Summary This position is part of the Pantex Field Office, Department of Energy. A successful candidate in this position will serve as General Engineer/Physical Scientist (Quality Assurance Engineer/Scientist), is responsible for a variety of technical and analytical support services pertaining to Weapon Quality Assurance (WQA) aspects of operations at the National Nuclear Security Administration Pantex Plant. Responsibilities Salary Range this includes locality: EN-3: $86,962 to $138,492 EN-4: $122,198 to $195,482 As a General Engineer/Physical Scientist (Quality Assurance Engineer/Scientist), you will: Oversees/evaluates QA work activities, using a graded approach, including programmatic implementation of NAP 401, 1A DOE O414.1D, 10 CFR 830 Subpart A, and related contractual quality management requirements to include but not limited to: design through production engineering, drawing reviews, supplier quality, weapons quality assurance for all production realization life-cycle, metrology services, technology development, program planning, weapon component manufacturing, test equipment design and manufacture, tooling design and manufacture, UK quality activities, and all aspects of nuclear facility QA, preparing reports to convey results to PFO management/contractor for continuous improvement. Perform oversight and evaluate the M&O contractor's performance in the following functional areas: nuclear facility and weapon quality assurance, software quality, and weapon quality control mechanisms and systems. Utilizes quality assurance and quality control methods, principles, practices, and associated costs sufficient to evaluate the adequacy of, and need for, improvements in the contractor's program for economically assuring quality of a variety of highly complex nuclear/non-nuclear weapons research and development (R&D), design, and production operations. Analyze unique and complex engineering problems related to the principles of precision machining and measurements, metallurgy, production processes, Electro-mechanical devices, electronic assemblies, radio frequency (RF) assembly and test procedures, rubber, plastics, and polymeric materials, and/or test equipment design associated with high technology R&D, production, and design work in order to evaluate the adequacy of the contractor's control over quality, and to assist the quality staff in determining the seriousness of and resolution of identified quality problems in productions or processes. Prepare and direct preparation of technical reports and briefings for quality/production problem areas, describing the nature of the problem, proposed solutions, and recommendations, and analyzes the effect on system quality and problem schedule support. Review facility QA, weapon QA documents, and technical reports, ensuring consistent interpretation of the Defense Program Business Requirements and Process Manual, Development and Production (D&P) Manual, Technical Business Practices (TBPs), Requirements Modernization and Integration (RMI) and NA-10 Weapons Quality Assurance Program Manual (WQAPM) and design agency intent per applicable drawings and specifications or applicable facility QA requirements. Conduct self-assessments of quality program for the PFO with minimal supervision. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a United States Citizen. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements. Compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-12) governing personal identity which will require that you provide two forms of identification. A one year probationary period may be required. Subject to Random Drug Testing. Must pass a pre-employment drug test. Favorable suitability determination required. Financial Disclosure is required. Must be able to obtain/maintain a Q level Security Clearance. Must be able to obtain certification in the DOE's Technical Qualification Program (TQP) within 18 months of start date. This position is covered by the Technical Qualification Program (TQP), which requires the incumbent to acquire and demonstrate competencies identified in the TQP Functional Area Qualification and Field Office specific standards and requires certification of the competencies by NNSA supervision and TQP qualifying officials. https://www.energy.gov/ehss/downloads/technical-qualification-program-accreditation-incentives-memorandum-nnsa This position requires a Polygraph Test. Qualifications SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS for EN-3 In addition to meeting the basic requirements, a qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower NNSA Demonstration Project pay band or GS grade level in the Federal service, i.e., NQ-2, GS-12. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Experience working in a nuclear weapons facility; and Having working experience with nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons processes with a focus on Quality engineering and assurance. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS for EN-4 In addition to meeting the basic requirements, a qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower NNSA Demonstration Project pay band or GS grade level in the Federal service, i.e., EN/NQ-3, GS-13. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: Experience leading or overseeing a team or functional area working in a nuclear weapons facility; and Having working experience with nuclear weapons processes with a focus on Quality engineering and assurance; and Applying professional engineering or physical sciences concepts, theories, and practices. Oral Communication, Quality Assurance, Quality Management, Requirements Analysis, and Technical Competence "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section. If you are eligible for career transition assistance plans such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the definition of "well qualified" which is defined as having a score of 85 or better. Education This series has a positive educational requirement. Therefore, you MUST provide documentation supporting any education claims in your application. This can include unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned and final grade. For specific education requirements, please see the Education Requirements below. If selected, official transcripts may be requested. 801 Basic Requirements: A. Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. OR B. Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: 1. Professional registration or licensure, 2. Written Test, 3. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A, 4. Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. For more information, please refer to the OPM Qualification Standards at General Engineer Series 0801 1301 Basic Requirements: 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. General Physical Science Series 1301 If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: EDUCATION: Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. A written evaluation of any foreign education must be provided with your application in response to this vacancy announcement or be received by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to provide this evaluation will result in you being found unqualified for the position. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education, see the Department of Education website, and for a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, visit The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. *If you are selected, official transcripts will be required. *FOREIGN EDUCATION: Applicants who have completed part or all of their education outside of the U.S. must have their foreign education evaluated by an accredited organization to ensure that the foreign education is comparable to education received in accredited educational institutions in the U.S. A written evaluation of any foreign education must be provided with your application in response to this vacancy announcement or be received by the closing date of this announcement. Failure to provide this evaluation will result in you being found unqualified for the position. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education, see the Department of Education website, and for a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, visit The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Please Note: If your foreign education has already been accepted by an accredited U.S. educational institution as part of a degree program with that institution, you do not need to provide an evaluation of foreign education but must submit a copy of the transcripts listing the degree from the U.S. accredited institution that accepted your foreign education. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. Additional Information The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website. If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section. More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement. Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year. Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation. All males born after December 31,1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government. A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified applicant in accordance with Agency policy. EEO Policy: Click HERE. Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Click HERE. Veterans Information: Click HERE. Telework: Click HERE. Selective Service Registration: Click HERE. Information about the NNSA Demonstration project can be found by clicking HERE.