Federal

Computer Scientist (Agency Employees Only)

Nuclear Regulatory Commission ยท Other Agencies and Independent Organizations
๐Ÿ“ Atlanta, Georgia GG-14 $143,913 - $187,093/yr
Posted: Mar 11, 2026 Deadline: Apr 2, 2026 (Closed days left)

About This Position

This position is located in the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research (RES), Division of Systems Analysis (DSA), Radiation Protection Branch (RPB). The supervisor is John Tomon.

This position is subject to Confidential Financial Disclosure reporting requirements.

This position is subject to security ownership restriction reporting requirements.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GG-13) in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as: experience and in-depth professional knowledge of computer theory, algorithms, data structures, programming concepts and languages, and computer architecture, with a working knowledge of computer hardware capabilities used in the development of scientific computer codes. The work of the position requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science.

At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions. A description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate should be addressed in your resume.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following: 1. Demonstrated knowledge of and experience applying code development in computer programming languages and appropriate coding, scripting, programming, and development tools used in the development of scientific computer codes.

  1. Demonstrated knowledge and skills of SharePoint technology capabilities to develop content, share updates, and create/develop tools and website development and familiarity with web design coding languages to the development of scientific computer codes.
  2. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with management and staff, coworkers, and personnel of other U.S. government agencies or equivalent industry organizations and/or international organizations.
  3. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate technical information both orally and in writing. A description of how you possess the specialized experience as well as how you meet the qualifications desired in an ideal candidate should be addressed in your resume. The NRC encourages applicants to provide concise, results-focused language for 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.

Major Duties

The successful candidate will perform the full range of Computer Scientist duties. Such duties include but are not limited to: Serves as a technically authoritative expert computer scientist performing computer code programming and software development for RAMP computer codes through the entire software development life cycle, including software requirements, design documents and activities. Performs highly complex coding/compiling, verification against requirements and design, code validation, testing, debugging (i.e., major and minor code errors), deployment of codes, maintenance and software quality assurance.

Provides expert advice and direction regarding computer science and software development project to project managers for the radiation protection and health physics computer codes associated with RAMP for use as the technical basis for the regulatory framework and for reactor, materials, waste, decommissioning and security licensing decisions. Serves as a technical expert advisor to the health physicists (Contracting Officer's Representatives (COR)) with radiation protection and dose assessment computer code development and documentation. Applies computer science and software development practices in reviewing and identifying technical issues related to the models and methods in the radiation protection and dose assessment computer codes source code.

Serves as the branch technical expert in software quality assurance for the health physics and dose assessment computer codes associated with the RAMP including maintaining the computer code repository for these codes and performing audit of the software quality assurance program. Provides technical expertise, advice and support in the development and maintenance of the RAMP website. Represents the organization as a technical expert at RAMP User Group (RUG) meetings, technical conferences, and seminars sponsored by the NRC and/or professional societies for addressing radiation protection and health physics computer code issues, as requested.

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.

Education

Individual Occupational Requirements Bachelor's degree in computer science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have included any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions.

Evaluation of Education: Applicants should have sufficient knowledge to understand the fundamental concepts and techniques of computer science. Courses designed to provide an introduction to computer science techniques and methodologies, to problems of system design, and to other specialized fields are acceptable. Courses or experience in teaching elementary, business, or shop mathematics are not acceptable.

How You Will Be Evaluated

When the application process is complete, your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the job requirements.

You will be rated based on the information provided in your resume and responses to any vacancy questions to determine your level of knowledge, skill and ability related to the job requirements. If you are among the top candidates for this position, your application will be referred to the hiring manager.

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 thorough resume that directly relates to this position.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Additional Information

The duty location of this position is Rockville, MD. This position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with Agency policy. Based on the staffing needs of the agency/area of consideration, additional selections may be made from this vacancy announcement.

How to Apply

We strongly encourage you to complete your USAJOBS profile before you submit your application for this position. Please read the entire announcement.

Your application for this vacancy must be received online via the USAJOBS application system BEFORE 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to submit a complete online application, you will not be considered for this position. Paper applications will not be accepted unless hardship circumstances can be demonstrated. Requests for extensions WILL NOT be granted. If applying online poses a hardship for you, the Human Resources Specialist listed on the announcement will provide assistance to ensure that applications are submitted online by the closing date.

Applicants must contact the Human Resources Specialist during business hours BEFORE the closing date of the announcement and speak to someone who can provide assistance for your online submission.

You must answer any job specific vacancy questions.

You will be rated based on your responses to any vacancy questions and especially the information provided in your resume. Breadth, recency, and length of experience in the field; training, awards, and commendations; past and current performance; and community or outside professional activities will be considered to determine your level of knowledge, skill or ability for this position. Abbreviated responses to the vacancy questions, such as โ€œsignificant experienceโ€ or โ€œsee resumeโ€ do not provide enough information and should not be used.

You will not be considered for this position if you leave any of the vacancy questions unanswered. To begin the application process, select the "Apply On-line" button to the right on this screen. Then follow the prompts to login/register, submit all required supplemental documents, and complete the application process.

Required Documents

As an NRC employee, you are required to submit your most recent Rating of Record (Performance Appraisal) or a statement saying that one is not available. Additionally, you must also submit a copy of your most recent SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action).

NOTE: Your complete application includes your resume, your responses to any vacancy questions, and if necessary, documents which prove your eligibility to apply.

Your resume is crucial in our evaluation of your qualifications.

Resumes should clearly demonstrate your skills, knowledge, and abilities. Please limit your reฬsumeฬ to 2 pages. To ensure your resume contains all required information, we encourage you to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder.

If you choose to use your own resume, please ensure it contains all the required information, and you organize it so we can associate the following information with each experience/position: Job title Name of employer Beginning and ending dates of employment (month/year) format Hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. We will pro-rate part-time employment in crediting experience.

Use concise, results-focused language for job duties, accomplishments, related skills, and responsibilities to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable). Series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position). If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.) or other inappropriate material on your resume or cover letter. If your resume contains prohibited information as listed above, your application will be determined ineligible, and you will not receive consideration for this position. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter, links to social media such as LinkedIn, to determine your qualifications.

Cover letters are optional. All supplemental documents can now be collected electronically and should be submitted before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. You have two choices for submitting your supplemental documents: 1.

Use the "USAJOBs" feature to download documents from your USAJOBs portfolio; or 2. use the "Upload" feature to upload documents directly from your computer. The following types of documents can be uploaded: .gif, .jpeg, .png, .rtf, .pdf, and .doc.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Computer Scientist (Agency Employees Only) position at Nuclear Regulatory Commission?
The salary range for this position is $143,913 - $187,093/yr. This is a GG-14 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Computer Scientist (Agency Employees Only) job located?
This position is located in Atlanta, Georgia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
In order to qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (GG-13) in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as: experience and in-depth professional knowledge of computer theory, algorithms, data structure...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Apr 2, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a L Access Authorization clearance is required.
What does GG-14 mean?
GG-14 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.