Principal Scientist

Mission Support and Test Services LLC (MSTS) – Company Overview

MSTS manages and operates the Nevada National Security Sites (NNSS) for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Our mission is to help ensure the security of the United States and its allies by providing high‑hazard experimentation and incident response capabilities through operations, engineering, education, field, and integration services and by acting as environmental stewards to the Site’s Cold War legacy. Our vision is to be the user site of choice for large‑scale, high‑hazard, national security experimentation, with premier facilities and capabilities below ground, on the ground, and in the air.

• MSTS offers full‑time employees competitive salaries and benefits packages including medical, dental, and vision, pension and 401(k), paid time off and 96 hours of paid holidays, relocation assistance (if located more than 75 miles from work location), tuition assistance and reimbursement, and more.
• MSTS is a limited liability company consisting of Honeywell International Inc., Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., and HII Nuclear Inc.

Responsibilities

Environmental Management is seeking an individual to support the radioactive waste disposal mission for the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). The primary duties include maintaining Disposal Authorization Statements (DASs) required to operate the Area 3 and Area 5 low‑level radioactive waste disposal sites. Each DAS requires preparation and maintenance of a Radioactive Waste Management Basis (RWMB) which includes a Performance Assessment, a Composite Analysis, a Closure Plan, a Monitoring Plan, a Change Control Process, and a Maintenance Plan. The Annual Summary Report evaluates disposal operations, environmental monitoring results, research and development results, and UDQEs results to determine if the Performance Assessment and Composite Analysis remain valid and if the disposal site is in compliance with the DOE Order 435.1 performance objectives.

• Manage a control process which identifies and evaluates consequences of significant changes to the RWMB.
• Assess potential changes that require preparation of Unresolved Disposal Questions Evaluations (UDQEs), technical engineering analyses and calculations.
• Maintain DASs, prepare an ASR submitted to EM Headquarters and signed by the Nevada Field Office, and secure peer review by the Low‑Level Waste Disposal Facilities Federal Review Group (LFRG).
• Have a working knowledge of DOE requirements related to radioactive waste disposal at the NNSS.
• Devise solutions that resolve conflicting customer expectations and design requirements, utilizing unconventional technology and materials.
• Provide technical direction for assigned projects and coordinate complex projects with team members external to MSTS.
• Define customer needs and develop technical proposals.
• Interpret and adapt guidelines for specific cases.
• Evaluate processes, procedures, and work instructions to improve performance.
• Prepare work statements for complex subcontracts and procurements, evaluate bids and recommend awards.
• Provide expertise on operational goals.
• Serve as consultant to less experienced scientists, offering practical advice on implementation of solutions for organizational goals.
• Ensure team processes and deliverables comply with laws, codes, orders, and MSTS policies and procedures.
• Conduct or lead research, present papers, and remain abreast of new technological developments, methods or materials, to keep management informed of important new advances.
• Devise new concept designs and analytical methods.
• Select and bring new scientific methods to bear.
• Develop field programs and designs.
• Develop and present education or training in applicable disciplines.
• Select and implement software and instrumentation systems.
• Address all aspects of safety in design and execution of work.
• Work may affect public health and safety.
• Likely to act as a safety team lead and may help formulate ESH&Q protocols.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a calculus‑based STEM field and at least 9 years of relevant experience. Skill‑building experience must demonstrate deeper technical specialization or additional cross‑disciplinary knowledge; graduate research experience may be recognized.
• Possess skills to promote open and informal communications, develop mutual trust, and teamwork.
• Possess good technical writing skills.
• Knowledge of probabilistic models and analysis of complex systems is required.
• Knowledge of GoldSim visual dynamic simulation software is desirable.
• Membership in professional organizations may be required, depending on position requirements.
• Position located in North Las Vegas, NV.
• Work schedule 4/10s Monday through Thursday (subject to change).
• Must pass pre‑placement physical examination, including a drug screen. MSTS maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

MSTS is required by DOE directive to conduct a pre‑employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants offered employment with MSTS are also subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship and at least 18 years of age. Reference DOE Order 472.2, 'Personnel Security'.

Department of Energy Q Clearance requirements apply: the position will be cleared to this level. Reviews and tests for the absence of any illegal drug per 10 CFR Part 707.4, 'Workplace Substance Abuse Programs at DOE Sites,' will be conducted. The selected applicant will be subject to a federal background investigation, required to participate in subsequent reinvestigations, and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. Successful completion of a counterintelligence evaluation, which may include a counterintelligence‑scope polygraph examination, may also be required. Reference 10 CFR Part 709, 'Counterintelligence Evaluation Program'.

MSTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. MSTS is a background screening, drug‑free workplace.

Annual salary range for this position is: $121,867.20 - $185,848.00

Starting salary is determined based on the position market value, the individual candidate's education and experience and internal equity.