Reactor Operations Engineer, WSU Nuclear Science Center

Washington State University • Pullman, WA

1d

About The Position

As the Reactor Operations Engineer for the WSU Nuclear Science Center, you will be responsible for designing, assessing, approving, and performing research reactor maintenance activities and operations planning in support of fundamental and applied science research projects across the Nuclear Science Center and the NSC 1MW TRIGA research reactor. This includes performing work in support of scientific or engineering research which provides practical experience for graduate and undergraduate students, research technicians, and reactor operators; using advanced skills and knowledge to perform the following non-inclusive list of tasks, perform complex investigative procedures; modifies procedures to accomplish operational & maintenance goals; collect, process and analyze data; and run research protocols. You will serve as a senior reactor operator; ensure quality and safety controls, review regulations, and maintain the operational goals of the facility. You will make recommendations and conclusions, which will serve as the basis for decision making in the NSC reactor operations group. This role requires on-call status at times.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and experience performing professional-level work with scientific or engineering research protocols. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Experimental and analytical skills; understanding and knowledge of research theory; excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Knowledge of research reactors, reactor safety systems and components, industry best practices, state-of-the art, infrastructure, regulatory requirements, experience in experimental safety analysis for neutron activation and chemistry experiments.
• Must currently possess or be able to obtain a senior reactor operator license at the NSC reactor within 9 months of hire.
• Must obtain a hazardous materials shipping certificate for radioactive materials for domestic air and ground shipping within six months of hire.
• Must be a U.S. citizen at time of hire as part of the licensing requirement.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.
• Must obtain fall protection training, CPR training, first aid training, AED training, and overhead crane operation training within 6 months of hire.
• Must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history check.
• Must undergo a full background check.
• Within 12 months of hire, must receive a favorable trustworthiness and reliability determination by the facility Director and Reactor Supervisor and required to maintain clearance throughout employment.
• Must be able to satisfy all requirements set forth by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to remain qualified for a senior reactor operator license and SGI clearance access.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of a valid hazardous materials shipping certificate for radioactive materials for domestic air and ground shipping.
• Current or previous reactor operator or senior reactor operator license.
• Experience working with nuclear detector systems and spectroscopy software for radiation measurement and nuclide identification.
• Experience using LabView, AutoCAD, or SOLIDWORKS.
• Experience in repair and maintenance of analog and digital electronic controllers and systems.
• Experience in handling radioactive and hazardous materials.
• Previous training or education in the fundamentals of nuclear reactor theory and operations.

Responsibilities

• designing, assessing, approving, and performing research reactor maintenance activities and operations planning
• performing work in support of scientific or engineering research which provides practical experience for graduate and undergraduate students, research technicians, and reactor operators
• perform complex investigative procedures
• modifies procedures to accomplish operational & maintenance goals
• collect, process and analyze data
• run research protocols
• serve as a senior reactor operator
• ensure quality and safety controls
• review regulations
• maintain the operational goals of the facility
• make recommendations and conclusions, which will serve as the basis for decision making in the NSC reactor operations group

Benefits

• WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver.

What This Job Offers

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