Research Reactor Operations Lead

About the role

The Research Reactor Operations Lead position at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is located at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC), which houses the core of U.S. nuclear research and development capabilities. The role involves overseeing research operations, facility operations, and related oversight of planning, maintenance, modifications, and space allocations for research and nuclear capabilities. The position is a 4x10 schedule with Fridays off.

Responsibilities

• Monitor research operations and facility operations to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Verify that activities conducted in facilities comply with regulatory requirements.
• Ensure training requirements are met.
• Advise on all aspects of safety, quality, and efficiency associated with the conduct of research.
• Ensure facilities and laboratories comply with environmental, waste, and material standards.
• Oversee and mentor principal researchers, project managers, and technicians in the planning and execution of complex and high-risk R&D.
• Drive continuous improvement in processes, procedures, tools, and equipment.
• Manage the condition, maintenance, flow of materials in and out of facilities in support of experiments and exercises, and storage of materials and equipment.
• Perform reviews and oversight of various R&D systems design, construction, set-up, and operation.
• Lead walkdowns, inspections, and research scope reviews.
• Coordinate with researchers, program managers, project managers, and mission enabling organizations to ensure that laboratory spaces are maintained efficiently and provide R&D capabilities in accordance with the schedule(s) as well as organizational strategic plans.
• Validate and approve research work control documents.
• Conduct reviews of system and activity compatibility and coordinate/schedule all system operations within the laboratory.
• Allocate personnel to specific job assignments, direct workflow, coordinate production schedules, coordinate activities such as repairs, lock and tag, research and developmental activities, and act on employee problems.
• Provide leadership/advisory support, guidance, and planning for new and complex projects/problems for Research and Development (R&D) research operations.
• Identify facility deficiencies and coordinate with enabling organizations to correct.
• Support compliance to programs such as ISMS, Contractor Assurance Program, Quality Assurance Program, Conduct of Operations, and Conduct of Maintenance.
• Develop outage plans and ensure risks/hazards to laboratory and nuclear facilities are appropriately managed.
• Guide and mentor more junior staff members.
• May coordinate complex/facility upgrades, maintenance, and repairs.
• Maintain strategic interfaces with S&T Directorates, COOs, INL mission enabling organizations, ES&H SMEs, DOE, Universities, and other national laboratories.

Requirements

• Senior Manager: Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution and 5 years of experience. Must have 6+ years’ experience as a senior reactor operator. Must be willing to qualify as a Nuclear Facility Manager (NFM) within one year of hire date. Must have experience managing reactor operations or a nuclear facility. Equivalent education and experience may be considered in satisfaction of minimum qualification requirements.
• Must have obtained an NRC Senior Reactor Operator license in a commercial nuclear plant.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

Advanced degree in a science or technical field (i.e., Nuclear Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering) is preferred.

Experience performing research operational roles such as Principal Researcher and/or Laboratory Space Coordinator is preferred.

Must have obtained an NRC Senior Reactor Operator license in a commercial nuclear plant.

Benefits and Relocation

The target pay range for this position is $158,712 - $237,174. The full salary range is $107,844 - $274,980. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

The Employee Education Program offers tuition assistance for eligible positions.

A comprehensive relocation package is available.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.