Health Physics Director

General Atomics; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,900 - 257,233; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics in San Diego is seeking a Health Physics Director to lead radiological health programs, ensuring adherence to company policy and applicable laws. You will direct all phases of projects, develop policies, and guide safety programs protecting workers and the public from radiation risks.

The role requires extensive health physics expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to manage licensing actions, regulatory reporting, and liaison with government agencies.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressively complex experience in health physics.
• Strong leadership and management experience in health physics programs.
• Deep knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations and safety practices.
• Ability to obtain federal clearances and lead in a fast-changing environment.

Responsibilities

• Direct Health Physics activities to meet quality and financial objectives.
• Develop and maintain radiologic health and safety policies.
• Direct project design, scheduling, and execution to meet goals.
• Evaluate licensing needs and assess regulatory impacts on assets.
• Ensure regulatory documentation is compliant and actionable.
• Oversee radioactive materials and safety program compliance and permits.
• Interact with regulators and manage nuclear materials accounting.
• Develop reports and presentations for internal and external audiences.
• Provide technical leadership and oversee talent development.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science

Master's degree in Science

ABHP certification (or pursuing)

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Health Physics Director!

This position is responsible for directing all activities related to Health Physics ensuring adherence to Company policy as well as appropriate laws and regulations.

Directs all phases of assigned projects including developing and implementing policies, programs and procedures to provide effective radiological health programs to protect employees and the general public from harmful effects of radiation.

Directs the development of short and long-term objectives and recommends goals to management. Directs the implementation of new/revised objectives. Provides leadership and guidance while overseeing liaisons with other department managers. Typically accomplish objectives through subordinate management. May be responsible for decisions that have a serious extended impact on the overall success of the business and/or organization where erroneous decisions could cause substantial expenditure of time, resources and funds.

Responsible for other non-traditional Health Physics duties to include nuclear/radiologic related Company licensing actions and liaison with corresponding government regulatory agencies.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Directs Health Physics activities including planning, implementing, and managing technical performance to ensure quality and financial objectives are met.
• Develops and maintains Company policies regarding radiologic health and safety and advises management on any updates/changes that may be required.
• Directs project(s) including project design and schedule to meet objectives.
• Evaluates need for licensing actions and associated potential impacts on Company assets of proposed activities involving the possession and use of radioactive materials or radiation producing machines.
• Ensures documentation meets federal, state and local regulations. Ensures that appropriate corrective action is taken where health and safety hazards exist.
• Directs activities related to radioactive materials, radiation machines and safety programs including compliance, work authorization and work permit programs. Reviews requirements regarding safety aspects.
• May participate in facility decommissioning.
• Management of Nuclear Materials Accountability (US Nuclear Materials Management and Safeguards System).
• Develops appropriate electronic and hard copy reports and records.
• May develop new or revise existing electronic or hard copy systems and makes internal and external presentations.
• Represents the organization as a primary spokesperson with line management, program managers, technical staff, and outside representatives.
• Responsible for submitting nuclear regulatory required reports and notifications.
• Advises the International Trade Compliance organization on import and export licensing of radioactive materials.
• Ensures technical leadership and excellence is maintained by participating in the planning, attraction, selection, retention, and development of the required management, professional, and technical talent.
• Other duties as assigned or required.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

Requires a Bachelors or Masters degree in Science or related technical field and fifteen or more years of progressively complex experience with a Bachelors or thirteen or more years progressively complex experience with a Masters, in one or more health physics area including but not limited to radiation and contamination surveys, air monitoring, fuel development research reactors, internal and external dosimetry, waste processing, and/or Health Physics (environmental samples) laboratory with at least nine of those years having management responsibilities. Additional professional experience may be substituted in lieu of education.

Must demonstrate a extensive technical understanding of health and safety principles, concepts, theories, regulations and practices, including state and federal regulations, standards, programs and practices; and comprehensive leadership skills including organizing, planning, budgeting, scheduling and coordinating workloads to meet established deadline or milestones; and the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.

• The ability to identify, analyze, interpret and resolve unusually complex management and technical problems;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to accurately document, report and present findings;
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively interface with all levels of employees, senior management and senior outside representatives;
• The ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, ability to acquire federal clearances;
• Ability to work independently and lead in a team environment is essential as is the ability to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Certified health physicist (ABHP certification) or currently pursuing is highly desired.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 140,900 - 257,233