Summary 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. Responsibilities 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. Requirements Conditions of Employment US Citizenship is required. Suitable for Federal employment, determined by background investigation. Must pass a drug screening. Direct Deposit of pay is required. Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt. Eligibility Requirements Must be currently enrolled in an academic institution, in a qualifying, bachelor's degree from a qualifying educational institution, with an expected graduation date of Summer 2026. OR Must have completed, a qualifying bachelor's degree from a qualifying educational institution. Qualifications 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. Education If qualifying based on EDUCATION you MUST provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. Unless otherwise stated: (1) official or unofficial transcripts are acceptable, or (2) you may submit a list with all of your courses, grades, semester, year, and credit for the course. All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement. Only education from institutions which are accredited or preaccredited/candidate for accreditation may be used to meet education requirements. FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/ Additional Information Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Telework Suitability: The duties of this position are suitable for occasional telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisor approval and if they meet the eligibility criterion in the 2010 Telework Act. Stipulations of Employment: Selection may require completion of a 2- year probationary period. This position is subject to a negative drug test prior to entrance on duty, and random drug testing while you occupy the position. Applicants will be subject to a background check prior to employment and must obtain and maintain a Q clearance after onboarding with the DNFSB. Work Schedule: This position allows for a flexible work schedule dependent on management approval. Miscellaneous: DNFSB uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify. This vacancy announcement may be used to fill similar positions within 90 days. If selection is made below the full performance level, promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition. However, promotion(s) will depend on the performance of the incumbent and are not guaranteed. Relocation expenses are covered including initial relocation to the Washington, D.C. area. Position is full-time and will begin in the Summer 2026 to Fall 2026 timeframe.
