Interdisciplinary

U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command • White Sands Missile Range, NM

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This interdisciplinary position is located at White Sands Missile Range in White Sands, New Mexico, in the Vulnerability Assessment Directorate, Ionizing Radiation Facilities Division, Neutron Effects Branch. The position supports the Fast Burst Reactor (FBR) facility and may be filled under one of several engineering or science titles, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and management needs.

The incumbent conducts reactor operations and test setups, ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and Army technical specifications, reviews complex reactor tests, and may terminate reactor operations. The role includes analyzing reactor facility designs and performance, developing safe operating practices, monitoring reactor performance, solving complex technical problems, modifying reactor designs and operating concepts, and conducting experimental tests. It also involves hands-on facility maintenance and work in monitored radiation environments.

The employee must complete facility and Army training and pursue applicable certifications, including reactor operator, reactor leader, or senior reactor leader certification. Once certified as an FBR operator, the employee must maintain certification by performing at least two significant reactivity manipulations each calendar quarter. The position requires eligibility for a Secret clearance and enrollment in the Personnel Reliability Program. It also includes a pre-employment and annual physical examination, drug testing, lifting up to 50 pounds, and temporary duty or business travel up to 25% of the time.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience, equivalent to the next lower federal grade level, including proficiency in technical customer support, maintaining test fixtures, or operating Flash X-ray diagnostic systems.
• Specialized experience executing nuclear reactor safety evaluations or conducting critical assembly testing.
• Specialized experience reviewing electrical schematics and troubleshooting electronic devices, such as radiation detectors, cabling, programmable logic controllers, or National Instruments cards.
• Ability to follow established operational, emergency, and maintenance procedures.
• Meet the basic education requirements for at least one eligible occupational series: engineering (including General, Mechanical, Nuclear, Electrical, or Electronics Engineering), Physicist, or Chemist. Requirements vary by series and can be met through the specified education or qualifying combinations of education and experience.
• For engineering series, meet the stated engineering degree or qualifying combination-of-education-and-experience requirements, including applicable accreditation, coursework, registration, examination, or related curriculum provisions.
• For the Physicist series, meet the stated physics degree or equivalent coursework requirements, including at least 24 semester hours in physics and the specified foundational subjects.
• For the Chemist series, meet the stated degree or equivalent coursework requirements, including 30 semester hours in chemistry, calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.
• Meet the experience qualification through experience alone; education cannot substitute for the required specialized experience.
• Obtain and maintain eligibility for a Secret security clearance or access for the duration of employment; a background investigation and credit check are required.
• Complete a pre-employment physical examination and annual examinations thereafter.
• Meet the requirements of the Federal and Department of the Army Drug Free Workplace Programs, including pre-employment screening and random testing.
• Be able to lift up to 50 pounds in the regular performance of duties.
• Enroll in and meet and maintain all requirements of the Personnel Reliability Program for a controlled nuclear-weapons position.
• Complete required Army, White Sands Missile Range, and FBR Facility training.
• Meet Test and Evaluation certification requirements within 60 months of entrance on duty.
• Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Foreign education used to meet education requirements must be evaluated as equivalent to U.S. accredited education or receive full credit from an accredited U.S. institution.
• If applicable, male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.

Responsibilities

• Conduct reactor operations and set up tests while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Plan, guide, or review unprecedented planned reactor tests, and terminate reactor operations when necessary.
• Analyze designs, performance, and environmental standards for contracts involving reactor facility improvements to safety, security, and operability.
• Develop sound principles, techniques, and safety practices for nuclear reactor operation.
• Periodically review program goals and objectives.
• Coordinate with the FBR Facility Supervisor to resolve work-related problems.
• Monitor and analyze reactor performance data and maintain surveillance of FBR operations to ensure compliance with Department of the Army Technical Specifications.
• Develop solutions to complex problems across multiple areas and disciplines.
• Develop reactor design modifications and operational concepts to accommodate changing experiment specifications.
• Develop and conduct experimental tests to determine and evaluate reactor parameters.
• Maintain FBR operator certification by performing at least two significant reactivity manipulations each calendar quarter after certification.
• Perform hands-on reactor and facility maintenance, including lubrication, Special Nuclear Material handling, tool handling, and periodic system inspections.
• Work in radiation environments as needed, with exposure monitored through dosimetry.
• Complete training required to pursue PI-538 flash X-ray operator certification and applicable Radiation Material Handler, Forklift, First Aid/CPR, and Confined Space Entry certifications.
• Enroll in and maintain Personnel Reliability Program certification in accordance with Army Regulation 50-5.
• Complete FBR Training Plan and other required training to achieve Reactor Operator, Reactor Leader, or Senior Reactor Leader certification.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position type.
• Permanent Change of Station allowances may be authorized, subject to the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a move is in the Government's interest.

What This Job Offers

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