R&D Radiation Generating Device and Sealed Radioactive Source Program Lead

LLNL • Livermore, CA

7d • $175,530 - $267,060 • Hybrid

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is hiring an R&D Radiation Generating Device (RGD) and Sealed Radioactive Source (SRS) Program Lead within its Environment, Safety and Health Directorate and Radiological Protection Functional Area. The role independently plans and executes research and development efforts supporting the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of LLNL’s RGD and SRS Safety Programs. The Program Lead serves as a technical expert on RGDs, accelerators, and high-activity sealed sources across LLNL and the Department of Energy complex, applying science, technology, and R&D engineering to develop solutions for the Laboratory’s mission.

The position requires independent technical leadership and oversight of program design and compliance, including shielding and design verification, radiological surveys, safety assessments, leak tests, audits, inspections, and site verifications. The role works with program staff, RGD custodians, colleagues, management, DOE representatives, and technical committees. At the SES.4 level, the position also sets broad program vision, directs R&D and compliance activities, allocates resources across program elements, and provides strategic support and technical input for the program’s development and resourcing.

The position may offer a hybrid schedule, with work-from-home flexibility one or more days per week after a probationary period; details depend on team and organizational needs. It is subject to DOE Order 426.2 and requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. The position is career indefinite and may be filled at the SES.3 or SES.4 level based on the candidate’s knowledge and experience.

Requirements

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Health Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Radiation Physics, Radiation Protection, or a related STEM field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of operational and technical health physics fundamentals suitable for designing an effective RGD/SRS Safety Program.
• Significant and advanced experience applying and/or developing technical, industry best practices and/or business principles for managing Radiation Protection Programs, with demonstrated ability to lead independent technical work.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills for collaboration, presenting and explaining technical information to the ESH Directorate, and advising RPFA management.
• Effective organizational skills and attention to detail to lead multiple tasks amid conflicting priorities, tight and changing deadlines, and frequent interruptions while providing high-level customer service and follow-through.
• At SES.4, subject-matter expertise in operational and technical health physics fundamentals suitable for designing an effective RGD/SRS Safety Program.
• At SES.4, substantial demonstrated experience applying and/or developing technical, industry best practices and/or business principles for RGD/SRS Safety Programs governed by DOE or the NRC.
• At SES.4, demonstrated ability to lead development and application of innovative technical methods or program solutions.
• At SES.4, expert verbal and written communication skills for collaboration, facilitating technical discussions, presenting technical information to the ESH Directorate, and advising RPFA management and senior stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Previous DOE experience and an active Q clearance.
• Professional certification in health physics, such as NRRPT or CHP.
• Previous experience conducting annual compliance surveys for radiation generating devices or accelerators.
• Experience developing Safety Assessment Documents, Accelerator Safety Envelopes, or accelerator safety-basis processes such as USI.
• Previous experience designing, developing, and implementing an RGD or SRS safety program.
• Expert-level knowledge of 10 CFR 835, DOE O 420.2E, and DOE G 441.1C.

Responsibilities

• Set technical strategy and direction for the RGD and SRS Safety Programs and serve as a technical expert on RGDs, accelerators, and high-activity sealed sources across LLNL and the DOE complex.
• Assist in developing shielding and design verification to address complex radiological source problems, considering regulatory requirements, program needs, and variable work environments.
• Provide radiological oversight during annual compliance surveys for High-Risk RGDs, verify administrative and engineering controls, and identify corrective actions for deficiencies.
• Develop radiological survey plans for non-uniform radiation fields produced by pulsed devices, accounting for measurement and instrumentation considerations.
• Independently determine methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for RGD/SRS Safety Program design that meets DOE O 420.2E, 10 CFR 835, and DOE G 441.1C requirements and expectations.
• Guide completion of RGD/SRS Safety Program initiatives and contribute to RPFA organizational goals, influencing the use and control of radiation generating devices and accountable sealed radioactive sources.
• Serve as the primary technical contact for the RGD/SRS Safety Program, interacting with program staff, RGD custodians, colleagues, management, and DOE representatives.
• Serve on internal and external technical committees and industry peer groups, including those focused on accelerator health physics.
• Lead technical portions of internal and external audits, inspections, and site verifications, including triennial audits and DOE oversight of RGD and accelerator safety-program adequacy.
• At SES.4, independently direct R&D technical tasks and compliance activities, including annual radiation surveys, safety assessments, and semi-annual leak tests.
• At SES.4, develop innovative solutions for highly complex radiological source terms produced by RGDs and accelerators, advancing RGD/SRS Safety Program knowledge across the Laboratory.
• At SES.4, provide strategic technical support to RGD custodians establishing work processes involving RGDs, accelerators, and high-activity radioactive sources.
• At SES.4, work under consultative direction, establish assignment objectives, pursue courses of action to achieve program outcomes, and allocate resources across assigned program elements.
• At SES.4, provide strategic technical input supporting the development, sustainment, and resourcing of the RGD/SRS Safety Program and potentially act as an organizational spokesperson on significant safety matters.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Flexible benefits package.
• 401(k).
• Relocation assistance.
• Education reimbursement program.
• Flexible schedules, depending on project needs.
• Potential hybrid schedule with work-from-home flexibility one or more days per week after a probationary period.

What This Job Offers

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