SENIOR PROJECT ENGINEER (GG-14)
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
Atlanta, GA · $133k–$180k a year · Posted October 26, 2026
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Pay compared with the market
This listing pays about $156,593 a year. Across 129 open senior project engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $116,000 to $152,500 and the median is $127,500. That is 23% above the median, above the middle half of those listings.
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About the job
Summary
This position is located in Region I Division of Reactor Projects. The supervisor is to be determined. These positions are located in King of Prussia, PA and Atlanta, GA. This position is subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements and subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements. Multiple selections may be made.
Duties
The successful candidate will serve as a region-based senior inspector to lead, plan, conduct, report, and integrate findings associated with inspections in accordance with NRC Inspection Manual, Chapter 1245. Duties include, but are not limited to: Providing technical support and oversight to a program for routine, special and reactive inspections at assigned nuclear power plant facilities during all phases of operation, or extended outages, to ensure compliance with NRC requirements, and enforcing the provisions of NRC permits, licenses, rules, regulations, orders and other directives pertinent to the protection of the public health and safety. Developing, coordinating, and evaluating inspection and resource needs to ensure their minimal impact on licensee resources. Analyzing inspection results to identify actual or potential problems; evaluating the technical adequacy of inspection coverage and procedures; and, reviewing and integrating reports prepared by individual inspectors/team members and ensuring they are complete, soundly developed, and consistent with other parts of the overall report. Serving as a mentor and coach in the development of other inspectors, promoting knowledge transfer/management in the process. Performing periodic inspections to assess the safety of performance of assigned nuclear power reactor facilities. These positions require full qualification as an NRC inspector under Inspection Manual Chapter 1245.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for this position, in addition to the basic education requirement, 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 professional work experience in nuclear power plant design, maintenance and operation, in particular, electrical and control systems and components, fire protection and cyber security. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following: Demonstrated ability to inspect and leave inspections (i.e., observe, evaluate and assess), to report effectively on performance related to nuclear power plants, particular in the areas of engineering, operational performance and corrective actions and to apply the significance determination process to inspection findings. Demonstrated ability to perform regulatory-related functions, such as plant performance assessment, enforcement, allegation review, etc, while applying an understanding of operational nuclear plant significance or risk. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to provide leadership for others, including initiative and ability to work independently with minimal supervision and be responsible for the result of activities. 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. The NRC encourages applicants to provide job experience details 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.
Requirements
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: This is a Drug Testing position Must be able to meet and maintain security & suitability requirements.
Education
Candidates must possess a bachelor's or higher degree in professional engineering, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience demonstrating a thorough knowledge of principles, theories, and practices in the field of engineering. Additional information regarding educational requirements may be found here: OPM Qualification Standards for Professional Engineering Positions 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.
How you will be evaluated
When the application process is complete, your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements. Your application will be evaluated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to any vacancy questions to determine your level of knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the job requirements. You must respond to all required application questions. If you are among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager for possible interview and selection based upon the number of available vacancies to be filled in each office. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to submit a concise resume that directly relates to this position.
How to apply
Please read the entire announcement and all instructions before you begin an application. To be considered for this position, you must complete the online application process and submit all required documents electronically by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on 11/09/2026. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. For a preview of the application questions, please see https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13098886. Your complete application must include your resume, responses to all required vacancy questions, and any required documents that prove your eligibility to apply. To begin your application, select the "Apply" button located on the right side of this screen. Follow the subsequent prompts to log in or register, submit all required documents, answer the questions, and complete the application process. You may either select your required documents within your USAJOBS profile to upload with your application or directly upload them during the application process. The following types of document types can be uploaded: .gif, jpg., .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, .doc, and .docx. Important Considerations: Paper Applications: Paper applications will not be accepted unless you can demonstrate hardship circumstances through the agency contact listed below. Application Extensions: Requests for application extensions will not be granted. Hardship Assistance: If you experience hardship applying online, please contact the Human Resources Specialist listed below for assistance. You must reach out during business hours before the announcement closing date and speak with someone who can provide support for your online submission. The NRC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the coordinator at (301) 415-5888 or TDD 240-482-3217. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Other information
This position may be eligible for telework in accordance with agency policy. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.