Radiological Assistance Program Nuclear Scientist/Engineer

LLNL; Livermore (CA); Hybrid; USD 146,000 - 223,000; Full time

Job summary

LLNL is seeking a Nuclear Scientist/Engineer to act as the RAP regional technical lead, coordinating emergency preparedness and response activities for Region 7. The role requires travel and potential 24/7 watch responsibilities, with an emphasis on equipment, procedures, and training for RAP readiness.

DOE Q or Top Secret clearance is required. Responsibilities include developing training, evaluating drills, and serving as a primary contact for RAP regions.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate RAP regional technical and scientific interests for LLNL’s nuclear emergency preparedness and response activities.
• Serve as a technical expert for RAP program equipment, training and procedures.
• Develop and deliver training materials for RAP team members.
• Participate in drills, exercises and evaluations of RAP readiness.

Job description

Radiological Assistance Program Nuclear Scientist/Engineer

• Full-time
• Organization: Strategic Threat Analysis and Response
• Job Code 2: SES.3 Science & Engineering MTS 3
• Employee Referral Bonus: Not applicable
• Job Code 1: SES.2 Science & Engineering MTS 2
• Pre-Employment Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)
• Pre-Placement Medical Exam: A job-related pre-placement medical examination may be required
• Security Clearance: Active DOE Q clearance (or active Top Secret clearance)

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.

We have an immediate opening for a Nuclear Scientist/Engineer, who will act as a point of contact for the Region 7 Radiological Assistance Program (RAP) to coordinate the RAP regional technical and scientific interests full-time for LLNL’s nuclear emergency preparedness and response activities within the Strategic Threat Analysis and Response (STAR) Principal Directorate.

RAP’s mission is to provide the nation with an agile, scalable, and rapidly deployable federal first response capability in support of radiological/nuclear crisis operations and consequence management events.

This position is considered a Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST) First Responder and must maintain training, qualification, and other requirements for deployment. The position requires travel, sometimes often, to domestic and international locations, some in potentially austere environments. The position may include supporting a 24-hour/7-day watch bill rotation.

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

• May serve as a technical expert for the RAP Program in equipment, training, outreach and operational readiness.
• Contribute to the development of training for new and experienced RAP team members on equipment, software and operational procedures.
• Monitor team training readiness and prepare periodic status reports and recommendations for management.
• Coordinate with other RAP regions to determine training priorities and objectives and serve as the primary technical contact for the program.
• Participate in planning, coordination, execution, and evaluation of drills and exercises.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of all RAP specialized detection equipment and procedures.
• Provide input for moderately critical regional plans, budget estimates, organizational objectives and programmatic schedules.
• Contribute to the development of presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on training for partner agencies at the federal, state and local level.
• May represent the RAP region in regular conference calls, group meetings and working groups.
• Provide solutions to technical and often moderately complex to complex issues in preventative radiological/nuclear detection.
• Participate in the evaluation and integration of new equipment to enhance and streamline RAP operations.
• Maintain all qualifications and readiness requirements to serve as a RAP responder.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.3 level

• Independently analyze and resolve highly technical, complex, and often ambiguous problems, leading projects from planning through successful completion.
• Identify critical gaps in RAP capabilities and develop innovative applications, methods, and technical recommendations to strengthen mission effectiveness, responder readiness, and emergency response capabilities.
• This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top-Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at the time of hire.
• Bachelor’s degree in physics, nuclear engineering, chemistry, health physics, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of radiation detection principles including equipment capabilities, detection limits and deployment considerations.
• Broad experience operating, maintaining and troubleshooting radiation detection equipment.
• Broad experience developing and delivering training to various audiences.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the current RAP program, personnel, partners, and customers.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with team members, partner agencies and members of the public.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to present and explain technical or operational information.
• Ability to obtain and maintain RAP responder qualification in accordance with applicable Personnel Qualifications Standards (PQS).

Additional qualifications at the SES.3 level

• Advanced experience with the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of radiation detection equipment.
• Direct experience with NNSA nuclear emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
• Relevant technical experience supporting nuclear emergency preparedness and response.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s degree in health physics, nuclear engineering, nuclear science or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience in operational health physics or radiological control experience.
• Knowledge of gamma spectroscopy methods and nuclear measurement methods.

Pay Range

$146,340 - $222,564 Annually

$146,340 - $185,544 Annually at the SES.2 level

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

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. 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.

#LI-Hybrid

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!
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)

This position requires an active Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance or active Top Secret clearance issued by another U.S. government agency at time of hire.

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.

Pre-Placement Medical Exam

A job related pre-placement medical examination may be required.

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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