Waste Characterization Analyst

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.


Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

Job Description

We have an opening for a Waste Characterization Analyst to provide technical support. You will ensure that radioactive and hazardous waste generated from LLNL operations is properly characterized, packaged, and managed in accordance with applicable requirements. You will interpret and apply regulations from Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Department of Toxic Substance Control, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Department of Transportation and Department of Energy (DOE) Orders pertaining to the management of radioactive, hazardous, and mixed waste. This position is in the Radioactive and Hazardous Waste Management Program (RHWM) within the Strategic Deterrence Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

In this role you will

• Participate in the waste characterization process to ensure LLNL-generated waste streams are properly characterized and managed in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and site requirements.
• Prioritize day-to-day work assignments to ensure overall waste processing goals are met.
• Collaborate with LLNL waste generators, field technicians, and Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) professionals, and contracting partners to provide technical guidance and solutions for the management, transportation, and disposal of hazardous, radioactive, and/or mixed wastes.
• Interpret complex analytical and/or radioanalytical data to determine proper characterization and disposition of radioactive and mixed waste.
• Work collaboratively with other team members within the RHWM program to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions to technically challenging waste management problems.
• Prepare technical basis documents describing characterization methodologies and their application.
• Prepare waste sampling plans using the Data Quality Objectivesprocess in accordance with EPA guidelines.
• Perform validation and acceptance of complex chemical and radiological data packages.
• Support waste characterization activities associated with facility demolition and decontamination (D&D) work.
• Work with outside contractors in support of waste characterization, packaging, and disposition activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the TSS.4 level

• Represent RHWM in technical and programmatic discussions with internal and external stakeholders, including regulators, disposal sites, DOE, and other federal agencies.
• Apply principles of project management to plan and execute work, including scope definition, schedule development, risk management, and status reporting for complex waste characterization projects.
• Lead or significantly influence process improvement initiatives, including defining success metrics, driving implementation across stakeholders, and sustaining improvements over time.
• Mentor and train less experienced personnel on federal and state regulations governing waste management and on RHWM characterization practices.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, nuclear engineering, health physics, or a related scientific field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience interpreting analytical and/or radioanalytical data to determine waste characterization and/or disposal options.
• Experience applying health physics concepts and/or environmental regulations to the characterization of waste.
• Advanced application and understanding of chemical compatibility, proper segregation, and chemical identification, and/or advanced knowledge of applying NDA techniques to waste containers including data interpretation.
• Experience interpreting waste acceptance criteria for the purposes of preparing shipments and developing profiles for waste disposal at treatment, storage, and disposal facilities.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to explain and present waste characterization data and strategies to audiences with varying technical abilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment engaged in the characterization of radioactive, hazardous, and medical waste.

Additional qualifications at the TSS.4 level

• Subject matter expertise in one of the following categories: non-destructive analysis, analytical, inorganic or organic chemistry, or the waste management aspect of facility D&D activities.
• Experience developing training practices, mentoring less experienced personnel, or leading projects that involve overseeing the activities of other personnel.
• Expert level application and development of chemical compatibility, proper segregation, and chemical identification, or expert level knowledge of applying NDA techniques to waste containers including data interpretation.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master's degree in chemistry, nuclear engineering, health physics, or related scientific field.
• Fundamental knowledge of TRU waste management including transportation and disposal requirements.
• Experience working with database systems designed to support waste characterization and management activities.

Pay Range

$154,950 - $235,692 Annually

$154,950 - $196,476 Annually for the TSS.3 level

$185,850 - $235,692 Annually for the TSS.4 level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.


Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.


If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

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