Nonproliferation Nuclear Fuel Cycle Researcher

Search Jobs - INL Professional Careers; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 114,000 - 281,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) seeks a senior engineer to provide technical leadership in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division. You will oversee planning and execution of hands-on work and advance fuel cycle capabilities, focusing on reprocessing technologies. Requirements include ABET-accredited degrees and 5+ years in nuclear fuel cycle operations, plus 1 year of leadership with NNSA programs.

U.S. citizenship and DOE Q clearance are required.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited degree required.
• 5+ years nuclear fuel cycle operations experience required.
• 1 year leadership supporting NNSA/nonproliferation programs.
• US citizenship and ability to obtain DOE Q clearance.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for projects in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division.
• Advance nuclear fuel cycle capabilities and reprocessing technologies.
• Prepare process flow diagrams and mass/energy balances.
• Support design, fabrication, installation and operation of lab and pilot systems.
• Publish research, present at conferences, and contribute to proposals.

Skills

Technical leadership

Project planning

Mentoring

Leadership

Communication & proposals

Education

ABET-accredited BS in chemical/mechanical engineering

Advanced degree in mechanical engineering or related field

Job description

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities: (Knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for this position.)

• Provide technical leadership for projects within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division.Oversee and contribute to the planning of execution of technical hands-on work.
• Advance INL capabilities and programs surrounding the nuclear fuel cycle, with a particular emphasis on nuclear fuel reprocessing.
• Support the development and deployment of advanced nuclear fuel cycle technologies, addressing proliferation risk to deploy with confidence.
• Prepare process flow diagrams and piping & instrumentation diagrams, perform mass and energy balances as applied to nuclear fuel cycle systems.
• Experience with computational modeling for process design and evaluation is desired.
• Support laboratory and pilot-scale system design, fabrication, installation, and operation.
• Experience with nondestructive assay methods for radiation detection and analytical chemistry as applied to nonproliferation mission areas is preferred.
• Publish research works in peer-reviewed journal publications, present at conferences, generate patents, and demonstrate leadership in proposal writing and business development.
• This position will develop strategic R&D activities in support of NNSA and other customers and serve as an important resource for mentoring early-career staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education, Credentials, and Work Experience:

Required

• Bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering or directly related engineering degree from a program accredited by ABET.
• Level 4: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other related technical discipline plus 9 years relevant experience, or Advanced Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or other related degree with 6+ years relevant experience or a closely related field from a program accredited by ABET.
• Level 5: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other related technical discipline plus 14 years relevant experience, or Advanced Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or other related degree with 8+ years relevant experience or a closely related field from a program accredited by ABET.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in nuclear fuel cycle unit operations. (engineering expertise in nuclear fuel reprocessing to include dissolution, off-gas treatment, chemical separations, and solidification)
• 1 year of demonstrated leadership supporting NNSA and nonproliferation programs.
• Must be able to prove a strong network across DOE, industry, universities, and other national laboratories.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

Preferred

• Advanced degree in chemical engineering or related engineering field from a program accredited by ABET.
• Experience with nondestructive assay techniques for radiation detection and analytical chemistry methods.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, bend, and work in an office and laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information

• Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of Idaho Falls, Idaho facility, with every other Friday off.
• The pay range for this position is: Level 4 ($114,360 - $234,336) / Level 5 ($137,076 - $281,196). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.

Working Conditions

Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls with laboratory field work subjected to variable weather. The noise level is generally moderate. Periodic travel required in normal course of job performance. Position may include exposure to mechanical, electrical, pressure, temperature, and other potential hazards. Necessary safety equipment may be required including personal protective equipment (PPE) when required. Periodic safety training is necessary. Position may occasionally be required to work special shifts or weekends in support of programs.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and levels of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Security and Privacy Language:
This position includes information security and privacy responsibilities as defined by NIST SP 800 53, OMB Circular A 130, and DOE Order 206.1A. Position must complete initial and annual role-specific training as required. The incumbent must sign and comply with all required access agreements prior to being granted access to organizational systems or data. Comply with all applicable information security and privacy policies and procedures by following established protocols, with an understanding that non-compliance may result in sanctions.

LevelDefiners

EX4 – Senior

• Knowledge: Technical leader with a high degree of knowledge in the overall field and recognized expertise in specific areas. Has wide-ranging experience. Uses professional concepts and company objectives to solve complex issues in creative and effective ways. Interfaces with and mentor junior staff.
• Problem Solving: Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors. Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Discretion and Latitude: Work is performed without appreciable direction. Determines methods and procedures on new assignments and may coordinate activities of other personnel (Lead). Exercises considerable latitude in determining objectives of assignment.
• Impacts: Guides the successful completion of major programs and may function in a project leadership role. Erroneous decisions or recommendations would typically result in failure to achieve organizational objectives.
• Liaison: Represents organization as prime contact on projects or work. Interacts with senior internal personnel on significant matters often requiring coordination between organizations. Networks with key contacts outside own area or expertise.
• Education/Experience: Bachelor’s and 9 years. Master’s and 6 years. PhD and 4 years.

EX5 – Expert (Barriers to entry such as Charters and committees exist at this level):

• Knowledge: Recognized organization-wide expert. Has broad expertise or unique knowledge. Uses skills to contribute to development of company objectives and principles and to achieve goals in creative and effective ways. Interfaces with and mentor junior staff and some senior staff.
• Problem Solving: Works on significant and unique issues and provides solutions which are highly innovative and ingenious and where analysis requires evaluation of intangibles.
• Discretion and Latitude: Acts independently or works under consultative direction toward predetermined long-range goals and objectives. Assignments are often self-initiated. Determines and pursues courses of action necessary to obtain desired results. Work reviewed through consultation and/or agreement with others rather than by formal review of superior.
• Impacts: Develops advanced ideas and guides their development. Erroneous decisions or recommendations would typically result in failure to achieve critical organizational objectives.
• Liaison: May serve as organizational spokesperson on advanced projects and/or programs. Acts as advisor to management and customers. Creates formal networks involving coordination among groups.
• Education/Experience: Bachelor’s and 14 years. Master’s and 8 years. PhD and 6 years.