Nonproliferation Professional

About the role

The Nuclear Nonproliferation Division (NND) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a mid-career nonproliferation technical staff member to support efforts in controlling and reversing the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, biological, and missile (NCBM) technologies and programs.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Prevent illicit or unintended transfers of NCBM weapon of mass destruction (WMD)-related commodities, software, and technology to destinations and end users of concern.
• Evaluate emerging proliferation threats, their magnitude, implications, and the impacts on the United States’ worldwide interests.
• Evaluate strategic trade controls and the efficacy of international and domestic export control guidelines for NCBM-specific and dual use equipment, with special attention to interpretation and applicability of controls, regulations, and guidelines.
• Identify emerging technologies of interest to the nonproliferation and export control mission spaces, to include writing and delivering products and briefings on short notice.
• Perform statutorily mandated dual use export licensing reviews for DOE/NNSA sponsor.
• Represent DOE/NNSA sponsor in technical cooperation venues involving export control discussions, border security issues, nuclear fuel cycle (NFC) proliferation risks, and WMD development scenarios.
• Develop and deliver briefings for various audiences and backgrounds, including U.S. government officials, technical subject matter experts, export compliance personnel, and domestic and foreign policy implementers.
• Aid in developing proposals, program plans, budget, and scheduling activities.
• Collaborate with the DOE/NNSA sponsors on a regular basis and ensure the timely completion of quality results.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, government officials, and U.S. private industry representatives, and collaborate across ORNL to leverage laboratory capabilities and advance mission outcomes.
• Domestic travel is occasionally required. Foreign travel is possible.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, chemistry, materials science, or related field and 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience evaluating technologies and technical details in documentation (such as papers, drawings, blueprints, presentations, etc.).
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within given timeframes, and adapt to constantly evolving needs.
• Experience presenting technical results to technical and non-technical sponsor communities.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in engineering, physics, mathematics, chemistry, materials science, or related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or MS in these areas with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge and interest in U.S. and international export control regulations, including all United States export agencies (Energy, Commerce, State, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and Treasury) and international control regimes (Nuclear Suppliers Group, Australia Group, Missile Technology Control Regime, and Wassenaar Arrangement).
• Familiarity and interest in supporting dual use export licensing process through statutorily mandated license reviews for DOE/NNSA sponsor.
• Familiarity and interest in emerging technologies of interest to the nonproliferation and export control mission spaces.
• Highly motivated and organized self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the DOE complex.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including experience communicating with U.S. government officials, technical subject matter experts, export compliance personnel, and domestic and foreign policy implementers.