Reliability and Risk Analyst
Reliability and Risk Analysts are senior-level technical authorities that oversee the most complex technical assignments related to risk and probabilistic risk assessment for new and operating reactors. Their work is critical to protecting the health and safety of the public and the environment.
- Their reviews of licensing applications help determine modification, acceptance or denial.
- For every review action, they are always acting within a risk-performance based philosophy.
- They are active participants in reviewing plans and guidance documents in support of licensing submittals.
- Safety is their utmost concern, and their assessments of operating reactors often result in changes and improvements to the regulatory process.
- They are skilled communicators, able to explain the most complex technical matters in a manner that enables decision makers to successfully convey and defend final written and oral reports of actions to be taken.
- Reactor Analysts are valued contributors to the NRC’s knowledge transfer goals, often called upon to mentor junior staff and serve as key knowledge contributors to other NRC offices engaged in reviews or inspection activities.
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Quotes from current or former employees in this position:
“We’re given quite a bit of autonomy—fresh perspectives are welcomed.
This role provides a lot of opportunities to work with all kinds of technical disciplines.
It’s a good role for people who want to take the initiative and if you want to learn and grow.
There are so many different applications of risk analysis and so many different tools available--you feel like you make an impact.”
“I love my job because it is collaborative. Our job is an integration of what everyone at NRC does. You need to use your colleagues’ expertise.”
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- Incumbents are skilled analysts and technical evaluators.
- They have extensive knowledge of probabilistic risk assessment as it relates to reliability and risk analysis in nuclear facilities regarding their design, fabrication, construction, maintenance and operation.
- Their educational knowledge is based on the subjects of engineering or physical science.
- Their experience includes a thorough knowledge of the systems and operating characteristics of power reactors.
- Because they are called upon to assist in the development of regulatory and technical decisions that impact reactor safety concerns and initial licensing actions, incumbents are steeped in their knowledge of NRC regulations, regulatory guides and industry codes and standards.
- They have exceptional communication skills, especially in relation to technical information, which they often demonstrate in both oral presentations and detailed written reporting.
- They are highly skilled collaborators, often being required to participate in reviews and evaluations involving reactor licensing, construction and operational issues with technical and scientific staff of other NRC offices.
At the senior level (GG- 15), they are often called upon to use their management abilities to direct teams of evaluators assessing compliance and licensing issues or to lead projects.
Reliability and Risk Analysts range in grade from GG-13-15, depending upon the level of duties and responsibilities.
- Develops policy and guidance and leads the technical evaluation efforts involving designs and license actions
- Leads efforts to evaluate the safe operating performance of facilities using PRA techniques to analyze safety risk
- Responsible for overall management of plans and guidance documents to support the review of licensing submittals and offers authoritative technical expert review and judgment
- Called upon to provide PRA-related input to vendor audits and inspections
- Helps develop enforcement guidelines
- Supports other NRC office efforts involving inspection reviews and reporting
- Serves as an evaluator of safety concerns involving new and operating reactors, especially regarding licensing applications and renewals
- Advises agency management at both headquarters and regional office levels
- Performs evaluations of events assessing risk-related issues with potential negative safety impact on people and the environment
- Supports assessments of vendor and reactor inspections to assure compliance and safe operation of nuclear facilities
- Prepares studies and reports
- Presents problem-solving alternatives to risk activities presented in safe operating environments
- Functions as team lead or project manager, developing work schedules and monitoring progress
- Provides guidance to technical staff
- Serves as agency SME and technical representative interacting with officials of organizations in areas related to probabilistic risk assessment
- Represents the agency at public hearings where risk assessment topics are to be discussed
- Participates as a technical expert in conferences and seminars
- Conducts on-site inspections to assess technical issues that negatively impact the safety systems of nuclear plants
- Assists in the resolution of allegations, including conducting investigations, interviewing key personnel and offering recommendations, alternatives and conclusions concerning the safe operation of facilities
- Headquarters—Offices/Divisions, Rockville, MD
- Creative problem-solving
- Ability to bring an integrated approach and insights to issues
- Ability to collaborate productively
- Ability to identify and resolve data gaps
- Desire to create better risk-informed processes and workflows
- Planning ability
- Research ability
- Organizational skill
- Attention to detail
- Ability to perform complex analytical and numerical evaluations
- Ability to participate in and lead projects involving the work of other technical staff
- Ability to develop work plans and detailed schedules to accomplish work associated with complex technical and regulatory activities
- Effective listening ability
- Ability to present complex technical information in both written reports and oral presentations
- Interpersonal skill at all levels
- Knowledge of theory, principles and practices associated with probabilistic risk assessment matters, including those associated with nuclear facility design, fabrication, construction, maintenance and operation
- Knowledge of risk-informed and performance-based regulation and the ability to use risk information and risk insights to improve decision-making.
- Knowledge of the general educational field of engineering or physical science, including the practical knowledge of the same.
- Knowledge of agency policies, rules and regulations relative to the safe operation of facilities
Candidates for Reliability and Risk Analyst opportunities can be found in the following types of NRC jobs:
- Resident Inspector
- Engineer
- Physical Scientist
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