Senior Materials Engineer
What you'd do
This position is located in Division of Engineering and Risk Analysis. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within the agency. The supervisor is Meraj Rahimi This position is subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements. This position is subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements.
Major duties
The successful candidate will perform the full range of duties such as plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, and conducts assigned research associated with chemistry and, in particular, nuclear chemistry aspects of metallurgy, materials behavior, irradiation effects, environmental effects, and/or structural integrity of NRC-licensed facility components. Provides technical assessments of exceptionally complex chemistry related aspects of materials engineering in nuclear power plant systems needed for safe operation and safe shutdown of nuclear facilities subject to the NRC Regulatory programs. Manages and performs studies and analyses of complex technical issues within the Branch's area of review, including chemistry aspects of materials degradation, water chemistry, fuel oil, neutron absorbing material and coatings for nuclear power plants and chemistry related materials issues for spent-fuel storage and transportation systems and components. The purpose of such research is to support the technical bases for NRC licensing decisions. Provides specialized technical assistance and advice to other Divisions and Offices. Such duties include but are not limited to: Provides primary management and technical direction for the assigned research and development program activities related to metallurgy, materials behavior, irradiation effects, environmental effects, fracture mechanics, and structural integrity of the reactor primary system. Bears primary responsibility for the development of technical criteria, regulations, and regulatory guides associated with the materials engineering aspects of the safe design, construction, and operation of light water reactors. Performs technical reviews of national and international codes and standards related to the assigned areas. Maintains a liaison with appropriate organizational components of the NRC in order to keep them informed of plans and programs in the assigned functional areas. Coordinates and leads ACRS, CRGR, and NSRRC presentations related to assiqned functional areas. Develops objectives and plans for programs on metallurgy, materials behavior, irradiation effects, environmental effects, fracture mechanics, and structural integrity of the reactor systems as they relate to safety analysis and interpretation of primary and secondary system performance to be expected during the plant license period. Prepares recommendations on the nature and extent of the research to be undertaken, considering among other matters: current level of scientific knowledge regarding the problem, issues, and concerns as developed in discussions, reports, and recommendations of licensing staff, NRC advisory boards, research laboratories, related federal agencies (i.e., DOE, DOD, etc.), and others having an interest in the research effort; relative urgency of the effort considering previous efforts, proposed milestones, and availability of equipment and facilities; staff situation within immediate office and available professionals with appropriate disciplines; and availability of appropriated funds for the current fiscal year and prospects for subsequent fiscal years if project has extended duration. Prepares work schedules, scope of work, milestones, etc. Reviews and evaluates plans and proposals submitted by laboratories for undertaking a research effort under contract. Evaluates the proposal and laboratory, considering past record of performance, capabilities of staff, nature of equipment and facilities, and contract terms. Recommends program scope and awarding of contract Manages and coordinates work of the contract laboratory personnel in the accomplishment of their respective assignments. Reviews results of research and experimental verification tests to assess progress and to assure the focus of such work is applicable to licensing needs. Reviews and evaluates contractor accomplishments, milestones, adjustments needed in equipment, staff, or facilities, and usefulness of data. Based on such reviews and evaluations, prepares recommendations for project changes, new directions, and new milestones, consistent with the overall program objectives.
What you need to qualify
In order to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as: Experience that demonstrates a knowledge of the design, construction, operation, inspection, and/or evaluation of nuclear plant materials, components, structures, and/or facilities The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following: Demonstrated knowledge of the design, construction, operation, inspection, and evaluation of nuclear plant components, structures, and facilities to understand the value and impact of the requirements of proposed standards. Demonstrated knowledge of NRC's regulations, principles and procedures, regulatory guides, and industry codes and standards applicable to the integrity of components and structures used in nuclear power plants and/or spent fuel storage facilities. Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and control complex engineering research projects. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a broad range of audiences on technical issues, challenges, and resolutions. PLEASE BE CLEAR AND CONCISE. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Before you apply
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