Branch Chief, Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Leadership role overseeing nuclear reactor safety, digital I&C technologies, and regulatory modernization in the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Best for:Best for experienced professionals with a background in nuclear engineering, regulatory affairs, or technical leadership in high-stakes industries, seeking to shape nuclear safety policy and modernize regulatory frameworks.
Overview
This position is a senior leadership role within the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), specifically in the Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, Division of Engineering. The Branch Chief will provide strategic oversight and direction for mission-critical initiatives, including the licensing of digital instrumentation and control (I&C) technologies in nuclear power plants, regulatory modernization, and risk-informed safety approaches. The role demands strong technical expertise in nuclear reactor design, licensing, operation, and decommissioning, combined with exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Candidates must demonstrate experience in supervising technical teams, navigating complex regulatory environments, and aligning technical decisions with broader public safety goals.
What you'll do
- Provide strategic oversight and direction for licensing reviews of digital I&C technologies in nuclear power plants to ensure safe implementation.
- Lead regulatory modernization initiatives that incorporate safety-focused, risk-informed approaches to nuclear reactor operations.
- Communicate complex technical issues effectively to internal and external stakeholders, including NRC management, the public, and international regulatory counterparts.
- Efficiently manage branch resources, including personnel, budgets, and technical projects, to meet competing deadlines and objectives.
- Ensure compliance with NRC rules, regulations, policies, and industry standards related to nuclear reactor design, operation, and decommissioning.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to align technical decisions with broader public safety goals and organizational objectives.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor's or higher degree in a relevant professional engineering/science discipline from an ABET-accredited school or equivalent, with specialized experience in supervisory or leadership roles.
Language: English (proficiency required for all communications and documentation)
Instruction: English
- At least one year of specialized experience supervising or providing direction to technical or project teams in regulated nuclear facilities.
- Proven ability to direct, lead, and manage diverse technical teams with competing deadlines and resource constraints.
- Strong knowledge of NRC rules, regulations, policies, and industry standards for nuclear reactors or materials facilities.
- Experience in managing work processes, resource utilization, and stakeholder collaboration to achieve mission-critical goals.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences, including public and international stakeholders.
- Technical expertise in nuclear reactor design, licensing, operation, inspection, or decommissioning.
- U.S. Citizenship Required
- Must be able to meet and maintain security and suitability requirements, including a background investigation and potential security clearance.
- Must pass a drug test and complete a trial period (1 or 2 years) for evaluation of fitness and public interest advancement.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-14
Applicants must submit their resume, unofficial/official transcripts, and any supplemental questions through the USAJOBS portal. Transcripts must include school name, student name, degree, and date awarded. Foreign education must be evaluated and documented as equivalent to U.S. standards. A detailed explanation of specialized experience and qualifications must be provided in the resume or supplemental questions.
- Resume with detailed explanation of specialized experience and qualifications
- Unofficial or official college/university transcripts (for each degree)
- Supplemental vacancy questions (if applicable)
Contact
USAJOBS Support· Application Inquiry
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