Nuclear Material Process Control Analyst (MC&A Technical Specialist 3/4)

Nuclear Material Process Control Analyst

Security Programs - Nuclear Material Control and Accountability group (SP-NMCA) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is responsible for implementation and execution of Nuclear Material Control and Accountability (NMCA) Program. In its essence, SP-NMCA provides assurances to external stakeholders and federal regulators that no nuclear material has been lost, stolen or diverted from its legitimate programmatic use. As such, the group members serve as the interface between LANL programmatic groups utilizing and/or processing nuclear material and the regulator, helping to navigate the legal framework through use of practically implementable, technically defensible and legally compliant means. To aid in this holistic effort, SP-NMCA is looking for qualified candidates to perform process monitoring within the LANL Plutonium Facility. This is an exciting opportunity for high performing and motivated technical professionals to shape the future of nuclear material processing operations at Los Alamos National Laboratory by working collaboratively to improve near real-time accountability of nuclear material while innovating and finding more efficient means of maintaining or improving upon critical requirements, both legal and technical. Process Monitoring is a freshly restarted program, which primary objective is to improve timeliness of detection of any potential loss of nuclear material. It relies on monitoring of process execution and movement of individual nuclear material items.

This position will be filled at the MC&A Technical Specialist 3 or MC&A Technical Specialist 4 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.

Nuclear Material Process Control Analyst (MC&A Technical Specialist 3)

$114,700 - $191,200

As a Nuclear Material Process Control Analyst, you will collaborate across organizations to understand details of select processes, their normal and abnormal variations, collect operations' data, analyze process parameters, and offer performance improvement initiatives where applicable. Investigation of abnormal or out of control situations is a skill that will be exercised to reconcile differences and unexpected trends. Knowledge and experience in critical problem solving is a strong advantage in this role, as well as a desire for process improvement and willingness to take on a new challenge.

Senior Nuclear Material Process Control Analyst (MC&A Technical Specialist 4)

$125,200 - $211,300

In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the Senior Nuclear Material Process Control Analyst is expected to independently develop, propose and technically justify new process monitoring mechanism and approaches in response to programmatic evolution of the process and report progress to the NMCA Technical Support Program Manager on recommended improvements to the Process Monitoring program. The Senior Nuclear Material Process Control Analyst is expected to have a firm grasp on statistical analysis methods, be able to interpret the results, and provide guidance to junior team members.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Ability to understand production-related nuclear material processes and integrate regulatory requirements into the development of technically defensible procedures and plans.
• Advanced experience gathering process data, performing exploratory analysis to identify process deviation and/or for process improvement.
• Willingness and ability to support and participate in engagement with specialized professional, research or operations organizations to mobilize cross-organizational resources to solve outstanding NMCA challenges.
• Advanced ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical stakeholders to gain consensus for testing and implementing recommended improvements.
• Advanced experience developing technical reports for internal and external stakeholders such as senior management and federal oversight.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring less experience staff to support technical skill development.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Q-clearance and HRP.

Additional Job Requirements for Senior Nuclear Material Process Control Analyst (MC&A Technical Specialist 4):

• In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires expert level experience:
• Gathering data and performing exploratory analysis for process improvement, then testing and implementing improvements.
• Willingness and ability to lead engagement with specialized professional, research or operations organizations to mobilize cross-organizational resources to solve outstanding NMCA challenges.
• Identifying measurable variables related to simple-to-complex technical processes in order to obtain data that is representative of process performance.
• Providing technically defensible and legally compliant solutions to complex process monitoring issues.
• Motivating stakeholders to make strategic changes and improvements to the process or its monitoring to be more effective and efficient.

Education/Experience at lower level: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field and 6 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.

Education/Experience at higher level: Position requires a Bachelor's degree in a STEM field and 8 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation. At this level, a Master's degree is preferred. Additional consideration may be given to professionally recognized training and certifications in related fields.

Desired Qualifications:

• A background in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, statistics, or computer programming background highly desirable.
• Experience auditing/assessing technical processes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of nuclear material control and accountability program.
• Experience working in a regulated environment such as a nuclear facility or knowledge and experience with nuclear materials packaging, storage, treatment, and disposal, chemical processing, NMCA technology development, measurement system development, modeling of complex data.
• Highly specialized knowledge in NMCA systems such as measurements systems, materials management, or knowledge of nuclear chemical processes, statistical concept and development of technologies.
• Working knowledge of Python, SQL, C++ or other programming language.

Work Environment: This position may/will require 24/7 coverage, which could/will involve working a shift/weekend schedule. Employees may be eligible for shift differential pay when assigned by their manager. Shift/weekend assignments are at the discretion of the manager.

Work Location: The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants: Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Please include a comprehensive cover letter addressing how you meet the minimum requirements and desired qualifications.

Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

• PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
• Dental and vision insurance
• Free basic life and disability insurance
• Paid childbirth and parental leave
• Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
• Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
• Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
• Onsite gyms and wellness programs
• Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details: