Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist (Facility Representative)

Department of Energy Headquarters; Warrenville (IL); On-site; USD 90 - 130; Full time

Job summary

Department of Energy Headquarters is seeking an Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist (Facility Representative) to serve on-site at a DOE facility, evaluating contractor compliance with safety, health, and environmental requirements.

You will lead inspections, review management systems, and investigate incidents, acting as the technical liaison between DOE and the contractor, with authority to stop work when hazards arise.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily, on-site evaluations, inspections, and walk-throughs of DOE contractor facilities to ensure compliance with industrial, environmental, radiation safety, general safety, and health laws, regulations, and directives.
• Assess contractor performance, maintenance, quality assurance, and management systems to identify operational trends, systemic weaknesses, and areas needing safety or program enhancements.
• Lead and participate in investigations of abnormal events or accidents to determine root causes, evaluate corrective action plans, and ensure processes are established to prevent recurrence.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact between DOE management and the operating contractor for facility notifications, operational status updates, and emergency event response.
• Apply expert technical knowledge to enforce safety standards, evaluate operational readiness, and exercise immediate stop-work authority when conditions pose imminent danger to worker health or safety.
• Advise management and contractors on the implementation of Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS) objectives, safety envelopes, and procedures for the safe stabilization and resumption of facility operations.

Job description

Open: August 31, 2026 — Closes: September 7, 2026

Summary

This position is part of the Office of Science - Fermi Site Office, Department of Energy. As a Interdisciplinary Physical Scientist (Facility Representative), you serve as the on-site Facility Representative with responsibility for evaluating contractor environmental, operations, safety, and health contract compliance within a specified U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) facility or facilities.

Major Duties

The Department of Energy's mission is to ensure America's security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions. We are truly honored that DOE has been named America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy

As a Facility Representative, you will:

• Perform daily, on-site evaluations, inspections, and walk-throughs of DOE contractor facilities to ensure compliance with industrial, environmental, radiation safety, general safety, and health laws, regulations, and directives.
• Assess contractor performance, maintenance, quality assurance, and management systems to identify operational trends, systemic weaknesses, and areas needing safety or program enhancements.
• Lead and participate in investigations of abnormal events or accidents to determine root causes, evaluate corrective action plans, and ensure processes are established to prevent recurrence.
• Act as the primary technical point of contact between DOE management and the operating contractor for facility notifications, operational status updates, and emergency event response.
• Apply expert technical knowledge to enforce safety standards, evaluate operational readiness, and exercise immediate stop-work authority when conditions pose imminent danger to worker health or safety.
• Advise management and contractors on the implementation of Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS) objectives, safety envelopes, and procedures for the safe stabilization and resumption of facility operations.