Senior R&D Staff Nuclear Engineer

Overview

We are currently seeking qualified applicants for a Nuclear Engineer in the Proliferation Detection and Deterrence Section within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division. The Proliferation Detection and Deterrence Section focuses on the R&D for detection of potential proliferation activities associated with the nuclear fuel cycle; forensics and incident response following a nuclear detonation; engineering, testing, and evaluation of systems that support IC and counterproliferation activities; and implementation of assessments and programs seeking to understand, assess, and/or diminish the attractiveness of special nuclear material (SNM). Specifically, this position will reside in the Detonation Forensics and Response Group. This group focuses on nuclear detonation fallout prediction for support of improved capabilities in detonation characterization and forensics and provides enhanced tools to support incident response and consequence management. 

Purpose

Provide Research and Development (R&D) to the group that strategically advances science and technology consistent with ORNL’s aspiration to be the world’s premier R&D institution and ORNL’s science culture.

The Sr. R&D Staff works towards the primary goal of pursuing global scientific leadership in their field, nurtures ORNL’s culture among group members, and continues to build and scale up individual excellence and impact in R&D. Sr. R&D Staff reports to the Group Lead and works closely with the R&D Section Head to implement the group’s scientific vision; establishes capabilities that enable programs to excel at the forefront of science and technology; performs R&D to advance the field of knowledge and/or technology in one’s respective specialty; sets, implements, and models standards for performance of work consistent with Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) requirements and business rules; and ensures a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated – a workplace that sets an example for the broader community.

The National Security Sciences Directorate conducts research and development to confront some of the nation’s most difficult security challenges and adversaries. Our directorate houses S&T leadership in cybersecurity and cyber-physical resiliency, data analytics, geospatial science and technology, nuclear nonproliferation, and high-performance computing for sensitive national security missions. We draw on the Laboratory’s exceptional facilities and work closely with leading researchers in other areas at the lab such as nuclear and chemical sciences and engineering, applied materials, advanced manufacturing, biosecurity, transportation, and computing. Our multi-disciplinary research teams are passionate about discovery and innovation as we create science-based solutions to complex security threats that put public safety, national defense, energy infrastructure, and the economy at risk.

Our commitment to diversity: As we strive to become the world’s premier research institution in the sciences and technologies that underpin critical national security missions, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that highly values a diverse workforce. We recognize that a breadth of perspectives, insights, and experiences are necessary to drive the level of innovation and discovery that is mission critical to national security sciences. Our commitment extends beyond our workforce to the next generation of researchers with STEM education outreach that seeks to engage a diverse range of students.

Major duties and responsibilities

• Develop a vision and implement a cohesive research strategy to ensure the success of new and ongoing research projects to position the group for future success.
• Develop and implement plans to exploit new opportunities and/or expand existing efforts.
• Develop, manage and execute projects that provide valued and timely deliverables supporting nonproliferation and counterproliferation missions.
• Advance the reputation of the group as a whole through establishing collaborations, Professional Society leadership and involvement, and organization of technical events.
• Lead by example by exercising the principles in ORNL’s “Research Code of Conduct” as a guide for proposing, performing, and communicating research.
• Lead ESH&Q by example and ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.
• Exemplify a commitment to “One ORNL” by modeling lab expectations for excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and by working cooperatively to leverage capabilities across the lab.

Basic requirements

• Requires a PhD in an engineering or scientific discipline with a minimum of six years relevant experience, an MS in an engineering or scientific discipline with a minimum of 12 years experience, or a BS in an engineering or scientific discipline with a minimum of 15 years relevant experience.
• An R&D track record in areas relevant to the specific R&D Group of interest.
• Extensive knowledge of S&T issues associated with nonproliferation and counterproliferation.
• Demonstrated experience in program development, preferably with relevant offices within DOE and NNSA. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated leadership ability and a strong commitment to a teaming environment. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally. 

Preferred qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of the nuclear fuel cycle and associated technologies and operations.
• Experience working for or collaborating with DOE National Laboratories (or similar R&D organizations).

Special requirement

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

This position will remain open for a minimum of five days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please e-mail ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.