commercial nuclear power plant. (3) Experience with the nuclear fuel cycle and necessary fuel loading requirements to support oversight of a commercial nuclear power plants fuel loading strategy. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Position Overview

This position is within Bonneville Power Administration's Power Services, under Generation and Asset Management, Generating Assets, and Contracting Generating Resources. As a GS-13 Nuclear Engineer, you will drive contract oversight for a vital nuclear plant. Coordinate energy output with the federal grid, ensure regulatory compliance, review operations budgets, and liaise with senior executives. Apply your technical expertise to help power the Pacific Northwest!

Duties

• Power the Pacific Northwest: Shape the Future of Clean Energy as a Lead Nuclear Engineer with BPA At the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), our mission is to deliver clean, reliable, and sustainable carbon-free power to the Pacific Northwest while promoting environmental stewardship. This critical position is located within Contracting Generating Resources (PGAC), in the Generating Assets (PGA) organization of Generation and Asset Management (PG), within Power Services (P) of BPA. As a GS-13 Nuclear Engineer, you will serve as a vital link between our regional energy grid and the Columbia Generating Station. You will play a defining role in overseeing the region's only commercial nuclear energy facility, driving operational excellence, and ensuring safe, cost-effective power generation for millions of households and businesses. If you are an experienced engineering professional looking to leverage your technical expertise for high-impact public service, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity to lead and innovate. Here are the top eight duties where you will make a lasting impact: Lead High-Impact Technical and Policy Initiatives: Take the reins on major technical, policy, and economic initiatives. You will guide multi-disciplinary teams, coordinate complex projects, and provide strategic solutions that shape the future of BPA's nuclear oversight. Provide Expert Oversight of Nuclear Operations: Monitor and evaluate all phases of nuclear plant operations and maintenance-including fuel management, engineering, nuclear safety, and chemistry-ensuring the operator meets world-class operational standards. Optimize Clean Energy Delivery to the Grid: Bridge the gap between nuclear power generation and regional grid needs. You will coordinate scheduled power output to ensure a reliable, seamless supply of carbon-free electricity to the regional power system. Collaborate with Senior Leadership and Key Stakeholders: Serve as a primary technical advisor and liaison. You will interface daily with plant operators, executive boards, and federal, state, and local regulatory officials to align strategic goals and policies. Ensure Rigorous Regulatory Compliance: Evaluate, monitor, and guide compliance with strict state and federal safety and environmental regulations, safeguarding both the facility's operational integrity and the surrounding communities. Champion Financial Efficiency and Stewardship: Analyze multi-million dollar construction, maintenance, and decommissioning budgets. You will monitor expenditures to ensure cost-efficiency and identify innovative opportunities for project cost savings. Drive Performance Benchmarking: Develop and analyze performance databases to compare nuclear facility operations and financial health against national industry standards, leveraging data to drive continuous improvement. Step into Key Leadership Roles: Build your leadership portfolio by acting on behalf of the Contract Generating Resources Manager during their absence, offering high-level administrative, policy, and technical guidance to the entire department.