Senior Simulator Engineer/Scientist

Summary This position is located in Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO), Learning Innovation & Support Branch (LISB), Technical Training Center (TTC) This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies within the agency. The supervisor is Jeff Griffis. This position is not subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements. This position is not subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements. Learn more about this agency Duties The successful candidate will perform the full range of Senior Simulator Engineer duties. Such duties include but are not limited to: Provides expert advice, guidance and expertise on controlled simulators to a team of engineers regarding the day-to-day operability of NRC-controlled simulators. Provides guidance for the development and maintenance of spare parts inventories for NRC-controlled simulators to ensure maximum availability of simulators in support of NRC technical training. Directs, plans and performs software updates to correct identified problems with simulator software modeling or to add new modeling to increase the simulation capabilities. Directs, plans, develops, and implements approved modifications to NRC-controlled simulators to enhance their use as training, research, or analysis devices. Leads and performs complex engineering analysis and evaluations on simulator hardware and computer systems to ensure proper simulator performance with respect to simulator reference plants and/or best estimate codes. Leads engineering teams in the preparation of engineering calculations, standards, specifications, test procedures, comprehensive written reports, and procedures for conduct of simulator engineering services. Plans, recommends, and implements approved changes to the configuration of NRC-controlled simulators to improve hardware reliability, software modeling, ease of use, and training effectiveness. Provides guidance to TTC Reactor Technology Instructors in development of valid reactor simulator scenarios for training purposes. Requirements Conditions of employment You must meet the qualifications for this position by no later than 30 calendar days after the closing date of this announcement and before placement in the position. All information in your resume must be true and accurate. Conditions of Employment: U.S. Citizenship Required This is a Drug Testing position Must be able to meet and maintain security & suitability requirements. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications 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 with full-scope nuclear reactor training simulators, including performing hardware and software analyses, updates, and modifications to ensure accurate performance aligned with reference plants, and regulatory standards. Experience should include applying knowledge of nuclear plant systems and simulator modeling tools, programming languages, and operating systems to enhance simulator reliability, capabilities, and training effectiveness. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following: Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of current BWR or PWR nuclear power facilities in the areas of systems design, layout, components, design logic, operating requirements, and technical specifications. Examples may include training or work experience at nuclear power plants in operations or system engineering in the areas of systems design, layout, components, design logic, operating requirements, and technical specifications. Demonstrated knowledge of the use of full scope training simulators in nuclear training applications. Examples may include accomplishments and experience in the field of nuclear power plant simulation, including configuration management and associated computer systems, and software and experience that demonstrate knowledge and understanding of technological issues, problems, and potential solutions in simulation systems, equipment and modeling. Demonstrated knowledge of simulation modeling tools used to develop simulation models of power plant systems with the ability to manage nuclear plant design changes, major operational events, and new developments in reactor technology and apply this information through simulator modeling enhancements. Examples may include experience and proficiency using nuclear power plant simulation commercial tools such as SimExec and Jade, as well as associated simulation variable database and debugging tools and experience using commercial code and applications such as FORTRAN, C++, Access, Visual Studio, and PHP. Demonstrated oral and written communication skills effectively conveying and presenting technical information to colleagues, peers, and management. Demonstrated knowledge and experience managing technical programs including, establishing and meeting budgets, and meeting program goals within schedules and resource constraints. Examples may include project management or experience as a project officer or contract officer's representative providing oversight of contract staff. A description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate must be addressed in your resume. Applicants may also use the supplemental vacancy question to provide additional information pertaining to the specialized experience and ideal candidate criteria. PLEASE BE CLEAR AND CONCISE. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Education Education requirements for this position. Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. or Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. You must include an unofficial or official copy of your college and/or university transcripts with your application. Transcript must include the School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). Education must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. If you have multiple degrees (e.g., BS, MS, PhD) please submit transcripts for each degree. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website. If you are qualifying on foreign education, you MUST submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. Transcripts must be uploaded with your application to verify education. All documentation must be in English or include an English translation. Additional information This position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. These positions are projected to be realigned under the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research in June 2026. Selectees will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment", (OF-306), prior to being appointed to determine their suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation. False statements or responses on your resume or questionnaire can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service. The NRC is a zero-tolerance agency with respect to illegal drug use. Individuals selected for these positions will be subject to pre-appointment drug testing. A transferable security clearance from another agency or a background investigation leading to a clearance is required for all new hires. To begin work at the NRC without a security clearance, you must be granted a temporary waiver of the required clearance, referred to as a 145(b) waiver. To be eligible for a 145(b) waiver you will need a favorable education verification, reference, credit, and criminal history checks. If a waiver is granted, the successful completion of a background investigation and favorable adjudication is required for continued employment. If you have resided outside the U.S. for an extended period of time, the agency may not be able to (1) grant the 145(b) waiver where the required investigation cannot be completed in a timely manner, or (2) achieve timely completion of the background investigation required for a security clearance. Expand Hide  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. Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits. As an NRC employee you will enjoy excellent Federal Benefits, including: comprehensive health and life insurance plans; Flexible Spending Account Program for health and dependent care; Dental and Vision Insurance; retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan); annual (vacation) and paid sick leave; family friendly leave policies; 11 paid holidays per year; transit benefits. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.