
General Engineer (Developmental) - Professional Development Program
Federal government of the United States
- Washington DC
- $79,246 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
Supervisory statusNo Security clearanceDrug testYes Position sensitivity and riskTrust determination process
Financial disclosureBargaining unit statusAnnouncement numberDNFSB-25 EXE-12792216AMM Control number 844825800This job is open toClarification from the agencyOpen to U.S. citizens who have recently graduated or are about to graduate with a bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, or science from an ABET-accredited institution and will begin in the May-September 2026 timeframe.DutiesThe 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.
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.
- 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.
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 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.RequirementsConditions 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.
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.ORMust have completed, a qualifying bachelor's degree from a qualifying educational institution.QualificationsBasic 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 ( ) 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.
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 theStipulations 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 .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. Expand Hide additional informationCandidates 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.BenefitsA 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. .