Waste Characterization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Company Description
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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.
Job Description
Relisted position. Originally listed on 7/01/2026. Another position has been added to this posting. Previous candidates need not reapply.
We are looking for a Waste Characterization Analystto provide technical support ensuring the radioactive and hazardous waste generated from LLNL operations is packaged and characterized in accordance with applicable requirements. You will be responsible for interpreting Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations and Department of Energy (DOE) Orders pertaining to the management of radioactive and hazardous waste. This position is in the Radioactive and Hazardous Waste Management Program (RHWM), within the Strategic Deterrence Directorate.
This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.
This position will be filled at eitherlevel based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.
You will:

• Participate in the waste characterization process to ensure that LLNL generated waste streams are properly characterized and managed according to RCRA regulations and DOE orders.
• Assign day to day work assignments to ensure that overall waste processing goals are met.
• Collaborate with LLNL waste generators, field technicians, and Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) professionals to assist in providing technical guidance and solutions for the management, transportation and disposal of hazardous, radioactive and/or mixed wastes.
• Interpret moderate to complex analytical or radioanalytical data to determine the proper characterization and dispositioning of radioactive and mixed waste.
• Work collaboratively with other team members within the RHWM program to provide innovative and cost-effective solutions to technically challenging waste management problems.
• Assist in Preparing technical basis documents describing characterization methodologies and their use.
• Perform validation and verification of chemical and radiological data packages.
• Create moderately complex to complex spreadsheets for quantifying radiological and/or hazardous constituents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the TSS.3 level

• Act as the RHWM representative in technical discussions with various stakeholder groups (regulators, disposal sites, DOE).
• Mentor and train less experienced personnel in the federal and state regulations governing waste management.
• Act as a lead for project-based work.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, nuclear engineering, health physics or related scientific field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience interpreting analytical or radioanalytical data to determine waste characterization and/or disposal options.
• Experience in applying health physics concepts and/or environmental regulations to the characterization of waste.
• Broad application and understanding of chemical compatibility, proper segregation, and chemical identification and/or knowledge of applying NDA techniques to waste containers including data interpretation.
• Experience interpreting waste acceptance criteria for the purposes of preparing shipments and developing profiles for waste disposal at treatment storage and disposal facilities.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively explain and present waste characterization related data and strategies to an audience of varying technical abilities.
• Ability to effectively collaborate in a multi-disciplinary team environment engaged in the characterization of radioactive, hazardous and medical waste.

Additional qualifications at the TSS.3 level

• Advanced knowledge in one of the following categories: non-destructive analysis, analytical, inorganic or organic chemistry, or the waste management aspect of facility decontamination and decommissioning activities.
• Advanced application of process improvement activities and/or experience developing unique characterization methods for complex waste streams.
• Advanced experience developing training practices, mentoring less experienced personnel, or leading projects that involve overseeing the activities of other personnel.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master's degree in chemistry, nuclear engineering, health physics or related scientific field.
• Experience working with database systems designed to support waste characterization and management activities.
• Experience in building sample plans and statistical sampling.
• Experience in hazard categorizing, managing unknown chemical products.

Pay Range
$129,150 - $196,476 Annually
$129,150 - $163,764 Annually for the TSS.2 level
$154,950 - $196,476 Annually for the TSS.3 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.
Additional Information
#LI-Onsite
Position Information
This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026Best 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, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet 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.
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Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate 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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