Scientist I

  • Mission Support and Test Services
  • Mercury, Nevada
  • Full Time


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 Sites 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.

+ 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.

**Responsiblities**

The NMC&A scientist (measurement technician) plays a crucial role in ensuring the accurate and reliable measurement of nuclear materials. This position involves hands-on operation, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of various measurement systems used for nuclear material control and accountability, adhering to stringent regulatory requirements and safety protocols. The scientist works closely with other NMC&A staff, including the Measurement Control Program Officer, various supervisors, the statistician, accountants and custodians, to maintain the integrity of the nuclear material inventory.

**Key Responsibilities**

+ Assist with measurement data collection and analysis.

+ Record and compile data in order to complete logs, reports and other written information.

+ Participate in the creation of procedures and job aids associated with measurement activities and instruments.

+ Perform routine and non-routine measurements of nuclear materials using a variety of techniques, including but not limited to:

+ Nondestructive assay (NDA) techniques (e.g., gamma spectroscopy, neutron counting, calorimetry)

+ Weight and volume measurements

+ Sampling of bulk materials

+ Adhere rigorously to established measurement procedures and protocols.

+ Accurately record measurement data, including uncertainties, and maintain meticulous records.

+ Recognize and report any anomalous measurement results or instrument malfunctions.

+ Participate in shipper-receiver difference (SRD) investigations and inventory difference (ID) investigations.

+ Perform measurements for special inventories (e.g., change of custody, emergency inventories).

+ Calibrate NDA and other measurement equipment according to established schedules and procedures.

+ Use certified reference materials and working standards traceable to national standards (NIST).

+ Document all calibration activities and maintain calibration records.

+ Perform routine maintenance on measurement equipment, including cleaning, troubleshooting, and minor repairs.

+ Identify and report the need for major repairs or maintenance to the MCPO.

+ Maintain inventory of measurement equipment and supplies.

+ Adhere to all applicable safety and security procedures and regulations.

+ Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

+ Maintain a safe and secure work environment.

+ Participate in safety and security training.

+ Report any safety or security concerns to the appropriate personnel.

+ Participate in measurement control programs to ensure the accuracy and precision of measurement systems.

+ Perform control standard measurements and analyze control charts.

+ Identify and report any out-of-control conditions to the MCPO.

+ Adhere to quality assurance procedures and participate in internal and external audits.

+ Maintain training and qualification in relevant measurement techniques.

+ Provide measurement data into the NMC&A Accountants in a timely and accurate manner.

+ Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of NMC&A data.

+ Generate reports as required.

**Qualifications**

+ Bachelors degree in a calculus-based (STEM) field. _Skill building experience must demonstrate either deeper technical specialization or additional cross-disciplinary knowledge. Graduate research experience may be recognized._

+ Ability to employ recognized scientific methods.

+ Attention to detail required.

+ Ability to use OR learn how to use complex measurement equipment and software.

+ Ability to organize, evaluate, and present measurement data for interpretation.

+ Ability to effectively communication technical details to non-technical audiences

+ Experience in radiation detection, non-destructive assay of nuclear material, or gamma spectroscopy is desirable.

+ Must be able to wear PPE.

+ Must have the ability to obtain a Q clearance.

+ Participation in HRP required.

+ The primary work location will be at the Nevada National Security Site (located 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada).

+ 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 drivers 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 Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, 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: **$66,248.00 - $99,382.40.**

Starting salary is determined based on the position market value, the individual candidate education and experience and internal equity.
Job ID: 484691190
Originally Posted on: 7/10/2025

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