Senior Principal Engineer

Job Description

Mission Support and Test Services, LLC (MSTS) manages and operates the Nevada National Security Site (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. (See NNSS.gov for our unique capabilities.) Our 2,750+ professional, craft, and support employees are called upon to innovate, collaborate, and deliver on some of the more difficult nuclear security challenges facing the world today.

• MSTS offers our full-time employees highly competitive salaries and benefits packages including medical, dental, and vision; both a pension and a 401k; paid time off and 96 hours of paid holidays; relocation (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. (Honeywell), Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (Jacobs), and HII Nuclear Inc.

Responsibilities

Join an innovative team conducting groundbreaking research in defense of our nation. The Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) is seeking outstanding candidates for a Distinguished Engineer for the Global Controls System supporting the Scorpius Accelerator. The Advanced Sources and Detectors (ASD) Project consists of the development of Scorpius, a multiple-pulse, single-axis linear induction accelerator radiographic system. Scorpius requires a robust control system to operate the machine safely and collect the data needed to execute this important national security mission.


Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the NNSS Controls Technical Lead and support the ASD Global Controls (GC) Technical Lead to provide leadership in developing and implementing network architecture and data management system across the radiographic system that is consistent with implementation of machine learning protocols.
• Provide leadership in integrating and managing software and in standardization of hardware.
• Work closely with the Accelerator, Injector, Downstream Transport, Solid State Pulsed Power, and Detector subsystems to implement a robust and reliable controls system.
• As part of the Operations Technology Team, work with NNSS Information Technology and Cybersecurity to ensure the global control system is compliant with cybersecurity requirements.
• Develop strategic plans for managing software updates, hardware improvements, and configuration control for both software and hardware.
• Support project leadership by communicating project requirements and ensuring proper implementation.
• Partner with ASD NNSS project management by:
  • Providing background information for cost and schedule variance justifications, and developing necessary recovery plans
  • Identifying opportunities for new scope and budget, and providing technical descriptions for accompanying proposals
  • Providing status updates and forecasts to inform accurate completion estimates
  • Preparing necessary information for ASD project review presentations.

Qualifications

Due to the nature of our work, US Citizenship is required for all positions.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) required for Civil, Mechanical and Electrical engineering degrees
  • Or, Calculus-based STEM bachelor's degree in engineering
  • Or, for Architects, Certification from the National Council or Architectural Registration Board (NCARB)
  • Or Professional Engineer license
• Plus at least 14 years' relevant experience. Skill building experience must demonstrate either deeper technical specialization or additional cross-disciplinary knowledge; graduate research experience may be recognized.
• Strong background in data management systems, networking, and communications is desired.
• Extensive experience developing and maintaining controls and communications systems associated with complex integrated physics diagnostics systems, such as linear inductions accelerators, is highly recommended.
• Extensive experience with developing software/hardware integration solutions using LabVIEW.
• Advanced knowledge of communications network infrastructures and ability to adapt to cyber security protective restrictions.
• Experience in leading control system and data acquisition teams and organizations, interfacing outward to project and program leadership.
• Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) experience recommended.
• Evaluate alternatives and identify solutions using systematic, multi-step approaches.
• Develop innovative solutions that improve project performance.
• Facilitate discussion and resolve conflicts within the Integrated Project Team (IPT) and with stakeholders. Establish trust among IPT members.
• Build and use cross-functional relationships to accomplish tasks.
• Collaborate with medium-sized IPTs (10-20 people). Maintain and effectively lead technical execution and achieve customer satisfaction.
• Coach and motivate team members while promoting team interaction.
• Demonstrate effective decision-making skills, including knowledge of how and when to escalate issues to higher levels. Analyze the risks and future impact of decisions. Use cost benefit analysis in decision-making. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, work independently, and work as part of a team.
• Ability to execute work in a disciplined manner to demonstrate compliance with laws, codes, orders, and NNSS policies and procedures.
• The primary work location can be offsite, with an expectation that there will be significant time required in the forward areas at the Nevada National Security Site (forward areas are approximately 90 miles from North Las Vegas) during implementation and testing, with some work occasionally performed at the Losee Road facility in North Las Vegas, Nevada. The PULSE facility is located in the forward areas of the NNSS.
• Occasional travel to New Mexico (Los Alamos and Albuquerque) with occasional travel to California (Livermore) is expected.
• Work schedule will be 4/10s Monday through Thursday 7:00am - 5:30pm pacific (subject to change).
• Pre-placement physical examination, which includes a drug screen, is required. MSTS maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Ability to obtain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification credential under the Department of Energy Order 206.2, 'Identity, Credential, and Access Management,' and Supplemental Directive NNSA SD 206.2, 'Implementation of Personal Identity Verification for Uncleared Contractors.'

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: $147,804.80 - $229,091.20.

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