Nuclear Radiation Protection Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability. 

Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.

We have an opening for a Research & Development Radiation Protection Training Program Lead within the Radiation Protection Functional Area (RPFA). This position independently plans and executes Research and Development (R&D) efforts supporting the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of LLNL's Radiation Protection Training and Qualification programs, including the Radiation Control Tech (RCT) Qualification Program, the Health Physicist (HP) Qualification Program, and institutional programs such as Radiological Worker, Radiation Generating Device Custodian Training, and Sealed Radioactive Source Custodian training. This position is in the Environment, Safety and Health (ESH) Directorate, within the Radiological Protection Functional Area.

This position may offer a hybrid schedule after a probationary period; specifics vary based on team and organizational needs.

This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, Qualification, and Certification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities. It will be filled at either level based on experience, with additional responsibilities assigned at the higher level (outlined below).

You will

• Set specific technical strategy and direction for the RP Training and Qualification program, providing advanced technical input on training design, delivery, and continuing training methodology, and collaborating across the LLNL training community and DOE Complex to develop innovative training methods.
• Collaborate and support local secondary education and career pipeline programs to better recruit and retain Radiological Control Technician staff.
• Provide solutions to complex training and qualification problems analysis of factors that may not be well defined, including regulatory requirements, workforce qualification data, and field operational needs.
• Design, develop, and revise training materials and lesson plans covering health physics topics required for DOE RCT qualification, HP Qualifications, and Radiological Worker Qualifications, in accordance with 10 CFR 835, DOE O 458.1, DOE O 426.2A, DOE-STD-1098, and DOE-HDBK-1122.
• Work independently, with minimal direction, using independent judgment to determine methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for qualification and training program design (e.g., job task analysis and difficulty/importance/frequency survey methodology under DOE O 426.2A and DOE-HDBK-1078-94). May have latitude to establish training program objectives and allocate resources.
• Guide the completion of training program initiatives and contribute to RPFA's organizational training goals, exerting significant influence on qualification and re-qualification objectives across the RCT/HP workforce, including tracking re-qualification due dates and generating training status reports.
• Act as the primary point of contact and technical contact for RCT/HP qualification and training program elements, interacting with professional colleagues, internal management, and DOE representatives, and serving on internal and external training-related committees.
• Lead audits, inspections, and site verifications by internal and external entities, including DOE-STD-1070 assessments, triennial audits, and DOE oversight of qualification and training program adequacy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Independently direct R&D technical tasks and training program initiatives, setting broad training program vision and strategy for the RP Training & Qualification Program, utilizing highly advanced subject matter expertise.
• Develop solutions to highly complex training and qualification problems requiring in-depth analysis of multiple tangible and intangible factors, developing innovative training methods/technology that contribute to the advancement of qualification program knowledge Laboratory-wide. Provide cross-directorate support to Laboratory-wide training organizations, including Strategic Deterrence nuclear facility training programs, and the Laboratory's Training & Qualification (T&Q) Functional Area Manager (FAM), supporting Laboratory management of the T&Q functional area.
•  Work under consultative direction within the scope of the assignment, determining and pursuing courses of action essential to obtaining desired training program outcomes. Exercise latitude to establish assignment objectives and allocate resources across multiple qualification program elements.
• Play a role in attracting and retaining training programs, funding, and staff due to degree of technical expertise, and may be sought after as an organization spokesperson on RCT/HP qualification matters.

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in health physics, Nuclear Engineering, Radiation Physics, Radiation Protection, or a Related STEM Field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of Operational and Technical Health Physics Fundamentals suitable for designing effective training for Radiological Workers, Health Physicist staff and Radiological Control Technicians.
• Significant experience in applying and/or developing technical, industry best practices and/or business principles for the management of NRC or DOE based Radiation Protection Training Programs.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment for training development and present and explain technical training information to the ES&H Directorate and advise RPFA management.
• Effective organizational skills with attention to detail necessary to lead multiple tasks in a demanding environment with conflicting priorities, tight and changing deadlines, and frequent interruptions while providing high-level customer service and good follow-through.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Subject matter expertise within Operational and Technical Health Physics Fundamentals suitable for designing effective training for Health Physicist staff and Radiological Control Technicians.
• Substantial demonstrated experience in applying and/or developing technical, industry best practices and/or business principles for the management of NRC or DOE based Radiation Protection Training Programs.
• Expert verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment for training development and present and explain technical training information to the ES&H Directorate and advise RPFA management.

Qualifications We Desire

• Previous DOE experience, holding an active Q clearance.
• Professional certification within the field of health physics, such as NRRPT or CHP.
• Previous experience delivering training as a qualified classroom instructor.
• Experience leading instructors and/or training specialists in the development of radiological training, to include a variety of formats: Traditional classroom training, hands on Practical Training, computer-based training (Articulate Storyline)
• Previous experience designing, developing, and implementing radiological qualification standards for Radiation Protection Positions.
• Expert-level knowledge of 10 CFR 835, DOE-HDBK-1078, DOE-HDBK-1122, DOE-HDBK-1130, and DOE-STD-1070.
• Advanced knowledge of DOE-HDBK-1078, Systematic Approach to Training, including developing learning objectives, leading Training Needs Analysis, Job Tasks Analysis.
• Experience conducting DOE-STD-1070 assessments or supporting/leading DOE O 426.2 nuclear facility training programs.
• Previous experience implementing and/or developing RCT Qualification Exams and Oral Evaluation Boards.

Pay Range $175,530 - $267,060 annually

$175,530- $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 Level
$210,630- $267,060 Annually for the SES.4 Level

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting.  An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

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Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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