Principal Technical Advisor

COMPA Industries, Inc.; Aiken (SC); On-site; USD 185,976 - 199,752; Full time

Job summary

COMPA Industries, Inc. is looking for a Principal Technical Advisor located in Aiken, SC. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing expert technical guidance on Nuclear Material Control and Accountability (NMC&A) processes and will mentor the next generation of NMC&A staff.

This role requires a Bachelor's degree in a physical science or engineering, along with 15-20 years of relevant experience. Candidates must be able to obtain a DOE 'Q' security clearance. The position offers a competitive pay rate of $135–$145/hr with the opportunity for a 1-year contract extension.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a physical science or engineering field required.
• 15 to 20 years of experience in nuclear-related assignments.
• DOE 'Q' clearance required for this position.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an expert on NMC&A processes.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams on complex project work.
• Mentor and develop NMC&A staff.

Skills

Nuclear Material Control and Accountability (NMC&A)

Analytical chemistry

Project management

Radiochemistry

Reactor physics

Education

Bachelor's degree in a physical science or engineering field

15 to 20 years experience in nuclear-related assignments

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Location: Aiken, SC (On-site – supporting the Savannah River Site)

Pay Rate: $135–$145/hr

Contract: 1-year base with one (1) 1-year option period

Work Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 6:00 AM–4:30 PM

About the Rol

We are recruiting a Principal Technical Advisor to serve as an expert on Nuclear Material Control and Accountability (NMC&A) processes in support of the SRPPF program at the Savannah River Site. In this role, you will establish cost‑effective technical solutions to issues generated by frequently changing requirements, develop leading‑edge methods and technologies to mitigate programmatic and operational deficiencies, and provide expert technical guidance and leadership on the resolution of atypical, highly complex issues affecting program operations.

Working independently with limited direction, you will lead multi‑disciplinary teams on highly visible, business‑sensitive project work; ensure NMC&A requirements from the current DOE Order are incorporated into facility design and schedule; and mentor and develop the next generation of NMC&A staff. The role interacts with DOE‑SR, DOE‑HQ, oversight panels, and other external organizations on substantive technical matters.

Key Responsibiliti

• Serve as an expert on Nuclear Material Control and Accountability (NMC&A) processes at the Savannah River Site
• Ensure NMC&A requirements from the current DOE Order are incorporated into the design and schedule of the facility
• Provide expert technical guidance and leadership on problem resolution by assessing atypical, unusually complex issues impacting the future role of the organization and program operation
• Lead multi‑disciplinary teams engaged in highly visible, business‑sensitive project work involving complex problems and key budget, schedule, or regulatory compliance issues
• Define the scope of new project‑type work and changing technical program requirements, and develop strategic plans for major new program areas and for resolving technical issues
• Represent the organization and its technical issues to internal and external customers; interact with DOE‑SR, DOE‑HQ, oversight panels, and boards on substantive technical matters
• Provide guidance to new NMC&A employees and support training development, mentorship, and the development of the next generation of staff
• Provide technical and operational input on Authorization Basis Documents, technical reports, and program‑level procedures, and support the Training and Procedures organization
• Make safety an integral part of each task; obtain safety training, obey safety rules, and stop work when continuing would create an unsafe condition

Required Education & Experie

Bachelor’s degree in a physical science (e.g., chemistry, physics, biology) or engineering (chemical, nuclear, electrical, mechanical) field with 15 to 20 years’ experience, preferably in nuclear‑related assignments, including direct operations management. This scope also accepts a Bachelor’s degree in science, math, statistics, accounting, or business administration with significant years of experience. An advanced degree to the Master’s or PhD/Doctorate level is preferable and would proportionally reduce the years of experience required.

Top Skills & Requireme

• 20+ years of experience with Nuclear Material Control and Accountability (NMC&A) at a DOE/NNSA site
• Advanced knowledge of subjects such as analytical chemistry, radiochemistry, non‑destructive examination techniques, reactor physics, statistics, or plant operations, demonstrating a high level of proficiency
• Knowledge of experimental design and project management

Security Clear

A DOE “Q” clearance is required for this position. The candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE “Q” security clearance. An active DOE clearance is not initially required to perform assigned duties; the selected candidate will be notified when to apply for a clearance based on specific work assignments.

Preferred Qualificat

• Substantive management experience in these or related fields
• Extensive hands‑on experience with computers and various types of software, knowledge of administrative systems, and previous assignments in facility operations and maintenance, engineering, or business‑type functions such as finance, operational and/or program/project planning and scheduling, information resources, or procurement operations
• Candidates who have possessed an active DOE clearance (L or Q) within the past two (2) years are preferred

red.
Contract De

Duration: 1-year base contract with the option to extend for one (1) additional 1-year option period. Option periods are not guaranteed and are executed at the discretion of the hiring manager.

Estimated Hours: 2,080 straight time + 200 overtime per year.

Work Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 6:00 AM–4:30 PM. 100% on-site; local candidates or willing to relocate at the candidate’s expense.

Travel may be required and must be approved in advance by the hiring manager.

COMPA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected status.