PRT Research Associate

Savannah River National Laboratory•Aiken, SC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Global Security Directorate (GSD) at Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) is seeking a highly qualified and motivated individual to join our team as a PRT Research Associate. The ideal candidate will be someone with demonstrated leadership and technical expertise in the operational and logistical oversight of mobile nuclear facilities, including rapid response capabilities. The Plutonium Removal Team operates the world’s only rapid response capability that can be deployed to characterize, stabilize, and package plutonium for shipment to a recipient location. Our mission supports the NNSA Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation’s Office of Material Management and Minimization. Since its inception in 2005, the team has grown steadily, developing innovative technical solutions and conducting multiple deployment exercises globally. Our teams are dedicated to ensuring the U.S. is prepared to secure at-risk nuclear material internationally in a swift and safe manner.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology or closely related field and 7+ years of relevant experience.
Work experience at a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratory, with direct operational and logistical oversight of Mobile Plutonium Facility systems and ancillary components.
Demonstrated leadership and technical expertise in maintaining and deploying mobile nuclear systems domestically and internationally.
Experience with rapid response capabilities related to nuclear materials recovery, including operational exercises and real-world applications.
Proficiency in maintenance, equipment calibration, logistics planning, and shipping coordination for specialized facilities and systems.
Radiological Worker I & II certification and other relevant operational certifications.
Strong written and verbal communications skills, ability to successfully interact with DOE, project reviewers, project staff members, and senior laboratory management.
Demonstrated ability to work in diverse, cross-functional teams, and effectively manage project timelines and deliverables.
For ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, US Citizenship is Legally Required

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience in deploying modular nuclear facilities
Participation in exercises and operational assessments for federal agencies.
Prior leadership role within maintenance or operations teams, managing schedules, training, inventory, and readiness standards.
Extensive familiarity with DOE protocols, safety standards, and field execution during nuclear materials exercises or emergency scenarios.
Experience in rapid logistics deployment for both continental (CONUS) and international (OCONUS) operations.
Forklift, skid steer, and other operational equipment certifications.
Proven ability to establish and execute partnerships with educational institutions, advancing workforce capabilities through mentorship and training.
Prior experience in supporting NNSA/DOE programs, with SRNL experience strongly preferred.
Active Q clearance.
DOE National Laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations, maintenance, and readiness of mobile nuclear facilities, including the Plutonium Removal Team (PRT) and Mobile Melt-Consolidate (MMC).
Participate in and lead exercises both within and outside the continental U.S. to ensure operational readiness.
Coordinate domestic and international shipping, refurbishment, and calibration of facility systems and calibrated measuring/testing equipment.
Develop and execute logistical strategies for deployment of mobile facilities, ensuring readiness within predefined schedules (e.g., 30-day & 7-day readiness standards).
Lead rapid response and recovery (R3) operations for nuclear materials in remote or sensitive locations, managing inventory, procurement, and execution of exercises and deployments.
Serve as a point of contact for facility operations, maintenance scheduling, and procedural development.
Collaborate with internal and external partners to support nuclear material systems and ensure seamless execution of field operations.
Provide leadership to teams involved in operations, maintenance, and logistics, including managing training requirements, career development opportunities, and performance evaluations.
Co-develop partnerships with educational institutions through programs like MSIPP to foster pipelines for workforce development.
Conduct ongoing training exercises to enhance operational preparedness for nuclear material recovery and response scenarios.
Support career development programs by mentoring interns and facilitating site tours, presentations, and collaboration with academic institutions.