Senior Advisor - Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion (Part-Time/Hourly)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Washington, DC

About The Position

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world. The Emerging Threats and Technologies Division, part of the National Security Directorate, consists of over 400 scientists, engineers, and analysts with backgrounds in cyber, nuclear, intelligence, policy, data science, and other fields. We work in interdisciplinary project teams to provide innovative concepts that integrate policy, analytics, science, and technology into unique solutions. We are seeking a senior technical advisor/program leader to guide the strategy and execution of space nuclear power and propulsion initiatives. The successful candidate will work with multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists across various stakeholders to mature advanced capabilities within space power and propulsion domains, integrating systems engineering, safety, and risk-informed technical decision-making. This role translates complex nuclear technology development into actionable program direction, providing technical leadership across reactor and fuel-cycle considerations (including fuel design, qualification, and advanced reactor technologies), while ensuring alignment with regulatory, safety, and mission requirements. The advisor will also help shape new approaches for advancing space reactor and propulsion R&D, and develop enduring partnerships with key government stakeholders to accelerate delivery of critical nuclear technologies Uses extensive experience in a field of specialty, possessing a comprehensive understanding of existing theories, principles, and concepts in those fields to provide solutions to unusually complex problems for which no precedents or past practice exists. Resolves problems that frequently require mastery of specialized techniques using high degrees of ingenuity and creativity. Demonstrates well-recognized national influence and skilled consensus building. Exerts positive influence across a broad spectrum of stakeholders and interest groups with internal and external organizations, the public, and the community. Is often sought out to work on key project teams and regularly collaborates and negotiates with senior national/international government officials as a PNNL and DOE representative. Makes recommendations that set precedent for future decisions and strongly influence national/international policies and decisions at highest levels.

Requirements

BS/BA and 11 years of relevant experience -OR-
MS/MA or higher and 9 years of relevant experience
Ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
U.S. Citizenship
Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in mechanical, nuclear, aerospace, materials, or systems engineering, or physics, with 10+ years of space nuclear power applied research, industry experience, or project management.
Space nuclear propulsion domain expertise, including hands-on leadership of nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) and nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) technology development/maturation programs.
Knowledge of radioisotope production and supply chain topics for utilization in radioisotope heater units and radioisotope thermal generators.
Nuclear engineering depth, including nuclear science & engineering, space nuclear propulsion systems, and advanced fuel cycles and reactor technologies.
Cross-agency nuclear program integration.0
Application-oriented R&D or applied technology development/management on space nuclear reactors or related components.
Demonstrated experience in strategy or business development activities.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including detailed technical/science writing that accurately conveys complex information.
Ability to develop technical solutions to highly complex problems based on national policies and industry standards.
Experience with spacecraft/satellite research, development, design, and operations.

Responsibilities

guide the strategy and execution of space nuclear power and propulsion initiatives
work with multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists across various stakeholders to mature advanced capabilities within space power and propulsion domains, integrating systems engineering, safety, and risk-informed technical decision-making
translate complex nuclear technology development into actionable program direction, providing technical leadership across reactor and fuel-cycle considerations (including fuel design, qualification, and advanced reactor technologies), while ensuring alignment with regulatory, safety, and mission requirements
help shape new approaches for advancing space reactor and propulsion R&D, and develop enduring partnerships with key government stakeholders to accelerate delivery of critical nuclear technologies
provide solutions to unusually complex problems for which no precedents or past practice exists
resolve problems that frequently require mastery of specialized techniques using high degrees of ingenuity and creativity
demonstrate well-recognized national influence and skilled consensus building
exert positive influence across a broad spectrum of stakeholders and interest groups with internal and external organizations, the public, and the community
collaborate and negotiate with senior national/international government officials as a PNNL and DOE representative
make recommendations that set precedent for future decisions and strongly influence national/international policies and decisions at highest levels

Benefits

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support.
Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match.
Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

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