Chemical Engineer (Senior-Level)

  • Hanford Tank Waste Operations
  • Richland, Washington
  • Full Time

Job Responsibilities/Duties
Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C) delivers exceptional performance in safely removing, treating, and disposing of tank waste. H2C leads the nation's largest and most complex radioactive waste cleanup, including closure of the legacy waste tanks at Hanford containing 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste.

Joining H2C means becoming part of a team dedicated to creating "The Solution Today for a Better Tomorrow." At H2C, our culture is deeply rooted in our Vision, Mission, Values, and Behaviors, which guide our efforts on the Hanford Site and within our communities. Our vision to tackle the Department of Energy's largest environmental challenge reflects our commitment to leaving a positive legacy for future generations. We strive to deliver exceptional performance in safely removing, treating, and disposing of tank waste. Our values emphasize living safely, acting with integrity, and working collaboratively as a team. We encourage innovation, personal accountability, and continuous improvement, fostering an environment where everyone is empowered to contribute to our mission and celebrate our achievements. By embracing these principles, you will be part of a forward-thinking organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact today and for the future.

The complex mission spans all competencies of engineering/science accomplished through a highly integrating engineering organization. Engineering at H2C consists of Process Engineering, Design Engineering, Nuclear Safety, Plant/System Engineering, Construction Project Engineering, Flowsheet Integration, Process and Control Systems, and the Chief Technology Office. At H2C, you can grow your professional career, make the environment safer, and serve Hanford's mission!
The H2C Chief Technology Office (CTO) seeks a Scientist/Engineer to facilitate developing innovative technology solutions for tank farm and RPP mission challenges. Devise, develop, and assist in implementing new technical and programmatic options that have the potential to improve the effectiveness of, and mitigate risks to, the overall RPP mission. This position may involve assignments across multiple aspects of the tank waste treatment mission. Technology areas this position may address include waste sampling and analysis, liquid/solids slurry transport, filtration, ion exchange, evaporation, vitrification, and cementitious solidification/immobilization of waste. The scale of technology maturation activities may range from laboratory bench scale to engineering/field scale. This role requires sufficient technical credibility and experience to act as an "intelligent customer" for H2C in its interactions with external research bodies such as national laboratories, universities, research institutes and other technology providers. This work requires the ability to establish and perform in multi-discipline, cross-functional teams to plan and conduct technology maturation activities, analyze, and interpret testing results, and manage product deliverables from national laboratories and technology providers.

The Scientist/Engineer will:
* Support development, evaluation, and analysis of strategies for effectively managing waste at Hanford.
* Manage scope, schedule, and budget for subcontracts with national laboratories, contract laboratories, and other technology providers.
* Coordinate technical and programmatic aspects of assigned scope with internal and external organizations.
* Work in an organizational team that encourages innovative solutions and technology development.
* Support developing technical and programmatic solutions that enhance the efficiency of the RPP mission
* Interface and develop relationships with WRPS management, DOE, national labs, contractors, and universities
* Perform technology assessments, evaluations, and alternatives analyses
* Manage technology maturation projects that address specific needs and requirements
* Identify, select, and manage technology and research providers (e.g. national labs and lab teams)
* Lead and provide technical oversight of subcontractor performance and deliverables
* Negotiate challenging yet realistic deliverables for subcontractors
* Perform in-depth technical reviews of laboratory and technology provider deliverables
* Participate on task specific issue resolution teams to mitigate mission risk and enhance mission efficiency
* Provide technical input to engineering evaluation studies that support RPP mission objectives
* Support development and presentation of mission enhancing proposals to senior corporate and DOE management

Required Qualifications
Grade 18:
Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Chemical Engineering or related technical discipline; and
Seven (7) years of related experience

Grade 19:
Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Chemical Engineering or related technical discipline; and
Nine (9) years of related experience

Note the essential duties for this grade level are like that of the previous grade level, however the scope of responsibility is larger, and the expected level of performance is increased.

Grade 20:
Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Chemical Engineering or related technical discipline; and
Ten (10) years of related experience

Note the essential duties for this grade level are like that of the previous grade level, however the scope of responsibility is significantly larger, and the expected level of performance is greatly increased.

Desired Qualifications
*Advanced degree preferred for working knowledge of scientific methods and applied research.
* Experience in technology evaluations, cost/benefit studies, risk management, or flow sheet development.
* Experience in the nuclear industry (commercial, international, or DOE), technology development, or technology deployment experience.
* Working knowledge of nuclear waste management programs both in the US and internationally.
* Knowledge of DOE projects and experience with project execution in the DOE environment.
* Familiarity with DOE projects and Hanford Tank Farms, familiarity with WTP.
* Knowledge of basic unit operations supporting waste treatment (e.g. filtration, ion exchange, , evaporation, vitrification, grout stabilization).
* Knowledge of Hanford waste characteristics and processes that generated the waste.
* Proven experience in the field of technology development and deployment.

Compensation & Benefits
In accordance with the company's philosophy on compensation for exempt and salaried non-exempt employees, H2C takes into consideration a variety of factors when determining initial grade and salary to include assigned job scope and responsibility, a candidate's qualifications as compared to internal comparators performing in a similar role, and the external labor market. A salary offer will be made at the appropriate grade level and within the targeted hiring range posted according to these factors. Note a candidate's prior salary history will not be taken into consideration.

Hiring Range Minimum: $106,663
Hiring Range Maximum: $162,688

H2C offers a comprehensive benefits package to include medical/dental/vision, short-and long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k) with employer match, and paid time off. For a full list of benefits please visit

Job ID: 483554883
Originally Posted on: 7/1/2025

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