Waste Characterization Analyst

Mid-Senior Level | Full-time Business Operations | Livermore, CA | 05/18/2026
Reference #: REF
8366M
Job Code: TSS.
3 Technical Services & Ops MTS 3 / TSS.
4 Technical Services & Ops MTS 4
Organization: Strategic Deterrence
Position Type: Career Indefinite
Security Clearance: Anticipated DOE Q clearance (requires U.S. citizenship and a federal background investigation)
Drug Test: Required for external applicant(s) selected for this position (includes testing for use of marijuana)
Medical Exam: Not applicable Apply Now

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.

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.

• 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 radio analytical 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 Objectives process 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.

• 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.

• 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 radio analytical 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…