Job DescriptionMission Support & Test Services, LLC (MSTS) / Nevada National Security Sites (NNSS) is seeking a Principal Safeguards & Security Specialist (Technical Security Analyst) to serve as a high-level technical authority for complex security risk, blast, and vulnerability analyses. Reporting directly to the Technical Analysis Section Supervisor, this role provides rigorous technical and quantitative analytical support to the Nevada Field Office (NFO) and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The incumbent will leverage advanced computational modeling, physics-based blast simulations, and probabilistic risk assessment methodologies to evaluate, design, and validate physical protection systems for complex nuclear, high-hazard, and critical infrastructure assets.
ResponsibilitiesKey Responsibilities- Utilize established modeling tools and technical methods to evaluate blast dynamics, structural response, and explosive threats-including VBIEDs, dynamic breaching charges, and man-portable devices-to determine asset vulnerability and define protective hardening requirements.
- Execute detailed target identification and adversary characterization in strict compliance with DOE Order 470.3C (Design Basis Threat). Determine and assign Protection Levels (PL 1 through PL 8) across Special Nuclear Material (SNM), classified assets, chemical/radiological hazards, personnel, and vital support infrastructure.
- Characterize PL 1-4 storage and processing facilities; formulate Figures of Merit (FoM) for physical protection systems, model multi-layered delay barrier timelines, and classify Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in physical security system architectures.
- Develop DBT graduated threat axis scenarios and execute neutralization/pathway timeline simulations to calculate System Effectiveness (PE), Probability of Detection (PD), Probability of Interruption (PI), and Probability of Neutralization (PN) for high-consequence national security assets.
- Lead the development, integration, and operational execution of Risk-Based Security Operations (RBSO) frameworks, utilizing probabilistic risk assessment, threat-informed decision analytics, and performance-based validation to optimize protective force deployment, operational posture, and resource allocation across high-hazard enterprise domains.
- Design and implement quantitative insider threat mitigation frameworks, vulnerability assessments (VAs), and multi-vector threat scenario evaluations across physical, operational, and cyber-physical interfaces.
- Serves as a technical advisor to project teams and engineering staff by interpreting safeguards and security standards, evaluating regulatory requirements, and guiding the integration of risk-based security measures into facility and operational designs.
- Author technical assessment reports, empirical risk acceptances, and briefing artifacts for DOE/HQ, DOE/NNSA, NNSA/NFO, and executive stakeholders regarding emerging threat vectors, anomalous system performance, and technical variances.
- Serve as the MSTS technical liaison in inter-site working groups, collaborating closely with National Laboratories (LANL, LLNL, Sandia) and federal partners to align S&S analytical methodologies and assessment toolsets.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in a field related to the position or equivalent training and experience, plus 8 years of progressive related experience.
- Expert knowledge of advanced principles, concepts and theory related to the position and ability to address issues and define and resolve the most difficult and challenging problems.
- Able to work independently on safeguards and security program objectives and strategies and formulate strategies for improving operations/processes.
- Able to develop and maintain relationships with all levels of employees throughout the company, customers, outside agencies, and various levels of personnel within parent organizations, DOE/HQ, DOE/NNSA, and other contractors including LANL, LLNL, and Sandia as needed to facilitate meeting safeguards and security program objectives while screening and maintaining confidentiality.
- Able to prioritize and schedule multiple activities in the most efficient manner and meet required deadlines.
- Able to use software applications needed in the position, including accounting software, analytical software, financial analysis software, word processing software, spreadsheet software, presentation software, and database software.
- Attention to detail and accuracy required in ensuring that policy decisions, procedures, and operations follow MSTS and DOE regulations, procedures, and federal and state laws.
- Must possess planning/organizing skills and initiative; employ independent judgment; and apply knowledge and experience to ensure that requirements are completed efficiently and on time.
- Must possess interpersonal communication skills of an influencing and motivating nature to interface effectively with all levels of management, DOE security personnel, and outside agencies.
- Must possess the ability to understand complex data, terminology, procedures, laws, and regulations.
- Able to utilize independent judgment, creativity, and initiative to evaluate alternative methods of solving problems, problem resolution, and to ensure that requirements are completed efficiently and on time.
- The primary work location will be at the Losee Road facility in North Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Work schedule will be 4/10s Monday through Thursday (subject to change).
- Pre-placement physical examination, which includes a drug screen, is required. MSTS maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
Annual salary range for this position is:
$101,982.40 - $155,521.60.Starting salary is determined based on the position market value, the individual candidate education and experience and internal equity.
