Become a Leader in Nuclear Engineering with the NNSA
Are you a seasoned professional looking to make a significant impact on national security? The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Supervisory Nuclear Engineer for its Naval Reactors Laboratory Field Office. This role offers the unique chance to influence the future of nuclear propulsion systems while managing cutting-edge research and manufacturing oversight.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Nuclear Engineer, your day-to-day will involve both high-level technical oversight and personnel management. Your responsibilities include:
- Programmatic Oversight: Providing technical guidance for Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP) projects.
- Contractor Evaluation: Appraising manufacturing, development, and testing processes to ensure compliance with stringent safety standards.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Serving as a primary technical advisor in meetings with national labs, other federal agencies, and universities.
- Team Leadership: Mentoring staff, setting project priorities, and managing office resources to ensure the mission remains on track.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, applicants must demonstrate a solid foundation in nuclear engineering and leadership. Key requirements include:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering. |
| Experience | One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level. |
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen. |
| Clearance | Ability to obtain Q Access Authorization. |
Salary Overview
The position falls under the NNSA Demonstration Project (NN-04 band), which is competitive with the GS-14/15 grade levels. The annual salary range is $129,763 to $197,200, depending on experience and location.
Benefits
Federal employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Federal health insurance options.
- Robust retirement planning via FERS and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
- Professional development and networking opportunities in a premier scientific environment.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis. To ensure your application is reviewed in the first cycle, submit by the initial cut-off date of October 5, 2026. You must apply through the USAJOBS website, ensuring your resume does not exceed the two-page limit.
If you are an engineer with a passion for excellence and a commitment to public service, this is your opportunity to join an elite team. Prepare your documentation carefully, highlight your expertise in nuclear safety, and submit your application to the NNSA today.
Why This Supervisory Nuclear Engineer Job Matters
Shape the future of Naval Nuclear Propulsion by leading high-impact engineering projects at the intersection of national security and cutting-edge technology.
Supervisory Nuclear Engineer Job Overview
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is seeking an expert Supervisory Nuclear Engineer to join the Naval Reactors Laboratory Field Office. In this critical leadership role, you will oversee essential technical programs, ensuring that reactor components, materials, and safety systems meet the rigorous standards of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. This is an opportunity to provide high-level programmatic guidance to federal and contractor partners while managing a dedicated team of engineering professionals.
Requirements for Supervisory Nuclear Engineer
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Q Access Authorization security clearance.
- Completion of one year of specialized experience equivalent to the NN-03 (GS-13) grade level.
- Professional engineering background involving nuclear principles, radiological safety, and industrial oversight.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Nuclear Engineer
- Extensive experience in nuclear fuel laboratory operations.
- Demonstrated ability to assess contractor manufacturing activities for nuclear-powered systems.
- Proven track record in leadership, team management, and inter-agency stakeholder communication.
- Strong technical competence in materials science and reactor component design.
- Current registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in a field closely related to nuclear engineering.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary with annual increases.
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance plans.
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) benefits.
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- ✓Paid time off, including federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Nuclear Engineer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Nuclear Engineer Job
- Create or log into your account at USAJOBS.gov.
- Prepare a concise, two-page resume highlighting relevant experience.
- Review the specific cut-off dates: 10/05/2026, 11/05/2026, and 12/07/2026.
- Upload all required supporting documents, such as transcripts and SF-50s (if applicable).
- Complete the online application questionnaire.
- Submit your application through the official USAJOBS portal before the final deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages; additional pages will not be reviewed.
- Use a clear, sans-serif font like Lato or Arial and keep margins at 0.5 inches.
- Detail your work history with specific duties, hours worked, and pay scales.
- Save and upload documents as PDFs to ensure proper formatting.
- Submit early to meet the initial cut-off date for priority consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent position?
Yes, the position is with the Naval Reactors Laboratory Field Office, which operates under the NNSA Demonstration Project pay system.
What happens if I submit a resume longer than two pages?
Only the first two pages of your resume will be reviewed to determine your qualifications.
Can I apply if I am not currently a federal employee?
Yes, the announcement is open to various hiring paths including members of the public, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Job from National Nuclear Security Administration
The NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the Department of Energy tasked with enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. The Naval Reactors program specifically holds a prestigious, long-standing reputation for maintaining the safety and reliability of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered fleet. Joining this team means working alongside world-class experts in a high-stakes, rewarding environment.
