Nondestructive Assay Subject Matter Expert and Analyst

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 176,000 - 267,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Education Reimbursement Program

Flexible schedules

Job summary

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, CA, USA, is seeking a Nondestructive Assay SME and Analyst to provide advanced NDA solutions. You will perform gamma ray isotopic analysis, statistical analysis for measurement control, and develop NDA procedures while mentoring staff.

This role supports the MC&A group within the Security Organization and requires U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain DOE Q-level clearance. The position offers competitive pay and relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• Experience with NDA measurement methods for gamma-ray, neutron, and calorimetric systems.
• Ability to develop procedural documentation and provide on-the-job training.
• U.S. citizenship and DOE Q clearance requirement.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized technical analysis to resolve NDA problems.
• Perform gamma ray isotopic analysis using spectra codes.
• Establish measurement control parameters to ensure validity.
• Develop and maintain NDA instrument procedures and train staff.
• Provide MC&A oversight and audits.

Skills

NDA techniques

Gamma ray analysis

Statistical analysis

OJT mentoring

MC&A procedures

Education

Master's degree in Physics/Nuclear Engineering or related

Doctoral degree (desired)

Tools

Spectral analysis codes

Radiation detection instrumentation

Job description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

We have an opening for aNondestructive Assay Subject Matter Expert (SME)andAnalyst. You will provide original solutions and develop innovative methods to solve complex and unique Nondestructive Assay (NDA) problems using specialized knowledge and requiring in-depth analysis. You will perform gamma ray isotopic analysis, statistical analysis for measurement control, and propagation of variance. There may also be opportunities for the advancement of knowledge to the NDA community through collaboration in the development of international NDA standards. This position programmatically supports the Security Organization's NNSA NA-70 and is part of the Nuclear Material Control and Accountability (MC&A) Group in the Security Organization within the Operations and Business Directorate.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

You will

• Provide specialized and in-depth technical analysis, using advanced knowledge to resolve complex gamma ray, neutron, and calorimetric Nondestructive Assay (NDA) problems.
• Perform gamma ray isotopic analysis using multiple analysis codes of spectra for unique isotopes in complex and challenging compositions.
• Provide statistical analysis of NDA instrument performance to establish measurement control parameters to ensure measurement validity.
• Develop, certify, implement, and maintain NDA instrument procedures as well as provide instrument and procedure on-the-job training (OJT) and mentoring.
• Provide MC&A oversight, audit, and performance testing of NDA laboratory operations.
• Interact independently with LLNL NDA laboratory staff and MC&A staff at other NNSA/DOE sites with minimal LLNL MC&A direction.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Establish and direct activities to implement solutions to highly complex and not well-defined NDA problems as subject matter expert to enable Laboratory nuclear material operations by assuring MC&A requirements are met with consultative direction from MC&A.
• Collaborate with high level MC&A and NDA technical personnel and senior managers at other sites.
• Represent LLNL at NDA collaborative consensus standards writing committees (e.g., ASTM international, Institute of Nuclear Material Management, American National Standards Institute, etc.).

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Master's degree in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant previous experience.
• Experience with and significant knowledge of radiation detection instrumentation, gamma ray isotopic analysis methods, and experience with in-depth technical analysis using advanced knowledge of NDA measurement methods for gamma-ray, neutron, and calorimetric systems and instrumentation.
• Advanced knowledge and experience using statistical methods for establishing measurement control criteria that can be applied to NDA measurement system instrumentation.
• Significant knowledge and experience involving assurance activities such as performance testing and assessments, as well as documenting deficiencies and establishing corrective actions.
• Significant experience developing procedural documentation and ability to perform on-the-job training using advanced verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Ability to become a Certified Fissile Material Handler, which requires becoming medically qualified to wear respiratory and other personal protective equipment.
• Ability to secure and maintain certification in the Select Agent Human Reliability Program (SAHRP), which includes physical and psychological assessment, and random drug and alcohol testing.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Subject matter expert knowledge and substantial experience with highly advanced concepts of multiple NDA techniques.
• Expert level application of skills, knowledge, and abilities to develop creative solutions to highly complex or novel NDA issues (e.g., inhomogeneous, unique, or complex isotopic compositions).
• Expert communication skills to advise senior management and/or external entities.

Qualifications We Desire

• Doctoral degree in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or related field.
• Technical lead or supervisory authority experience.
• Certified DOE (Department of Energy) National Training Center (NTC) instructor.
• Certified in Technical Management and experience providing audit and oversight.

Pay Range: $175,530 - $267,060 Annually

$175,530 - $222,564 Annually at the SES.3

$210,630 - $267,060 Annually at the SES.4

This is the lowest to highest salary range in good faith we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• FlexibleBenefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visithttps://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.

Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.

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