Nuclear Safety Engineering Manager

This Y-12 Nuclear Safety Engineering (NSE) Manager is responsible for fulfilling an important regulatory function in a dynamic environment. The primary role of the Safety Analysis Engineering (SAE) Department is obtaining federal authorization to conduct nuclear operations at the Y-12 National Security Complex (Y-12). These operations which support the manufacture of nuclear weapon components and naval reactor fuel stock involve a wide range of activities including chemical processing metal production casting machining assembly and disassembly transportation and storage. The SAE Department is responsible for evaluating accidents that could occur during these nuclear operations (events ranging from process upsets and equipment failures to fires earthquakes and floods) and identifying the safety measures that need to be implemented to ensure the workers and public are adequately protected. Those measures range from administrative controls such as material inventory limits to engineered controls such as fire suppression systems.

This position reports to the NSE Director within the Mission Engineering Division and supervises engineers technical support personnel and subcontract employees that comprise one of the three groups within the SAE Department. A successful candidate in this position must have outstanding people skills with the ability to organize energize and lead groups of engineering personnel in addition to closely coordinating with subject matter experts representing Operations Engineering and numerous other Y-12 organizations. The NSE Manager needs to be an excellent communicator and is expected to periodically provide the executive leadership of CNS and DOE with verbal briefings or written summaries on technical topics related to the work of the SAE Department.

Specific objectives of the SAE Department include the following:

• Ensuring hazard controls and technical safety requirements are identified that if properly implemented will provide an adequate level of protection to both Y-12 employees and the public from the hazards.
• Reviewing proposed activities (including production maintenance and construction activities) via rigorous execution of a 10CFR830-compliant Unreviewed Safety Question (USQ) Program the purpose of which is to determine whether federal authorization of those activities is required; and
• Evaluating discrepant as-found conditions operational events/incidents and other new information and as warranted ensuring identification of any operational restrictions or compensatory measures that may be necessary to ensure safety.

The NSE Managers primary responsibilities include the following:

• Establishing goals expectations and priorities for the SAE Department.
• Maintaining safe working conditions and safety awareness within the SAE Department.
• Verifying requirements associated with Conduct of Engineering Configuration Management and Security are implemented throughout the SAE Department.
• Ensuring deliverables of the SAE department (e.g. safety basis documents and USQ Determinations) are completed consistent with (a) CNS procedures programs and policies (b) federal state and industry codes and standards and (c) customer expectations.
• Coordinating all personnel matters within the SAE Department with Human Resources and Legal representatives and ensuring all personnel issues are addressed in a professional manner; and
• Communicating with the Director of Engineering Technical Operations to both 1) convey staffing needs and 2) provide input on performance reviews promotions merit raises and bonuses.

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering mathematics chemistry or physics from a program accredited by the U.S. Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET (formerly the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology). Designated equivalents from Canada or Mexico the Washington Accord or the list of substantially equivalent programs as documented by the EAC ABET will also be considered.
• Minimum: 7 years of relevant experience (e.g. experience related to execution or support of nuclear operations).
• The position requires a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Q security clearance; however all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of their current clearance status. The ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q security clearance is required. All employees with a security clearance are subject to being randomly selected for drug testing without advance notification.
• The position requires U.S. citizenship.
• The position may require entry into material access areas and participation in the Human Reliability Program (HRP). If HRP participation is determined to be mandatory a candidate may be required to complete a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination pursuant to 10 CFR 709 Counterintelligence Evaluation Program. Medical testing and screening requirements may also apply.
• In addition the applicant must meet the requirements of DOE O 426.2A (i.e. Baccalaureate in engineering or related scientific major and 4 years nuclear experience; or a DOE O 426.2A alternative).

• Preferred candidates must demonstrate an outstanding ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Preferred candidates have demonstrated the ability to solve highly diverse and complex problems and possess a proven record of leadership.
• Preferred candidates typically have 7 to 10 years or more experience in developing implementing and maintaining safety basis documentation in accordance with 10 CFR 830 Nuclear Safety Management and applicable DOE directives and standards.