Principal Technical Advisor

Location: Aiken, SC (On-site – supporting the Savannah River Site)

Pay Rate: $135–$145/hr

Contract: 1-year base with one (1) 1-year option period

Work Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 6:00 AM–4:30 PM

We are recruiting a Principal Technical Advisor to serve as an expert on Nuclear Material Control and Accountability (NMC&A) processes in support of the SRPPF program at the Savannah River Site. In this role, you will establish cost‑effective technical solutions to issues generated by frequently changing requirements, develop leading‑edge methods and technologies to mitigate programmatic and operational deficiencies, and provide expert technical guidance and leadership on the resolution of atypical, highly complex issues affecting program operations.

Working independently with limited direction, you will lead multi‑disciplinary teams on highly visible, business‑sensitive project work; ensure NMC&A requirements from the current DOE Order are incorporated into facility design and schedule; and mentor and develop the next generation of NMC&A staff. The role interacts with DOE‑SR, DOE‑HQ, oversight panels, and other external organizations on substantive technical matters.

• Serve as an expert on Nuclear Material Control and Accountability (NMC&A) processes at the Savannah River Site
• Ensure NMC&A requirements from the current DOE Order are incorporated into the design and schedule of the facility
• Provide expert technical guidance and leadership on problem resolution by assessing atypical, unusually complex issues impacting the future role of the organization and program operation
• Lead multi‑disciplinary teams engaged in highly visible, business‑sensitive project work involving complex problems and key budget, schedule, or regulatory compliance issues
• Define the scope of new project‑type work and changing technical program requirements, and develop strategic plans for major new program areas and for resolving technical issues
• Represent the organization and its technical issues to internal and external customers; interact with DOE‑SR, DOE‑HQ, oversight panels, and boards on substantive technical matters
• Provide guidance to new NMC&A employees and support training development, mentorship, and the development of the next generation of staff
• Provide technical and operational input on Authorization Basis Documents, technical reports, and program‑level procedures, and support the Training and Procedures organization
• Make safety an integral part of each task; obtain safety training, obey safety rules, and stop work when continuing would create an unsafe condition

Bachelor’s degree in a physical science (e.g., chemistry, physics, biology) or engineering (chemical, nuclear, electrical, mechanical) field with 15 to 20 years’ experience, preferably in nuclear‑related assignments, including direct operations management. This scope also accepts a Bachelor’s degree in science, math, statistics, accounting, or business administration with significant years of experience. An advanced degree to the Master’s or PhD/Doctorate level is preferable and would proportionally reduce the years of experience required.

• 20+ years of experience with Nuclear Material Control and Accountability (NMC&A) at a DOE/NNSA site
• Advanced knowledge of subjects such as analytical chemistry, radiochemistry, non‑destructive examination techniques, reactor physics, statistics, or plant operations, demonstrating a high level of proficiency
• Knowledge of experimental design and project management

A DOE “Q” clearance is required for this position. The candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE “Q” security clearance. An active DOE clearance is not initially required to perform assigned duties; the selected candidate will be notified when to apply for a clearance based on specific work assignments.

• Substantive management experience in these or related fields
• Extensive hands‑on experience with computers and various types of software, knowledge of administrative systems, and previous assignments in facility operations and maintenance, engineering, or…