Shock Physicist (Scientist II)

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 Site’s 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. In this environment, the best ideas need to be voiced and every opinion matters. As such, MSTS places great value on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and is committed to a diverse and equitable workforce, with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, and perspectives.

• 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.
  
  
  

The Dynamic Experiments Portfolio is looking for a Shock Physicist (Scientist II) to join the team at the Special Technologies Laboratory (STL) in Santa Barbara, CA.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in preparation and execution of shock physics experiments using powder and gas gun systems.
• Acquire and participate in analysis of data acquired using custom designed and built, high speed diagnostics systems.
• Contribute to solutions of problems and issues with well-defined scope and moderate complexity, utilizing a well-defined set of technologies. Solutions use established standards, practices and procedures as well as technical knowledge to address problems and complete tasks. Solutions may require evaluation of standards and processes.
• Define specifications for procurements and initiates purchase requests.
• Frequent use and application of established technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques.
• Assist in researching, compiling and analyzing scientific data. Participates in developing field programs and prepares designs, strategies, reports and proposals. Implements and uses technology solutions for both experimental and operational needs.
• Select and implement computer applications for their field.
• Prepare reports. Contributes to proposals. May author or contribute to publications (refereed journals, books, manuals & reports) and presentations.
• Participate in customer and program meetings.
• Mentors less experienced staff in related technical areas.
• Perform other duties assigned by Management.
• Bachelor’s degree in a calculus-based (STEM) field, plus at least 2 years’ relevant experience. 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.
• Prior experience in shock physics research required.
• Prior experience using gas guns and high-speed diagnostics (digitizing oscilloscopes and delay generators) required.
• The primary work location will be at the Special Technologies Laboratory (STL) located in Santa Barbara, CA.
• Flexible work schedule can be negotiated with the manager; employees can work 5/8s, 9/80, or 4/10s workweeks.
• 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 driver’s 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/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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 $82,784.00 - $124,196.80.

Starting salary is determined based on the position market value, the individual candidate education and experience and internal equity.