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Nuclear Materials Analyst

💰 $85,000 - $155,000

ScienceEngineeringData AnalysisEnergyComplianceGovernment

🎯 Role Definition

As a Nuclear Materials Analyst, you will serve as a subject matter expert in the field of Nuclear Material Control and Accountability (MC&A). You will be responsible for the quantitative management and stewardship of special nuclear materials (SNM) within a complex regulatory framework. This position involves applying advanced analytical, statistical, and technical methods to track material inventories, analyze measurement data, investigate discrepancies, and ensure unwavering compliance with Department of Energy (DOE) orders, Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulations, and international safeguards agreements. Your work directly contributes to national security and the prevention of nuclear proliferation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Radiochemistry or Health Physics Technician
  • Data Analyst with a physical sciences background
  • Recent graduate with a degree in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry

Advancement To:

  • Senior Nuclear Materials Analyst or Principal Investigator
  • MC&A Program Manager or Team Lead
  • Nuclear Safeguards & Security Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Nuclear Safeguards Inspector (Domestic or International)
  • Radiological Engineer
  • Nuclear Nonproliferation Policy Advisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, implement, and maintain the facility's Material Control and Accountability (MC&A) plan in strict accordance with DOE Order 474.2, 10 CFR, and other relevant federal regulations.
  • Perform detailed statistical analysis and uncertainty propagation on nuclear material measurement and inventory data to identify, investigate, and resolve shipper-receiver differences and inventory discrepancies.
  • Manage and maintain the integrity of the nuclear material accountability database (e.g., LANMAS, SAP, or other enterprise systems), ensuring all transactions are recorded accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot non-destructive assay (NDA) instrumentation, such as high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors and neutron coincidence counters, for the characterization of special nuclear materials.
  • Prepare, review, and submit routine and ad-hoc nuclear material accounting reports to internal management and external regulatory bodies, including the Nuclear Materials Management and Safeguards System (NMMSS).
  • Conduct and lead comprehensive internal audits, performance tests, and self-assessments of MC&A programs and processes to identify vulnerabilities and ensure continuous improvement.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact during regulatory inspections and audits from agencies like the DOE, NNSA, or IAEA, providing data, documentation, and expert explanations.
  • Develop and refine measurement control programs to monitor and ensure the quality, accuracy, and precision of all analytical systems used for nuclear material accountability.
  • Provide expert MC&A guidance and technical support to facility operations, engineering, and security teams to ensure requirements are integrated into all relevant facility activities.
  • Perform complex material balance calculations and prepare detailed reports on inventory differences (ID) and their statistical significance for periodic closures.
  • Design and implement procedures for the physical inventory of nuclear materials, including planning, execution, reconciliation, and reporting phases.
  • Analyze and interpret results from both non-destructive assay (NDA) and destructive analysis (DA) techniques to determine the elemental and isotopic composition of nuclear materials.
  • Develop and deliver MC&A-related training programs for facility personnel, including material custodians, operators, and technicians, to ensure site-wide awareness and compliance.
  • Model and simulate nuclear material processes to support safeguards-by-design initiatives for new facilities or process modifications.
  • Investigate anomalous data points and potential loss, theft, or diversion scenarios using advanced analytical techniques and root cause analysis methodologies.
  • Evaluate and recommend new measurement technologies, software, or analytical methods to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the MC&A program.
  • Participate in the development and validation of item monitoring and material surveillance systems to complement the nuclear material accounting system.
  • Author and revise technical procedures, operational guidelines, and quality assurance plans related to nuclear material handling, measurement, and accounting.
  • Collaborate with international partners and other national laboratories on safeguards research, development, and implementation projects.
  • Assess and document the impact of proposed process changes or new experimental campaigns on the existing material balance structure and control strategies.
  • Ensure all nuclear material transactions, such as receipts, shipments, and internal transfers, are properly authorized, documented, and reported in compliance with established protocols.
  • Maintain comprehensive records and auditable documentation for all MC&A activities, including measurement results, inventory listings, and discrepancy resolutions.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests from facility management, regulatory inspectors, and program sponsors regarding material inventories, transactions, and historical trends.
  • Contribute to the strategic development and continuous improvement of nuclear material tracking and data analysis methodologies.
  • Collaborate with operations, waste management, and security personnel to integrate MC&A requirements seamlessly into all facility processes and procedures.
  • Participate in planning and execution cycles for software updates and enhancements to the nuclear materials accounting system, including user acceptance testing.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Nuclear Material Control & Accountability (MC&A): Deep, expert-level knowledge of MC&A principles, practices, and regulations (e.g., DOE Order 474.2, 10 CFR Parts 73/74).
  • Non-Destructive Assay (NDA): Hands-on experience with NDA techniques and instrumentation, including gamma-ray spectroscopy (HPGe, NaI), neutron coincidence/multiplicity counting, and calorimetry.
  • Statistical Analysis: Strong proficiency in statistical methods for data analysis, uncertainty quantification, error propagation, and statistical testing, using software such as R, Python (with SciPy/NumPy), JMP, or SAS.
  • Nuclear Material Accounting Systems: Experience using and managing specialized accounting software like LANMAS, INMM, or relevant SAP modules for nuclear materials.
  • Radiochemistry: Solid understanding of radiochemical principles, radiation detection, nuclear decay, and destructive analysis (DA) techniques (e.g., mass spectrometry, titrimetry).
  • Regulatory Reporting: Proven ability to prepare and submit complex regulatory reports, such as those required by the Nuclear Materials Management and Safeguards System (NMMSS).
  • Database Management: Proficiency in querying and managing data within relational databases (SQL) and ensuring data integrity.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Formal training or significant experience in conducting root cause analyses to investigate process failures or data anomalies.
  • Measurement Control Programs: Experience developing, implementing, and maintaining measurement control and quality assurance programs for analytical instrumentation.
  • Technical Writing: Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise, and defensible technical documents, procedures, and analysis reports.
  • Radiation Safety Principles: Knowledge of health physics and radiation protection (ALARA) principles as they apply to handling nuclear materials.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail and Accuracy
  • Exceptional Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking
  • High Ethical Standards and Unquestionable Integrity
  • Effective Written and Verbal Communication
  • Strong Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Teamwork
  • Ability to Work Independently with Minimal Supervision
  • Critical Judgment and Decision-Making under pressure
  • Systematic and Procedural Mindset

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from an accredited university in a relevant technical field.

Preferred Education:

  • A Master of Science (M.S.) or Doctorate (Ph.D.) in a relevant technical field.
  • Certification from the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM) is a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Nuclear Engineering
  • Physics or Health Physics
  • Chemistry or Radiochemistry
  • Statistics or Data Science (with a strong science/engineering minor)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-10+ years of direct, professional experience in nuclear material control and accountability, nuclear safeguards, or a closely related field. Level of hire (e.g., Analyst, Senior Analyst, Principal Analyst) will be commensurate with experience.

Preferred:

  • Experience working within the DOE/NNSA complex or at a commercial NRC-licensed nuclear facility.
  • Demonstrated experience interacting with regulatory agencies (DOE, NRC, IAEA) during inspections and audits.
  • An active DOE Q or L security clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain one, is strongly preferred and may be required.
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