Nuclear Facility Research Technician

Description

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is hiring a Nuclear Facility Research Technician. This position is located at our Materials and Fuels Complex in the Space and Security Power Systems Facility (SSPSF). Our team works a 4x10 schedule with Friday off.

INL's Space Nuclear Power and Isotope Technologies Division assembles and tests Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) at the Materials and Fuels Complex, delivering systems for remote, harsh environments such as space. RPS heat and power autonomous machinery for extended operational periods. SSPSF currently powers the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover (launched 2011), the Pluto New Horizons (launched 2006) and, most recently, the Perseverance Rover (launched 2020) which successfully landed on Mars in 2021.

• Operate facility and process systems in a Category II nuclear facility, performing receiving, handling, storing, packaging, tracking, processing nuclear material in glove boxes and fume hoods, and testing Radioisotope Power Systems.
• Operate and perform maintenance on facility equipment and systems.
• Support RPS engineers with loading/unloading/maintaining facility equipment and process equipment, remote handling equipment, shielded casks, operational support systems, glove boxes, fume hoods, and testing equipment.
• Perform operations observing approved procedures and DOE requirements.
• Complete and maintain qualifications in designated specialized areas of facility and process operations.
• Track, package, transfer, receive, and store fissionable materials; construct power units for space and security systems; handle and treat radioactive and hazardous material.
• Maintain accurate records of facility operations, equipment performance, production, and process data.
• Perform technical procedures ranging from standard to specialized.
• Be trained on DOE O 426.2 topics:
  Instrumentation and Controls, Mechanical Science, Electrical Science, Heat Transfer, Fluid Flow, Thermodynamics, Nuclear Science and Criticality Control, and Materials Science.

• Level 1:
  Graduation from high school or equivalent and 2+ years of related experience, associates or graduate with 0‑2 years.
• Level 2:
  Graduation from high school or equivalent and 4+ years of experience or associates graduate with 0‑2 years.
• Meet the expectations of all employees at MFC.
• Demonstrate integrity, mentality, and technical skills for the position.
• Complete clearance paperwork, qualification and certification promptly.
• Required coursework will contain numerous exams to demonstrate technical content knowledge.
• Obtain and maintain a DOE “Q” clearance; requires U.S. citizenship.

• Previous laboratory experience, including working in fume hoods, glove boxes, and/or hot cells.
• Associate's degree.

• Pay ranges:
  Level 1 ($25.18–$41.54) / Level 2 ($29.46–$48.61). Compensation determined by education, relevant experience, and credentials.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• TDP:
  Requires pre‑employment drug screening and periodic testing.
• Multi‑Level posting; placement depends on experience and skills.

While performing duties, employees may frequently stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, work in confined spaces, require hand/finger dexterity for keyboards, handling materials, manipulating tools, and operating job‑related equipment and vehicles. Employees may lift or move up to 50 lbs with assistance. Required visual acuity and hearing; reasonable accommodations available.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401(k) with 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match.
• Paid time off (personal leave).
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance).
• Comprehensive Relocation Package.
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and classification.

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

To be eligible for employment at INL,…