Electron Microscopist Contractor

Who We Are

As the Savannah River Site’s management and operations contractor since 2008, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) makes the world safer. With safety and security in the forefront, SRNS develops innovative approaches to deliver on our environmental commitments and nuclear materials challenges; supplies products and services necessary to maintain the nation’s nuclear deterrent; secures nuclear materials to prevent unwanted proliferation; and transforms nuclear materials into assets and stable wasteforms.

The SRNS workforce is highly capable, engaged, and adaptable to meet existing and expanding missions. SRNS employees apply superior expertise and innovative solutions to complex and challenging national and global issues. We have the knowledge to address a range of national and international nuclear issues. We make the world safer – and you can, too.

What You’ll Do In This Position

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) is seeking an Electron Microscopist to assist in development and planning phase of the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility’s Materials Characterization laboratories. This position will play a primary role in the development and startup of electron microscopy capabilities in multiple facilities for this major new site mission. As one of the initial team members, you will have significant input into the lab’s method development, operations, and programmatic development.

This position will have authorities and responsibilities in the following areas:
• Provide general subject matter expertise for electron microscopy and sample preparation operations.
• Lead and/or assist in developing procedures and training for laboratory sample management, preparation, and characterization of materials.
• Work with Production Agencies to ensure operational consistency between laboratories for key methods. This position will have significant coordination efforts with LANL, LLNL, and the SRPPF Project group.
• Interface between various disciplines including program managers, project management and engineering design authorities.
• Prepare technical manuals, reports and procedures.
• Demonstrate creative ability by solving technical problems.
• Provide mentorship for less-experienced staff.
• Assume technical responsibility for one or more related phases of a program.
• Cooperate with other engineers/scientists performing related phases of the technical work.

Travel
• Up to 75% travel to support operations at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and/or Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). Opportunity exists to support these operations remotely from South Carolina on a case-by-case basis. Frequent travel may be expected between SRNS and LANL and/or LLNL.
• Opportunity to spend up to 2 years on long-term, temporary assignment to LANL to support their on-going operations. This assignment will depend on the candidate’s ability and willingness to relocate to New Mexico for the duration of the assignment. Additional details regarding the opportunity will be provided during the interview.

Begin to plan and develop engineered solutions to technical tasks or project objectives. Begin using SRNS systems and meeting SRNS requirements with supervisory guidance. Assist more senior technical professionals in performing related activities on more complex tasks. Assume technical responsibility for one or more related phases of a program. Cooperate with other engineers/scientists performing related phases of the technical work. Be cognizant of the work performed in other projects in field of technology. Accept the delegated technical responsibility for design, application, test, or the preparation of specifications for systems, materials, equipment or components. Apply technical knowledge toward the reduction of the cost and improvement of the product where possible and incorporate new ideas resulting from engineering/scientific progress in the field. Prepare costs and schedule estimates on proposed projects/tasks in assigned area. Prepare technical manuals, reports and procedures. Demonstrate creative ability through the medium of patent disclosures or the ingenuity exercised in solving technical problems.

Security Clearance Information

SRNS is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, criminal records, and employment history, and education verifications. Positions with SRNS may require applicants to obtain and maintain a DOE L or Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. Factors such as pre-employment background review results, dual citizenship status, and unpaid and/or unfiled taxes may impact your ability to obtain a security clearance. This list of factors is not exhaustive; pre-employment information and security clearance requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Clearance Required To Perform Job

Q

Qualifications We Require

Bachelor degree in applicable science or engineering discipline

Other Qualifications
• Bachelor degree in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineer, Geology or related field.
• Proven fundamental understanding of electron microscopy characterization techniques, including Electron Microprobe, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy.
• Hands-on experience collecting data using optical and electron microscopes (e.g., electron microprobe and scanning electron microscopes).
• Familiarity and hands-on experience with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses.
• Familiarity and hands-on experience with ion mills for sample preparation.
• Familiarity and hands-on experience with chemical polishing and etching of metals for characterization using optical and electron microscopy.
• Familiarity and hands-on experience with mechanical grinding/polishing of samples for characterization using optical and electron microscopes.

Qualifications We Desire
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineer, Geology, or related field.
• Advanced knowledge of standard theories, concepts, principles, and techniques in Electron Microscopy. Advanced knowledge and hands-on experience with Electron Microprobe and Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy is desired.
• Familiarity and hands-on experience with Electron BackScatter Diffraction (EBSD) analysis.
• Previous DOE production facility or national laboratory experience desired.
• Experience in laboratory design/standup supporting material characterization data production efforts.
• Understanding of laboratory waste handling concepts, ideally with experience in radioactive waste generation.
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management System.

What We Offer

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) Benefits team is constantly assessing trends in the benefits area to provide the best possible services to our workforce. We ensure high quality outcomes of each service provider by consistent monitoring and oversite for positive results. We also negotiate cost effective premiums that will meet the needs of our evolving workforce. Your SRNS Health & Welfare benefits provide peace of mind and financial protection for you and your family. Some of the Benefits offered to full service employees include:
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance options
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
• Employer paid life insurance with buy up options
• Employer paid Short Term and Long Term Disability
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• Various wellness programs
• Paid Time Off and Holidays
• Discounts and other supplemental benefits

SRNS employees are critical to the success of SRNS, all while making the world a safer place. The work that we do every day makes a difference.

Standards of Excellence

The SRNS vision states that we will “be the standard of excellence in nuclear materials management by delivering knowledge, innovation and experience.” This is underpinned by the recognition that everything we do relies on our employees and how they demonstrate the SRNS Standards of Excellence every day.

Built on the foundation of safety and security, each employee is expected to:

Model Excellence by demonstrating the highest standards and values in work and promoting them within the organization and to the customer.

Deliver Results by meeting customer expectations to ensure objectives, goals and deadlines are met while being good stewards of resources.

Energize and Recognize Teams through growing organizational strength and recognizing continued excellence.

Build Relationships by developing relationships with coworkers and customers to foster a respectful workplace.

Shape the Future by creating a diverse, innovative and integrated workforce that fosters mission success and company growth.

Note

SRNS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. SRNS is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, you may contact us by phone at 803-952-8207, or by e-mail at hrrecruiting@srs.gov.

09-Jul-2024