Space Nuclear Engineer

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex,real-worldthreats to our nation and the world.

The Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Technologies Division, within the National Security Directorate, works across fundamental science, research and development, and operations to counter emerging national security threats. We focus on discovering signatures and understanding threats by creating materials, methods, and technologies to detect and analyze them. Our researchers deliver the solutions necessary for addressing complex mission challenges, such as explosives detection, biological threat detection, chemical and nuclear forensics, and special nuclear materials.

The Nuclear Signatures Group within PNNL is seeking a space reactor subject matter expert. The group focuses on nuclear explosion monitoring, safeguards, emergency response, and arms control, with an emphasis on radiation detection. Space security is an emerging area for the group. In addition to fundamental engineering analysis, design, and materials expertise, a successful candidate will have specialized knowledge in applying nuclear technologies to space applications, particularly compact fission reactor systems designed to produce electricity in orbit or on the surface of another moon or planet.

Familiarity with beta voltaic devices and/or radioisotope power systems is a plus. Envisioned work activities include technical project leadership and management, business development, and technical task execution related to space nuclear design, testing, security, and safety.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as a subject matter expert in space nuclear technologies, developing technical concepts, strategies, and solutions that advance national security missions related to space and nuclear systems.
• Lead multidisciplinary research and engineering efforts from concept development through execution, providing technical leadership to project teams and ensuring successful delivery of project objectives.
• Apply advanced engineering judgment to solve complex technical problems, evaluate emerging technologies, and develop innovative solutions in areas related to nuclear systems, radiation effects, and space applications.
• Identify new technical opportunities and help shape future research directions by developing technical strategies, white papers, proposals, and collaborations that expand the program portfolio.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with internal and external collaborators, sponsors, and stakeholders to advance technical capabilities and mission outcomes.
• Communicate technical results through reports, presentations, proposals, and peer‑reviewed publications while maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity, quality, and security.
• Handle sensitive and classified information in accordance with applicable security requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant experience
  -OR-
• MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant experience
  -OR-
• PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in mechanical, nuclear, aerospace, materials, or systems engineering and related 5+ years of space nuclear power applied research or industry experience.
• Application-oriented R&D or applied technology development on space nuclear reactors or related components
• Solid oral and written communication skills, including detailed technical and scientific writing ability to convey complex information accurately.
• Ability to develop technical solutions to a variety of problems with a highly complex scope,…