Nuclear Program Advisor

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • Richland, WA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

At 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 Physical Detection Systems and Deployment (PDSD) Division, part of NSD, delivers policy-informed technology solutions by removing barriers to real-world implementation. We strive to understand end-user environments to transition technology from the developmental stage to deployment. Our diverse expertise in operational systems provides tools, technologies, and approaches for combating a range of threats, both at home and in more than 100 countries around the globe.
The Advanced Solutions & Integration (ASI) Group, within the PDSD Division is dedicated to delivering expert project management, systems engineering, and technology deployment for complex national security initiatives. With a mission to develop innovative solutions that address evolving threats, the ASI Group collaborates closely with sponsors, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to tackle critical challenges in nuclear security, nonproliferation, and operational resilience.
The Nuclear Program Advisor supports the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Defense Programs, with a primary focus on advancing isotope production and next‑generation reactor initiatives.
The position leads strategic initiatives in nuclear safety, isotope production, and advanced reactor program development, helping to establish robust technical frameworks, integration workflows, and compliance approaches across federal and partner organizations.
In this role, you will provide technical and policy guidance to national and international stakeholders, drive innovation in AI/ML applications for nuclear systems, and mentor emerging professionals—all contributing to the mission of strengthening national security and advancing critical nuclear technologies.
This position is based in Richland, WA and requires an onsite presence.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• BS in Nuclear Engineering or a related field; MS or MBA preferred
• Familiarity with nuclear simulation packages such as Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) and SCALE
• Experience conducting Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate technical and programmatic risks and opportunities
• Recognized expertise in nuclear safety, the nuclear fuel cycle, and program management
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi‑stakeholder programs and influence policy at national and international levels

Responsibilities

• The Nuclear Program Advisor supports the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Defense Programs, with a primary focus on advancing isotope production and next‑generation reactor initiatives.
• The position leads strategic initiatives in nuclear safety, isotope production, and advanced reactor program development, helping to establish robust technical frameworks, integration workflows, and compliance approaches across federal and partner organizations.
• In this role, you will provide technical and policy guidance to national and international stakeholders, drive innovation in AI/ML applications for nuclear systems, and mentor emerging professionals—all contributing to the mission of strengthening national security and advancing critical nuclear technologies.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level