HLW Remote Operations Specialist

The High-Level Waste (HLW) Operations Support organization provides engineering oversight, program support, and qualified staff to support the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) mission. The mission includes safely storing, treating, and immobilizing the highly hazardous radiological wastes created during prior periods of nuclear processing at the Hanford Reservation. The HLW Operations Support organization is responsible for providing the framework for executing Plant Engineering and Maintenance work.

HLW Operations Support personnel are responsible for the technical adequacy of department work products and decisions.

Within the HLW Operations Support organization, the Remote Operations Specialist will utilize their expert knowledge on operating, troubleshooting, and supporting remotely operated systems used in high hazard, inaccessible environments such as hot cells, melt caves, and associated decontamination and maintenance areas. This role will focus on setting up the tools and procedures to ensure future operators perform safe, precise, and compliant execution of remote tasks using cranes, manipulators, remote viewing systems, and specialized mechanical handling equipment.

• Develop and review System Operating Manuals (SOMs) for remote operations in coordination with Engineering, Maintenance, and Radiological Control.

• Verify performance and operability of telemanipulators, in-cell cranes, and remote tooling for process operations, maintenance, and component changeouts.

• Conduct remote visual inspections using shield windows, CCTV, crane-mounted cameras, and other sensing devices to monitor equipment condition and task progress.

• Develop and implement mockup-facility training programs for operator proficiency with remote systems and abnormal event recovery tasks.

• Remain apprised of operational status and ongoing modifications within the facility.

• Develop procedures for remote removal, installation, export, and import of vessels, melter components, filters, jumpers, and other SSCs.

• Lead development of procedures for remote decontamination activities using in-cave spray lances, decontamination tanks, and remotely operated wash systems.

• Participate in mockup evaluations—physical or virtual—to validate reach, access, operability, and maintenance strategies in simulated environments.

• Support conceptual design development for mechanical handling systems, remote tooling, and equipment compatible with remote maintenance and operation.

• Review and assess engineering technical documents, design documentation, specifications, and drawings to ensure remote operability and maintainability aspects are included.

• Assist with resolving design issues necessary to support plant operations and maintenance.

• Request support to develop engineering products for system or equipment repair or replacement.

• Ensure personal and team health and safety by implementing Integrated Safety Management System principles.

• Maintain conduct consistent with nuclear safety and quality culture expectations.

• Support the Waste Treatment Plant Nuclear Safety Quality Culture by emphasizing safety and quality values to protect personnel and the environment.

• Support resolution of issues related to off-normal event recovery, equipment replacement, contamination control, and shielding effectiveness.

• Interface with multidisciplinary engineering teams, operations personnel, safety groups, subcontractors, vendors, and project support groups to resolve operational issues and optimize remote handling solutions.

• Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance reliability, reduce operator fatigue, and promote remote maintainability.

• Complete required training and maintain qualifications…