Associate Chemist & Chemical Engineer at Naval Nuclear Laboratory
Niskayuna, NY
About the Job
Working at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory we foster pride in belonging to an organization whose culture is made up of these core values: Trust, Empowerment, and Collaboration. Our company encourages diversity and inclusion in all its forms while ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's naval nuclear reactors, and training the Sailors who operate those reactors in the U.S. Navy's submarines and aircraft carrier Fleets. Looking for a lifetime career? Apply today!
Job Description
Naval Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) is seeking a radiochemist to join the Chemistry Laboratory. The radiochemistry and prototype and test support laboratories operate a nuclear analysis and characterization laboratory to support radionuclide characterization. Examples of techniques used include High Purity Germanium detectors for determination of gamma and X-ray emitting radionuclides, Passivated Implanted Planar Silicon detectors for alpha spectroscopy, gas flow gross alpha/beta proportional activity measurement, alpha/beta liquid scintillation activity measurement, Ion chromatography, inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy, UV/Visible spectroscopy, Carbon analysis, petroleum analysis techniques, and benchtop wet chemistry. Routine sample analysis support is provided to our environmental monitoring program locally and throughout the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. Additional sample analysis and characterization support is provided for materials development and ongoing infrastructure work at the Knolls Laboratory and Kesselring Site.
Roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Radiological and non-radiological sample preparation through homogenization, chemical digestion, and isotopic separation.
Analytical equipment maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting.
Interpreting spectroscopy data and apply scaling factors based on historical isotopes associated with previous work performed at this facility.
The radiochemist will be an integral member of the Knolls and/or Kesselring site emergency response team. The individual will work with radioactive material and wear dosimetry.
This position may support Knolls Laboratory and/or the Kesselring Site.
Required Combination of Knowledge and Skill
Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in engineering or science related field; or Master's degree from an accredited college or university in engineering or science related field.
Preferred Skills
- A BS or MS degree in chemistry, radiochemistry, nuclear chemistry, physics, environmental science, nuclear engineering, or radiological engineering.
- Familiarity with chemical separations, general basic chemical laboratory techniques and typical chemical hygiene practices.
- A background in gamma-ray spectroscopy or equivalent work experience.
- Familiarity with Canberra GENIE and APEX gamma-ray and alpha spectroscopy software.
- Experience with sample preparation and analysis of radiological and non-radiological materials in a chemical laboratory environment
- Strong collaborative teaming and communication skills.
Compensation and Benefits
- Health, Dental, Vision & Voluntary Benefits
- Disability, Life & Accident Insurance
- 401(k) Savings program & Captial Accumulation Plan
- Personal & Medical Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- Flexible Work Schedules
- Tuition Assistance for Eligible Employees
- Student Debt Benefit Personal Time Off Sell Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Wellness Program
- Visit us online to view all NNL benefits!
Pay Range
Salary information provided is a general guide line only. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations
The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Fluor Marine Propulsion, LLC (FMP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Fluor Corporation. Naval Nuclear Laboratory personnel are FMP employees who work at four DOE facilities: Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Kenneth A. Kesselring Site, and Naval Reactors Facility, and at the U.S. Department of Defense-owned Nuclear Power Training Unit-Charleston. FMP employees also have an established presence at numerous shipyards and vendor locations. For nearly 70 years, the Naval Nuclear Laboratory has developed advanced nuclear propulsion technology, provided technical support, and trained world-class nuclear operators to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our nation's submarine and aircraft carrier Fleets. The Naval Nuclear Laboratory is a national asset solely dedicated to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. We rely on the dedication and innovation of our nearly 8000 engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel.
All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. FMP is a government contractor and maintains a drug free workplace and workforce. All candidates must be able to pass a drug test in compliance with FMP company policy and 10 CFR 707. Marijuana is a Federal Schedule I controlled substance and illegal under Federal Law. Therefore, FMP is required to test for marijuana.
Fluor Marine Propulsion is an Equal Opportunity Employer (Veterans/Disabilities) committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other criteria protected by federal, state, or local law.