Non-Destructive Assay; NDA Physicist

SUMMARY

Identifies and develops radiation detection instrumentation/techniques with emphasis in nondestructive assay (NDA). Responsible for developing techniques for new instrumentation as well as supporting the extension of existing techniques. Employee works under minimal supervision, referring only exceptional problems and issues for management review or approval. A Physicist is accountable for adhering to all safety and quality requirements while performing assigned tasks.

• Comply with all PSC values, policies, procedures and work instructions.
• Support all aspects of compliance with applicable Quality Assurance requirements ensuring system methods and documentation are implemented in accordance with customer, national and international standards.
• Support management in all aspects of departmental compliance of ISO 9001.
• Expert technical data review (ETR).
• Nondestructive Assay (NDA) measurement oversight.
• Perform routine instrument qualification, calibration, and validation.
• Review and approve measurement control data.
• Provide consulting on NDA matters within area of expertise to various facility departments and organizations such as nuclear safety, safeguards, nuclear materials control and accountability, waste characterization, waste disposal, production operations.
• Simulate physical experiments with MCNP code for radiation measures and detection.
• Analyze results of experiments to determine feasibility of accurate or improved detection and sensitivity/performance capabilities for PSC systems.
• Document experimental procedures, assumptions, and results for internal use.
• Develop algorithms for PSC systems.
• Interface with software to implement and debug algorithms and data acquisition systems developed for PSC systems.
• Write and review system technical basis documents and system measurement test plans.
• Write and publish technical papers related to PSC systems and technical support activities.
• Apply mathematical methods to analyze and solve physical problems.
• Plan, document, conduct, and supervise system testing.
• Remain knowledgeable of current and future technologies appropriate to current job activities.
• Mentor technical specialists and operators.
• Perform other duties as assigned and/or required.

Bachelor's Degree in physical science or engineering, plus a minimum of five year's NDA experience; or ten years of experience in the NDA field.

• Demonstrated relevant experience in an experimental and/or production environment.
• Expertise in one or more NDA techniques and their application.
• Recognized in NDA field on a local or facility basis.
• Knowledge areas should cover several of the following: physics, chemistry, statistics, electronics, engineering, health physics, quality assurance, and nuclear safety.

• Understanding of NDA methods contained in one or more of the following (According to ASTM):
  Test methods C‑1030, C‑1133, C‑1207, C‑1221, C‑1268, C‑1316, Guide C‑1455, and Test Method C‑1458.
• Effective technical problem solving techniques.
• Computer literacy skills are required to include a working knowledge of MS Office software.
• Excellent ability with a programming language and spreadsheet software.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Qualified in accordance with ASTM C‑1490‑04 “Standard Guide for the Selection, Training and Qualification of Nondestructive Assay (NDA) Personnel,” specifically section 4.2.2.
• Maintain up‑to‑date training on “In‑Situ Measurements Using Germanium Detectors, Programs Isotopic, and ISO‑Cart,” in addition to PSC developed analytic software or analysis tools.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, to begin projects independently (or as assigned), and to bring projects (or assignments) to satisfactory conclusion on a timely basis.
• Ability to perform additional duties/assignment is needed to meet departmental and/or organizational goals.

• C‑1030 – Test Method for Determination of Plutonium Isotopic Composition by Gamma‑Ray Spectrometry
• C‑1133 – Standard Test Method for Nondestructive Assay of Special Nuclear Material in Low Density Scrap and Waste by Segmented Passive Gamma‑Ray…