Engineering the Future of Naval Power
Are you a skilled engineer looking to make a national impact? The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is currently recruiting for a high-level Nuclear Engineer to join the Naval Reactors program. This role is essential to maintaining the technical superiority and safety of the United States' nuclear propulsion fleet.
Job Responsibilities
As a Nuclear Engineer (NN-0840-04), you will be at the forefront of:
- Lifecycle Oversight: Managing the full scope of propulsion plant operations, from research and design to final disposition.
- Technical Advisory: Providing expert guidance to program offices on technical requirements and policy interpretations.
- Safety Assurance: Assessing contractor safety practices and integrating strict safety protocols into all engineering modifications.
- Collaborative Innovation: Working with the Navy, national laboratories, and private-sector contractors to solve emergent technical challenges.
Core Competency Comparison
| Skill Category | Primary Focus |
|---|---|
| Technical Competence | Naval Propulsion & Reactor Safety |
| Strategic Planning | Lifecycle Management & Policy |
| Communication | Oral/Written Briefings for Stakeholders |
Requirements
Candidates must be U.S. citizens and meet the baseline engineering degree requirements defined by ABET-accredited programs. You must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (NN-03 or GS-13 equivalent). Success in this role requires a deep understanding of nuclear, mechanical, and electrical engineering principles, combined with the ability to maintain a Critical-Sensitive security clearance.
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $129,763 to $197,200 per year. Beyond base pay, employees enjoy the federal benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance.
- Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous retirement planning and pension benefits.
- Annual and sick leave accrual.
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your application is submitted before the monthly cut-off dates. Your resume must be no more than two pages long; use a clean sans-serif font to ensure ease of review. Be sure to document specific duties, employer details, and hours worked per week clearly to help human resources verify your specialized experience.
If you have the technical rigor and commitment to safety required for naval propulsion engineering, this position offers unparalleled professional growth. Apply via the official USAJOBS portal to start your journey with the NNSA.
Why This Nuclear Engineer Job Matters
Shape the future of naval power by engineering the backbone of the U.S. nuclear fleet with the National Nuclear Security Administration.
Nuclear Engineer Job Overview
The Department of Energy's Naval Reactors program is seeking a highly skilled Nuclear Engineer to provide expert technical oversight throughout the lifecycle of nuclear propulsion plants. This is a critical-sensitive, high-impact role involving complex design, safety, and policy integration for the next generation of naval technology.
Requirements for Nuclear Engineer
- U.S. Citizenship
- Bachelor's degree in an ABET-accredited engineering program OR a combination of education and professional engineering experience.
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the NN-03 or GS-13 grade level.
- Proficiency in applying nuclear, mechanical, electrical, or chemical engineering principles to propulsion systems.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Q-level security clearance.
- Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test.
- Must be able to provide financial disclosures as required for the position.
Preferred Qualifications for Nuclear Engineer
- Active Professional Engineer (PE) licensure or Engineer in Training (EIT) certification.
- Expertise in naval nuclear propulsion plant design and construction standards.
- Demonstrated experience in evaluating contractor safety practices in hazardous environments.
- Background in preparing technical standards and policy guidance for large-scale engineering programs.
- Strong technical communication skills for stakeholder briefings.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
- ✓Flexible spending accounts
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Telework eligibility
💡 How to Apply Nuclear Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Nuclear Engineer Job
- Log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume limited to two pages adhering to specific formatting requirements.
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Attach all required documentation, including transcripts and SF-50 if applicable.
- Submit your application package prior to the monthly cut-off dates.
💡 General Tips
- Strictly follow the two-page limit; excess pages will not be reviewed.
- Ensure your resume includes clear start/end dates and hours worked per week.
- Use a professional sans-serif font like Lato or Arial for optimal readability.
- Apply before the initial cut-off date to maximize your consideration.
- Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NNSA Demonstration Project?
The NNSA Demo Project is a pay-for-performance system designed to provide more flexibility than the traditional General Schedule, with the NN-04 band corresponding roughly to GS-14/15 levels.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No. The system will not accept resumes over two pages, and even if it did, only the first two pages would be considered by the Subject Matter Experts.
Is this a remote position?
This position requires site presence for propulsion plant support; however, it is telework eligible depending on specific agency policy and local requirements.
Job from National Nuclear Security Administration
The NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. The Naval Reactors program specifically oversees all aspects of the design, construction, and operation of naval nuclear propulsion plants. Joining this team means contributing to a mission that spans decades of innovation and rigorous safety standards.