Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer

HukariAscendent Inc.; Paducah (KY); Remote; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

HukariAscendent is seeking a Senior Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) Engineer to support DOE environmental restoration site projects. The role involves creating NCSEs, NCSDs, NCSRs, and CI documents, with responsibility for technical leadership and peer review.

Qualifications include a BS degree plus 7+ years of related NCS experience, strong DOE standards knowledge, and the ability to obtain a DOE L clearance.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of related experience in nuclear safety engineering preferred.
• Direct NCS experience is required with NCSDs/NCSRs understanding.
• DOE clearance or ability to obtain a DOE L clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare NCS evaluations, determinations, and reports; develop procedures and policies.
• Develop CI/NCSDs and perform peer reviews of NCS documents.
• Conduct facility walkdowns and assess operations for compliance with standards and regulations.
• Lead engineering tasks on projects and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

NCS expertise

Communication skills

Engineering discipline

Team leadership

DOE clearance

SCALE knowledge

Education

BS degree in related field

Tools

SCALE

Job description

HukariAscendent is a Women-Owned, Small Business specializing in comprehensive engineering and technical support services associated with commercial nuclear power and other Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear activities.

Job Title: Senior Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) Engineer

Duration: 12 months with extensions.

Location: REMOTE, Trip to site 2x per year.

Summary:

HukariAscendent is seeking a Senior Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) Engineer to support NCS program implementation and engineering system design at a Department of Energy (DOE) environmental restoration site. Working under general supervision, the Senior NCS Engineer serves as technical owner and subject matter expert for assigned NCS projects. The main scope of work is the development of Criticality Incredibility (CI) documents.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare NCS Evaluations (NCSEs), NCS Determinations (NCSDs), NCS Reports (NCSRs), calculations, procedures, policies, and, when qualified, RCSEs.
• Develop Criticality Incredibility documents, including NCSDs for Criticality Incredible.
• Perform peer review of NCS documents.
• Perform facility walkdowns for compliance purposes and to determine project impacts.
• Evaluate operations and proposed modifications for compliance with engineering disciplines and standards; federal, state, and local statutes and regulations; DOE regulations and standards; and project and company policy.
• Perform project engineering functions, including monitoring progress, preparing procedures, and working with team members to determine NCS requirements and compliance.
• Identify and evaluate project issues and problems, and prepare dispositions of problem reports.
• Conduct feasibility studies, evaluate potential technologies, and perform research to analyze and validate design or theory concepts.
• Support NCS operability and engineering evaluations when necessary.
• Interface with other technical and production organizations to compile the technical information required for document preparation.
• Take the lead role on projects as assigned, and partner with other senior NCS Engineers to complete assigned engineering tasks.
• Serve as a resource for lower-level positions, provide technical and functional support to team members, and assist in preparing and facilitating training.
• Perform work safely in accordance with all approved safety policies, procedures, and applicable regulations, and actively participate in Safety Work Groups.

Required Qualifications:

• BS degree in a related field and 7 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Typical experience ranges from 7 to 10 years.
• Minimum of 3 years of direct NCS Engineer experience.
• Experience performing NCSDs for Criticality Incredible.
• Expert understanding of pertinent codes, governing regulations, and industry practices.
• Expert knowledge of applicable codes and standards, as well as project procedures.
• Understanding of multiple engineering disciplines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must possess a DOE “L” clearance or have the ability to obtain a DOE “L” clearance.
• Must provide own copy of SCALE; SCALE 6.1.3 is required for development of some NCS documents.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience preparing Criticality Incredibility (CI) documents (highly desired).
• Experience with SCALE (highly desired).
• Work history that includes burial in an Onsite Waste Disposal Facility (OSWDF).
• Gaseous diffusion technology experience.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an environmental restoration atmosphere (outdated and/or abandoned facilities), with potential exposure to equipment movement hazards, dangerous chemicals/solvents, or hazardous and radioactive materials if proper safety procedures are not followed.
• Ability to wear a respirator and other protective equipment to enter various types of potentially hazardous areas.
• Ability to perform medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force frequently (a two-person “buddy system” is required for anything greater than 45 pounds).
• Ability to work in industrial areas with heat stress conditions, high noise, and radiation and chemical hazards, and in weather or temperature extremes.
• Potential for prolonged driving or riding in a motor vehicle and working around moving equipment and machinery. May be required to operate a company vehicle; all safety and DOT regulations and procedures must be followed.
• Radiological training may be required in some cases.

• HukariAscendent offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid time off.

HukariAscendent is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to age, disability, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran or military status including disabled veterans and Vietnam era veterans, or other protected status.

HukariAscendent maintains a drug-free workplace.