Responsibilities

The Nuclear Signatures Group within PNNL is seeking a space reactor subject matter expert. The group focuses on nuclear explosion monitoring, safeguards, emergency response, and arms control, with an emphasis on radiation detection. Space security is an emerging area for the group. In addition to fundamental engineering analysis, design, and materials expertise, a successful candidate will have specialized knowledge in applying nuclear technologies to space applications, particularly compact fission reactor systems designed to produce electricity in orbit or on the surface of another moon or planet. Familiarity with betavoltaic devices and/or radioisotope power systems is a plus. Envisioned work activities include technical project leadership and management, business development, and technical task execution related to space nuclear design, testing, security, and safety.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as a subject matter expert in space nuclear technologies, developing technical concepts, strategies, and solutions that advance national security missions related to space and nuclear systems.
• Lead multidisciplinary research and engineering efforts from concept development through execution, providing technical leadership to project teams and ensuring successful delivery of project objectives.
• Apply advanced engineering judgment to solve complex technical problems, evaluate emerging technologies, and develop innovative solutions in areas related to nuclear systems, radiation effects, and space applications.
• Identify new technical opportunities and help shape future research directions by developing technical strategies, white papers, proposals, and collaborations that expand the program portfolio.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with internal and external collaborators, sponsors, and stakeholders to advance technical capabilities and mission outcomes.
• Communicate technical results through reports, presentations, proposals, and peer-reviewed publications while maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity, quality, and security.
• Handle sensitive and classified information in accordance with applicable security requirements.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant experience -OR-
• PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in mechanical, nuclear, aerospace, materials, or systems engineering and related 5+ years of space nuclear power applied research or industry experience.
• Application-oriented R&D or applied technology development on space nuclear reactors or related components
• Solid oral and written communication skills, including detailed technical and scientific writing ability to convey complex information accurately.
• Ability to develop technical solutions to a variety of problems with a highly complex scope, based on national policies and industry standards.
• Experience with technical project leadership is required.
• Experience with business development and sponsor relationship management is strongly desired.
• Experience with spacecraft/satellite research, development, design, and operations is a plus.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable

Additional Information

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
• Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.

Testing Designated Position

This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

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Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $122,100.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $193,000.00/Yr.