Nuclear Criticality Safety Engineer

Hukari Ascendent is a Women-Owned, Small Business specializing in comprehensive engineering and technical support services associated with commercial nuclear power and other Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear activities.

Hukari Ascendent is seeking a Senior Nuclear Criticality Safety (NCS) Engineer to support NCS program implementation and engineering system design at a Department of Energy (DOE) environmental restoration site. Working under general supervision, the Senior NCS Engineer serves as technical owner and subject matter expert for assigned NCS projects. The main scope of work is the development of Criticality Incredibility (CI) documents.

• Prepare NCS Evaluations (NCSEs), NCS Determinations (NCSDs), NCS Reports (NCSRs), calculations, procedures, policies, and, when qualified, RCSEs.
• Develop Criticality Incredibility documents, including NCSDs for Criticality Incredible.
• Perform peer review of NCS documents.
• Perform facility walkdowns for compliance purposes and to determine project impacts.
• Evaluate operations and proposed modifications for compliance with engineering disciplines and standards; federal, state, and local statutes and regulations; DOE regulations and standards; and project and company policy.
• Perform project engineering functions, including monitoring progress, preparing procedures, and working with team members to determine NCS requirements and compliance.
• Identify and evaluate project issues and problems, and prepare dispositions of problem reports.
• Conduct feasibility studies, evaluate potential technologies, and perform research to analyze and validate design or theory concepts.
• Support NCS operability and engineering evaluations when necessary.
• Interface with other technical and production organizations to compile the technical information required for document preparation.
• Take the lead role on projects as assigned, and partner with other senior NCS Engineers to complete assigned engineering tasks.
• Serve as a resource for lower-level positions, provide technical and functional support to team members, and assist in preparing and facilitating training.
• Perform work safely in accordance with all approved safety policies, procedures, and applicable regulations, and actively participate in Safety Work Groups.

• BS degree in a related field and 7 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Typical experience ranges from 7 to 10 years.
• Minimum of 3 years of direct NCS Engineer experience.
• Experience performing NCSDs for Criticality Incredible.
• Expert understanding of pertinent codes, governing regulations, and industry practices.
• Expert knowledge of applicable codes and standards, as well as project procedures.
• Understanding of multiple engineering disciplines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must possess a DOE “L” clearance or have the ability to obtain a DOE “L” clearance.
• Must provide own copy of SCALE; SCALE 6.1.3 is required for development of some NCS documents.

• Experience preparing Criticality Incredibility (CI) documents (highly desired).
• Experience with SCALE (highly desired).
• Work history that includes burial in an Onsite Waste Disposal Facility (OSWDF).
• Gaseous diffusion technology experience.

• Work is performed in an environmental restoration atmosphere (outdated and/or abandoned facilities), with potential exposure to equipment movement hazards, dangerous chemicals/solvents, or hazardous and radioactive materials if proper safety procedures are not followed.
• Ability to wear a respirator and…