Scientist I (Engineering/Physics)

Mission Support and Test Services, LLC (MSTS) manages and operates the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).  Our MISSION is to help ensure the security of the United States and its allies by providing high-hazard experimentation and incident response capabilities through operations, engineering, education, field, and integration services and by acting as environmental stewards to the Site’s Cold War legacy.  Our VISION is to be the user site of choice for large-scale, high-hazard, national security experimentation, with premier facilities and capabilities below ground, on the ground, and in the air. (See NNSS.gov for our unique capabilities.) Our 2,750+ professional, craft, and support employees are called upon to innovate, collaborate, and deliver on some of the more difficult nuclear security challenges facing the world today.  In this environment, the best ideas need to be voiced and every opinion matters.  As such, MSTS places great value on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and is committed to a diverse and equitable workforce, with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, and perspectives.

• MSTS offers our full-time employees highly competitive salaries and benefits packages including medical, dental, and vision; both a pension and a 401k; paid time off and 96 hours of paid holidays; relocation (if located more than 75 miles from work location); tuition assistance and reimbursement; and more.  
• MSTS is a limited liability company consisting of Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell), Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (Jacobs), and HII Nuclear Inc.

Responsibilities

• Scientist will support fielding efforts of a wide variety of diagnostic detection and recording systems, with an emphasis on practical applications of diagnostics for control systems interfacing with other diagnostics such as radiographic imaging systems and electro-optics systems.
• Frequently use and apply established technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques commonly associated with diagnostic and data collection systems.
• Building direct collaborative relationships with laboratory partners and using scientific methods to contribute to experimental operations, also reporting on accomplishments to internal and external stakeholders.
• Applying academic knowledge to the work environment and developing good work/team habits.
• Contribute to solutions of problems and issues with limited scope and basic complexity, using a well-defined set of technologies, generally in support of more senior engineers and scientists.
• Assist in compiling and summarizing scientific data, utilizing technology solutions for both experimental and operational needs.
• Contribute to the preparation of project deliverables.
• Define specifications for procurements and initiates purchase requests.
• Select and implement computer applications for related field. Follows specific established engineering and technical procedures.
• Evaluate processes, procedures, and work instructions to improve performance.
• Define customer needs and develop scope of work and technical proposals.
• Conduct or lead research; develop and design new instrumentation, equipment, and procedures for testing and solving problems; present papers; and keep abreast of new technological developments, methods, and materials, keeping management informed of important new advances.
• Support research and development, and technology maturation activities in laboratory testing environments.
• Contribute to designs, strategies, and reports.
• Contribute to solutions of assignment-related problems and issues with a limited scope and of basic complexity, using a well-defined set of technologies.
• Assist in performing design and technical analysis activities using prescribed codes and standards, computer software, and generally accepted best management practices.
• Minimally/occasionally coordinates discipline information with other departments within the company and with outside Works with outside contacts as required to obtain relevant information.
• May monitor work of technicians and other support personnel.
• May serve as a member of work teams. 
• Perform other duties assigned by Management.

• Bachelor’s degree in a calculus-based (STEM) field, Preferably with a strong physics, photonics engineering, fiber-optic engineering, or electrical engineering background. Skill building experience must demonstrate either deeper technical specialization or additional cross-disciplinary knowledge. Graduate research experience may be recognized.
• Ability to interpret codes and standards within the discipline in which they were hired.
• Experience with setting up and operating Research and Development (R&D) instrumentation in a laboratory setting. 
• Ability to interpret codes and standards applicable to the position.
• The primary work location will be at the Sandia Operations (SO) located in Albuquerque, NM.
• Work schedule will be 4/10s Monday through Thursday (subject to change).
• Pre-placement physical examination, which includes a drug screen, is required. MSTS maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

MSTS is required by DOE directive to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants offered employment with MSTS are also subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. In addition, Applicants for employment must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship, at least 18 years of age. Reference DOE Order 472.2, “Personnel Security”. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Department of Energy Q Clearance (position will be cleared to this level). Reviews and tests for the absence of any illegal drug as defined in 10 CFR Part 707.4, “Workplace Substance Abuse Programs at DOE Sites,” will be conducted.  Applicant selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation, required to participate in subsequent reinvestigations, and must meet the eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. Successful completion of a counterintelligence evaluation, which may include a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination, may also be required. Reference 10 CFR Part 709, “Counterintelligence Evaluation Program.”

MSTS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. MSTS is a background screening, drug-free workplace.

Annual salary range for this position is $64,688.00 - $97,032.00.

Starting salary is determined based on the position market value, the individual candidate education and experience and internal equity.