Sr. Scientist Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) IV/V

Sr. Scientist Nondestructive Evaluation (#115337)
National Security Directorate
Physical & Chemical Sciences Division
Applied Physics & Materials Characterization Sciences group

This position will support PNNL's R&D activities associated with nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technology and methodologies. Primary program support will be provided for U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) programs from the Offices of Nuclear Reactor Research (RES), Nuclear Reactor Regulation (NRR) and New Reactor Operation (NRO). The candidate will be responsible for leading projects and conducting research that will be used in quantifying the reliability of NDE methods for detecting and characterizing defects of interest for determining the fitness for service of components used for safe operation of nuclear power plants. The technical information developed by the programs that the successful candidate leads will assist NRC in developing the technical basis for regulating nuclear power plants in the area of inservice inspection.

Principal Attributes:

* The candidate should have demonstrated abilities to successfully lead research projects and be able to maintain projects on scope and within budget.
* The candidate should have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Reports to the NSD line management and the NRC sector and product line for conduct of project related work.
* The successful candidate will also be required to help market projects for the Applied Physics & Materials Characterization Sciences group and assist in developing and implementing strategic plans for the group.
* The candidate will participate in project planning including preparation of experimental procedures and documentation of project results.
* The candidate should have good computer skills including knowledge of Word, Excel, and WordPerfect and exhibit a capability to learn NDE data acquisition/analysis software.

Experience in both physics and materials science is necessary as this position requires a fundamental understanding of the physical and chemical processes in various materials and an understanding of material degradation processes. The position also requires an understanding of the NDE methods used to detect and characterize degradation in nuclear power plants. Experience in applying NDE imaging techniques (e.g., phased array ultrasonic testing) and data analysis is also useful as this position will support work in assessing and developing advanced inspection methods of nuclear reactor components for the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.  This position requires a strong working knowledge of ASME Sections III, V, and XI and an understanding of fracture mechanics, statistics and NDE modeling.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's mission in national security supports the U.S. government's efforts to protect our homeland, ensure a strong and fast military, and fight proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Our broad range of scientific and engineering expertise enables us to deliver high-impact, science-based, practical solutions to our clients.  Slightly more than one-half of PNNL¿s $790-million annual business volume reflects work in national security programs for the Departments of Energy, Homeland Security, Defense and other federal agencies--and we're growing fast.

Minimum Requirements:

Level IV:

* Technical Expertise: Technical expert. Selects and widely applies principles, theories and concepts in major field of specialization.
* Level of Responsibility: Fully competent scientist/engineer contributing to science and technology solutions in the conventional aspects of discipline specialty. PI or Co-PI on multiple or significant projects or tasks.
* Breadth of Technical Knowledge: Understands the application of domain skills and knowledge. Directs technical projects that may involve multi-disciplinary activities.
* The Candidate should have a minimum of a Masters of Science or Engineering degree in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science or a related technical discipline with 5 years of experience.

Level V:

* Technical Expertise: National or international authority. Applies intensive and diversified knowledge of scientific or engineering principles in broad areas of assignments and related fields.
* Level of Responsibility: Exercises an identifiable expertise by making significant and progressive contributions.
* Breadth of Technical Knowledge: Advances state of the art technologies and concepts.
* A Doctorate degree in any of the disciplines noted above with 5-10 years experience is desired, including being first author of several peer reviewed publications. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute professionally, and be able to mentor junior staff.  The candidate shall be able to apply and interpret standard theories, principles, methods, tools and technologies.

Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q Security clearance (to obtain a clearance requires U.S. Citizenship) required. 
 Equal Employment Opportunity 
 Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or sexual orientation.


 Other Information 
Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.  All Security Clearance (L or Q) positions will be considered by the Department of Energy to be Testing Designated Positions which means that they are subject to applicant, random, and for cause drug testing.  In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs 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 for 12 consecutive months can be demonstrated.