Project Manager - Glass Wasteform Development

Overview

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 Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.

The Nuclear Sciences Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, delivers science and technology innovations for the environment, energy, and national security. At a time when complex challenges are emerging on many fronts, we address some of the most challenging national and international nuclear issues. This includes providing technological solutions that protect the public health and safety around nuclear facilities, developing durable new materials for extreme nuclear environments, innovating new nuclear processes for the safety and security of the nation, and delivering new approaches for accelerating environmental cleanup of nuclear sites. The division’s capabilities and efforts are focused on environmental management of nuclear sites, nuclear regulatory processes, national nuclear security, and advancing nuclear energy.

Responsibilities

The Nuclear Sciences Division within the Energy & Environment Directorate at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is currently seeking a uniquely qualified Project Manager to join its Radiological Materials group. The Radiological Materials group is a world leader in development and testing of materials and processes for immobilization of nuclear and hazardous wastes. The successful candidate will be an integral member of an inter-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technicians who plan, execute scope, evaluate data, and document/publish results.

The ideal candidate will apply waste form development domain knowledge, including materials, processes, and equipment associated with waste vitrification. The ideal candidate will have proven ability to manage diverse scopes, resource loaded schedules, multimillion dollar budgets, and stakeholder expectations. The individual will work with and lead multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts to apply their knowledge and experience in support of complex nuclear waste processing challenges related to the Hanford site and other similar immobilization efforts. The ideal candidate will engage in business development to capture both near term and long-term funding to support staff and capabilities dedicated to the Hanford vitrification efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive technical program strategy and execution to meet management and sponsor expectations.
• Partner directly with sponsors, translating mission objectives into executable plans and managing expectations on progress, risks, and tradeoffs
• Lead multidisciplinary teams in the design, construction, and safe operation of test systems up to engineering/pilot-scale.
• Collaborate with other Project Managers and Principal Investigators to develop new projects and programs and execute staffing strategies to build and coach project teams.
• Track, monitor, and be accountable for project performance and work with PNNL Management to address project issues, identify and mitigate project risks, and monitor project execution to identify adverse trends.
• Effectively communicate with sponsors and senior level management to successfully execute projects and develop long term strategies and plans.

This position is based in Richland, WA and requires an onsite presence.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA in material science, chemistry, chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering or a related field and 11+ years of relevant project management experience -OR-
• MS/MA or higher in material science, chemistry, chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering or a related field and 9+ years of relevant project management experience

Relevant Experience includes progressively responsible project management experience leading multidisciplinary projects or programs involving waste form development or vitrification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading large multidisciplinary teams to execute complex, impactful, multi-stakeholder projects in vitrification technology and R&D.
• Demonstrated experience using and developing information management tools or processes for effective project execution and documentation.
• Knowledge of US nuclear waste sites as well as waste immobilization strategies and technology. Experience supporting operational nuclear waste immobilization facilities. Familiarity with the Department of Energy’s HanfordField Office and with Hanford Site contractors.
• Demonstrated strength in sponsor engagement and stakeholder communication, including effective interaction with senior leaders and mission stakeholders.
• PMP certification or commitment to obtain and maintain within a defined period after hire.
• Experience conducting work under an ASME NQA-1 based quality assurance program.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

• The selected candidate would oversee experimental work involving exposure radiological materials and environment and typical laboratory chemicals and equipment that are appropriately assessed and managed to prevent exposing staff to hazards.
• The selected candidate would oversee radioactive materials testing in radioactive designated areas.

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

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.

* Research Associates excluded.

**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job‑related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited‑term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $166,800.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $275,200.00/Yr.