Sr. Physicist

Position 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. Must be able to get RSO license.

Job Description:

 PRIMARY RESPONSIBLITIES

• 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.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated relevant experience in an experimental and/or production environment

• Expertise in one of 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.

*APPENDIX

• 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 Scanning

• C-1207 – Test Method for Nondestructive Assay of Plutonium in Scrap and Waste by Passive Neutron Coincidence Counting

• C-1221 – Standard Test Method for Nondestructive Analysis of Special Nuclear Materials in Homogenous Solutions by Gamma-Ray Spectrometry

• C-1268 – Standard Test Method for Quantitative Determination of Americium 241 in Plutonium by Gamma-Ray Spectrometry

• C-1316 – Standard Test Method for Nondestructive Assay of Nuclear Material in Scrap and Waste by Passive-Active Neutron Counting Using 252Cf Shuffler

• C-1455 – Standard Test Method for Nondestructive Assay of Special Nuclear Material Holdup Using Gamma-Ray Spectroscopic Methods

• C-1458 – Standard Test Method for Nondestructive Assay Plutonium, Tritium and 241Am by Calorimetric Assay

• ASTM C-1490-04 “Standard Guide for the Selection, Training and Qualification of Nondestructive Assay (NDA) Personnel,” section 4.2.2.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and or ability required. 

Limitations and Disclaimers: 

PSC by Alpha Safety provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.  

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities.  To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. 

Salary : $150,000 - $200,000