OverviewAt PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world.
The Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Technologies Division, within the National Security Directorate, works across fundamental science, research and development, and operations to counter emerging national security threats. We focus on discovering signatures and understanding threats by creating materials, methods, and technologies to detect and analyze them. Our researchers deliver the solutions necessary for addressing complex mission challenges, such as explosives detection, biological threat detection, chemical and nuclear forensics, and special nuclear materials.
ResponsibilitiesThe Nuclear Materials Processing Group within PNNL is seeking a space reactor subject matter expert. 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. The candidate will be part of the Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Division, whose mission includes the science, technology development, and operational expertise to neutralize emerging national security threats.
- Key responsibility is to work with internal stakeholders and external sponsors to serve as a subject matter expert (SME) to create concepts and execute strategies to develop advanced space nuclear reactor technologies as well as counter national security threats related to space and nuclear technologies.
- Key responsibility is to lead project teams to execute project work related to space nuclear reactor technologies.
- Work on complex engineering topics where analysis of unique situations and data requires an in-depth evaluation and assessment of a variety of dynamic factors. Exercise judgement in selecting strategy approaches, methods, techniques, and criteria that will generate the optimum solution and results.
- Maintain an understanding and knowledge of key project issues and initiatives that will allow for proposing improvements and expanding the project portfolio.
- Provide expertise in core engineering topics with strong analytical thinking and excellent verbal communication skills related to topics such as nuclear material processing; material science; heat transfer; fluid mechanics; radiation transport, detection, and measurement; radiation hardening, reactor design, advanced manufacturing, modeling and simulation, and experimental testing.
- Maintain effective working relationships with other research staff, project managers, and stakeholders. Develop positive influence across project interest groups and external organizations and partners to move engineering concepts forward to viable solutions.
- Recommend innovative designs and strategies that can be applied to meet project goals. Author technical white papers and proposals, technical documentation, invention reports, and analyses describing related technological advances in assigned areas of expertise.
- Maintain interactions with and facilitate collaboration among a diverse set of multi-disciplined PNNL and external teams. Frequent communication with project points of contact is expected and required, with the ability to effectively interface with others to develop solutions and capabilities that will accomplish project missions.
- Support occasional travel to interact with project sponsors and external collaborators.
- Appropriately handle non-sensitive, sensitive, and classified information as required by the assigned project topics.
- The incumbent must demonstrate an ability to manage sensitive information while influencing positive outcomes. The person in this position must recognize and accept that they will be working in technical areas associated with the National Security of the United States.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant experience -OR-
- MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant experience -OR-
- PhD with 3+ year of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- MS in mechanical, nuclear, aerospace, materials, or systems engineering and related 13+ years of space nuclear power applied research or industry experience.
- PhD in mechanical, nuclear, aerospace, materials, or systems engineering and related 10+ 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/EnvironmentWork location will be at the Radiochemical Processing Laboratory.
Additional InformationThis 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.
“Referral Eligible”
Testing Designated PositionThis 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.
About PNNLPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility RequirementsAs a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
Mandatory RequirementsPlease be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar RewardsEmployees 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 ApplicantsPNNL 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 SalaryUSD $148,000.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $233,900.00/Yr.
