Advisor 4

Overview

Protecting U.S. residents and visitors is among our nation's highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, the threats grow more dynamic and complex-from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism.

The PNNL national security mission employs our researchers, tools, and technologies to play a key role in advancing the ability to identify and secure nuclear materials, detect weapons of mass effect, manage nonproliferation treaties, secure our nation's borders, and protect critical infrastructures. PNNL's scientific discovery and capabilities-rooted in innovative theory, methods, algorithms, and tools-are enabling stronger, more resilient technologies and systems to safeguard national security. Coupled with decades of radiological and nuclear materials expertise, advanced computing and threat analysis capabilities, and a broad fundamental science base, we are identifying and countering emerging threats that have significant impact at home and around the globe.

Responsibilities

The National Security Directorate (NSD) at the PNNL is currently seeking a Senior Advisor with experience as a Nuclear/Chemical/Mechanical Engineer to join its Nuclear Engineering (NE) group. The applicant should have an interest in drawing upon several years of operational and engineering support for nuclear material operations including knowledge of weapon pit disassembly and parts recovery, dissolving and purification of nuclear materials, and major project support for the planning and disposition of nuclear materials identified as excess by National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).

This successful candidate coordinates with the PNNL Project Manager to monitor NNSA technical needs and enlists PNNL staff and subcontractors to support the Plutonium Disposition mission for NNSA's Office of Material Management and Minimization (NA-23) and the local Office of Plutonium Disposition (NA-233) at the Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, South Carolina, USA. These offices are responsible for reducing the threat of nuclear weapons proliferation by managing and disposing of excess weapons-usable nuclear material from both domestic stockpiles and material returned from abroad.

This support will require daily interaction with federal NNSA employees and their contractors. It will include program management and engineering support that will help NNSA to ensure a successful implementation of the chosen Pu disposition path. Work scope may include management support and oversight of the disassembly of weapon pits, oversight of the plutonium oxide production program in Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and SRS facilities, further development of the Dilute and Dispose approach for Surplus Plutonium Disposition including coordination of design activities and review of design documents, and support in the planning and execution of projects related to the disposition of weapons grade plutonium.

The position is focused on the planning and disposition of Pu identified as excess to NNSA defense program needs. The candidate will have extensive experience in nuclear/chemical/mechanical engineering and knowledge of facilities and operations that produce, handle, or disposition plutonium.

The candidate will have a knowledge of the design process and the DOE orders, standards, and guides and national consensus standards that govern this process including its implementation with regard to glovebox design, ventilation, safeguards, fire protection, quality, nuclear safety, criticality safety, and conduct of operations. The candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of existing theories, principles, and concepts in this field of plutonium disposition to provide solutions to unusually complex problems for which no precedents or past practice exists. The candidate will be capable of resolving problems that frequently require mastery of specialized techniques using high degrees of ingenuity and creativity and demonstrates well-recognized national influence and skilled consensus building. The candidate will exert positive influence across a broad spectrum of stakeholders and interest groups within NNSA, PNNL, other external organizations, the public, and the community.

Discipline, principal job duties/expectations, and qualitative and quantitative measures of performance that exceed the Functional Descriptor include:

• Coordinate with the PNNL Project Manager (PM) and direct the work scope for both PNNL and subcontractor staff supporting NNSA (NA-23/NA-233) at the Savannah River Site.

• Identify resources both internally and externally to PNNL needed to complete work scope identified by NNSA to support their mission.

• Qualify (following training) as a Technical Oversite Representative (TOR) for subcontracts used to support NNSA.

• Assist NNSA in the planning, review, and monitoring of other PNNL projects and programs located at SRS, as requested.

• Act as a key technical contributor to NNSA and provide subject matter expertise related to NNSA and SRS scope.

• Provide unbiased review of work products from NNSA subcontractors for plutonium disposition activities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 11 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA or higher and 9 years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• BS 20+ years of relevant experience

• MS 15+ years of relevant experience

• PhD 10+ years of relevant experience

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

N/A

Additional Information

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

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 candidate selected is subject to pre-employment and 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 until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months can 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.

About PNNL

Pacific 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, flexible work schedules and telework options. 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, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), 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 Workplace

PNNL 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.

HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation.

This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

Mandatory Requirements

Please 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 Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, 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 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

• Research Associates excluded.

Once eligibility requirements are met.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards

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 $160,000.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $264,000.00/Yr.