DAP Technical Advisor

The Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST) program for nuclear detonation assessment provides emergency response capabilities to assess nuclear detonation debris and prompt signals measurements to support the determination of the potential origin of the nuclear device design and the materials used.  The program analyses support national decision-making following a nuclear detonation, law enforcement efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, and public health and safety.  The program draws on scientists who are experts in nuclear detonation physics and device design at the U.S. National Laboratories to perform the forensic scientific analyses needed during a response to a nuclear detonation.  They can quickly assess nuclear detonation signatures in an emergency, and they participate in regular mock nuclear detonation exercises to hone their skills.

The Technical Advisor provides direct support to the Federal Program Manager for all aspects of program planning and implementation, including supporting logistics and operations; training and exercises; development of plans, procedures, and other program documentation; response readiness; integration of new technologies and methodologies and reviews of proposed and ongoing research.  The work entails writing and reviewing documents, organizing, attending and leading meetings, and contributing to program and office policy development.  This may require coordination with other government agencies including the DoD, FBI, DHS, DOS, other offices within DOE/NNSA, the National Laboratories, academe, and industry partners.

The Technical Advisor also serves as a technical nuclear forensics expert, providing technical and operational advice and guidance in support of the program’s strategic planning process, policy development, technical activities and issues, and performance requirements. 

The program’s activities are affected by evolving interagency missions, changing stakeholder interests, difficulties in forecasting resource requirements, and complex analytical factors often lacking precedents.  The work requires creativity to support the development of innovative solutions to complex problems impacting the substance of national-level programs. 

Responsibilities:

• Support the Federal Program Manager with tracking the program’s work and progress.
• Provide subject matter expertise and support to the development and review of policy, technical, planning, operational and other documents related to the program and the interagency nuclear forensics mission. Includes creating, reviewing, and editing Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents. 
• Critically review, assess, and report on technical efforts relating to the program, including reports and deliverables from the National Laboratories, proposed and ongoing technical capability improvements and Research & Development, gap analyses, and scientific studies and reports.
• Organize, facilitate, participate in, and contribute to program, office and interagency nuclear forensics meetings, forums, working groups, conferences and program reviews involving subject matter experts from other DOE/NNSA offices, the National Laboratories, other Departments and Agencies, and international partners.
• Coordinate as needed with other DOE/NNSA offices, other federal Departments and Agencies, DOE’s National Laboratories, and other stakeholders as needed.
• Develop and present technical and programmatic briefings to stakeholders, colleagues and senior leaders, making clear and convincing presentations sufficient to clarify and justify recommendations.
• Support planning and execution of drills, training, and exercises. Advise in the development of operational objectives and evaluation criteria.  Assist in identifying and tracking after‑action and corrective action reports.
• The position requires regular attendance in the office, although occasional telework may be possible.
• The position requires occasional domestic and international travel.

Required Qualifications:

• DOE Q clearance or equivalent, and ability to obtain and SCI clearance.
• Minimum of a master’s degree in nuclear engineering or the physical sciences.
• Knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of nuclear science or engineering sufficient to synthesize complex technical and operational information to form assessments relevant to the program.
• Knowledge of the technical and operational aspects of the NNSA and interagency technical nuclear forensics capabilities sufficient to serve as an expert.
• Knowledge of project management methods, including familiarity with the federal budget process, strategic planning, requirements determinations, and project milestone development and tracking.
• Ability to communicate orally, provide expert advice, and make clear and convincing presentations sufficient to clarify and justify recommendations, to communicate technical, operational, and policy-level concepts to stakeholders, colleagues, and senior leaders; ability to lead meetings, working groups, and technical meetings.
• Ability to write and revise policy documents, training and operational plans, and requirements for technical and non-technical aspects of a complex multi-stakeholder, multi-facility program.
• Experience in coordinating program activities and goals with members of government agencies and with scientists in academia and public and private laboratories.
• Ability to work well in a rapidly changing and often uncertain environment.
• Demonstrated good judgment, professionalism, and collaboration skills, and the ability to successfully work with a diverse group of stakeholders to develop consensus.
• Maintenance of an official passport and current appropriate immunizations.

Desired Qualifications:

• SCI clearance
• Knowledge of DOE's nuclear emergency response programs sufficient to support coordination and integration of resources and DOE nuclear forensics response activities.
• Knowledge of the DOE National Laboratory system and the respective roles of DOE Headquarters and the National Laboratories.