R&D Radiation Generating Device and Sealed Radioactive Source Program Lead

Company Description

Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!

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

We have an opening for a Research & Development (R&D) Radiation Generating Device (RGD) & Sealed Radioactive Source (SRS) Program Lead within the Radiation Protection Functional Area. This position independently plans and executes Research and Development (R&D) efforts supporting the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of LLNL’s Radiation Generating Devices and Sealed Radioactive Source Safety programs. The RGD/SRS Program Lead works independently, with minimal direction, to plan and execute research and development (R&D) efforts within the context of applying science technological and R&D engineering to anticipate, innovate, and deliver program solutions to the Laboratory’s mission. This position is in the Environment, Safety and Health (ESH) Directorate, within the Radiological Protection Functional Area (RPFA).

This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization. 

This position is subject to DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Training, Qualification, and Certification Requirements for DOE Nuclear Facilities. This position will be filled at either level 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

• Set specific technical strategy and direction for the Radiation Generating Device and Sealed Radioactive Source Safety Programs, serving as the technical expert RGD, accelerators, and high activity sealed sources across LLNL and the Department of Energy (DOE) complex.
• Assist in the development of shielding and design verification in order to solve complex radiological source problems introduced by RGDs and high activity sealed radioactive sources requiring in-depth analysis of tangible and intangible factors, including regulatory requirements, program needs, and variable work environments.
• Provide radiological oversight during annual compliance surveys for High-Risk RGDs, verifying that administrative and engineering controls remain effective and identifying corrective actions where deficiencies are found.
• Develop radiological survey plans addressing non-uniform radiation fields produced by pulsed devices, accounting for the unique measurement and instrumentation considerations these fields present.
• Work independently, with minimal direction, using independent judgment to determine methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for RGD/SRS Safety Program design meeting requirements and expectations of DOE O 420.2E, 10 CFR 835, and DOE G 441.1C.
• May have latitude to establish program objectives and allocate assigned technical resources. 
• Guide the completion of RGD/SRS Safety Program initiatives and contribute to RPFA's organizational goals, exerting significant influence on use and control of radiation generating devices and accountable sealed radioactive sources. 
• Act as the primary technical contact for the RGD/SRS Safety Program, interacting with program staff, RGD Custodians, professional colleagues, internal management, and DOE representatives, and serve on internal and external technical committees and industry peer groups, including those focused on accelerator health physics. 
• Lead technical portions of internal and external audits, inspections, and site verifications, including triennial audits and DOE oversight of RGDs and accelerator safety-program adequacy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Independently direct R&D technical tasks and RGD/SRS compliance activities such as annual radiation surveys, safety assessments, and semi-annual leak tests, setting broad program vision and technical strategy for the RGD/SRS Safety Program.
• Develop solutions to control highly complex radiological source terms produced by radiation generating devices and accelerators. These problems may require in-depth analysis of multiple tangible and intangible factors, and development of innovative methods and technologies that advance RGD/SRS Safety Program knowledge Laboratory-wide.
• Provide strategic technical support to RGD custodians establishing work processes involving RGDs, Accelerators, and High Activity radioactive sources.
• Work under consultative direction within the scope of the assignment, determining and pursuing courses of action essential to obtaining desired RGD/SRS program outcomes.
• Establish assignment objectives and allocate resources across multiple assigned program elements.
• Provide strategic technical input that supports the development, sustainment, and resourcing of the RGD/SRS Safety Program; may serve as an organizational spokesperson on significant RGD/SRS safety matters.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor’s degree in Health Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Radiation Physics, Radiation Protection, or a related STEM Field or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of Operational and Technical Health Physics Fundamentals suitable for designing effective RGD/SRS Safety Program.
• Significant and advanced level of experience in applying and/or developing technical, industry best practices and/or business principles for the management of Radiation Protection Programs, with demonstrated ability to lead independent technical work.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment for RGD/SRS Safety Program development and present and explain technical information to the ESH Directorate and advise RPFA management.
• Effective organizational skills with attention to detail necessary to lead multiple tasks in a demanding environment with conflicting priorities, tight and changing deadlines, and frequent interruptions while providing high-level customer service and good follow-through.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Subject matter expertise within Operational and Technical Health Physics Fundamentals suitable for designing effective RGD/SRS Safety Program.
• Substiantial demonstrated experience in applying and/or developing technical, industry best practices and/or business principles for the management of RGD/SRS Safety Programs within the radiation protection programs governed by DOE or the NRC.
• Demonstrated ability to lead the development and application of innovative technical methods or program solutions.
• Expert verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment, facilitate technical discussions, present and explain technical information to the ESH Directorate, and advise RPFA management and senior stakeholders. 

Qualifications We Desire

• Previous DOE experience and an active Q clearance.
• Professional certification within the field of health physics, such as NRRPT or CHP.
• Previous experience conducting annual compliance surveys for radiation generating devices or accelerators.
• Experience developing Safety Assessment Documents, Accelerator Safety Envelopes, or development of accelerator safety basis processes such as USI.
• Previous experience designing, developing, and implementing an RGD or SRS safety program.
• Expert-level knowledge of 10 CFR 835, DOE O 420.2E, DOE G 441.1C.

Pay Range: $175,530 - $267,060 Annually

$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level

$210,630 - $267,060 Annually for the SES.4 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-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best 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, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet 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.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate 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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