Waste Management Non-Destructive Assay Engineer RFP-52018 (3997)

Navarro Research and Engineering is recruiting a Waste Management Non-Destructive Assay Engineer RFP-52018 (3997) in Idaho Falls, ID. 

Navarro Research & Engineering is an award-winning federal contractor dedicated to partnering with clients to advance clean energy and deliver effective solutions for complex challenges in the nuclear and environmental fields. Joining Navarro means being a part of an exceptional team committed to quality and safety while also looking for innovative strategies to create value for the client’s success. Headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Navarro has active programs in place across the nation for DOE/NNSA, NASA, and the Department of Defense. 

Position Summary 

The Waste Management Non-Destructive Assay Engineer provides expert technical review and oversight of non-destructive assay (NDA) activities supporting transuranic waste and low-level waste/mixed low-level waste disposition at the Radioactive Waste Management Complex. Serving within the Waste Management TRU Program organization, this position validates NDA measurements, reviews technical procedures and data, supports instrument performance, and helps ensure compliance with DOE, EPA, Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Waste Acceptance Criteria, applicable ANSI/ISO standards, and site requirements. 

This is a full-time, onsite position at the SSF work location in Idaho Falls, Idaho. The work schedule is four 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday, and full-time telework is not available. The anticipated period of performance is October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. 

Responsibilities 

• Conduct independent expert technical reviews of NDA systems, procedures, data analysis, and results to verify compliance with established protocols, standards, and regulatory requirements. 

• Validate NDA measurement data and batch data reports in the Waste Tracking System for accuracy, completeness, measurement quality, and compliance with WIPP and LLW/MLLW waste disposition requirements. 

• Review, revise, and approve operating, calibration, validation, and quality assurance procedures for technical accuracy, clarity, and regulatory compliance. 

• Review Real-Time Radiography recordings to identify waste items requiring detailed modeling, including density and matrix corrections. 

• Independently perform In Situ Object Counting System modeling for specific waste configurations to improve measurement efficiency and accuracy. 

• Oversee the calibration, certification, operation, troubleshooting, repair, and confirmation of NDA instruments, including the Retrieval Box Assay System, In Situ Object Counting Systems, SWEPP Gamma-Ray Spectrometer, Waste Assay Gamma-Ray Spectrometer, and Drum Assay Systems. 

• Support NDA instrument operations and collaborate with engineering, operations, and waste management personnel to diagnose and resolve equipment, software, measurement, and performance issues. 

• Support software validation and testing for NDA systems. 

• Calculate measurement control data and review and approve control charts to identify trends or anomalies that could affect measurement quality. 

• Review NDA activities for compliance with DOE, EPA, and WIPP Waste Acceptance Criteria requirements. 

• Support internal and external audits and surveillances, including preparation for and onsite participation in DOE Carlsbad Field Office, EPA, WIPP, and other regulatory reviews. 

• Support implementation of criticality safety controls and working requirements associated with NDA and waste characterization activities. 

• Provide training and mentoring to ISOCS technicians and Independent Technical Reviewers. 

• Support periodic reviews and revisions of WIPP-related documents and operating procedures. 

• Maintain required reading, training, and qualification requirements. 

• Bachelor’s degree in physical science or engineering. 

• Five years of relevant non-destructive assay experience. 

• Two years of nuclear experience. 

• Demonstrated knowledge of NDA measurement validation, data review, instrument calibration and certification, troubleshooting, quality assurance, and waste characterization requirements. 

• Experience supporting compliance with DOE, EPA, WIPP Waste Acceptance Criteria, ANSI/ISO standards, or comparable nuclear and regulatory requirements. 

• Ability to work onsite on a four 10-hour day schedule, Monday through Thursday; full-time telework is not available. 

• Ability to comply with environmental, safety, health, quality, security, pollution prevention, emergency action, conduct of operations, and Integrated Safety Management System requirements. 

• Ability to identify and report unsafe conditions and to follow established methods for resolving unsafe work practices or conditions. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in physical science or engineering. 

• Experience using gamma spectroscopy software, such as Mirion/Canberra NDA 2000, Genie 2000, ORTEC MAESTRO, GammaVision, MGA, or FRAM. 

• Experience with Real-Time Radiography review, ISOCS modeling, Waste Tracking System data validation, NDA software validation, control-chart review, and audit support. 

• Familiarity with TRU waste, LLW/MLLW, the Radioactive Waste Management Complex, and Idaho Cleanup Project operations. 

Education and Experience 

A bachelor’s degree in physical science or engineering, five years of relevant non-destructive assay experience, and two years of nuclear experience are required. A master’s degree in physical science or engineering is preferred. 

Due to the nature of the government contract requirements and/or clearances requirements, US citizenship is required. 

Navarro is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, or any classification protected by applicable state or local law..

EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled 

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability