Nuclear Assurance Specialist
Date: Jan 10, 2026
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 15562
Overview:
We are seeking a Nuclear Assurance Specialist who will focus providing oversight of the implementation of applicable policies, processes, procedures, and applications, contributing to an effective nuclear assurance program. This position resides in the Contractor Assurance Group in the Office of Integrated Performance Management within the Office of the Laboratory Director for Operations, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
As part of our team, the Nuclear Assurance Specialist will facilitate independent assessments and monitor performance of the nuclear operations at ORNL. This includes developing and monitoring key metrics for identifying trends and potential impacts to ORNL nuclear operations and ensuring that the nuclear assurance program meets applicable requirements. This position is part of the CAS office which resides in the Office of Integrated Performance Management that supports the Laboratory Director’s Office in contractor assurance and performance management systems at ORNL.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Identify and facilitate required independent reviews as required for compliance in Nuclear and Radiological facilities and operations.
- Support line management and Management System Owners through conducting periodic reviews, assessments, common cause analyses, USQD program implementation reviews, and others, as required.
- Develop measurable and meaningful performance metrics in collaboration with ORNL management system owners and organizations to effectively monitor the health of the laboratory systems/activities/processes in areas of nuclear operations.
- Generate performance analysis reports which provide trending and analysis data to evaluate the health of the laboratory’s nuclear operations, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and support management with implementation.
- Proactively identify and evaluate areas of concern in nuclear operations; and collaborate with other ORNL management system owners and organizations to develop and implement effective strategies, priority, and plans.
- Provide input and facilitate strategic improvement for nuclear assurance elements such as institutional performance monitoring, issues management, cause analysis, management assessments, event reporting, and lessons learned to support business operations and management system performance improvement.
- Interface with other Battelle and DOE National Laboratories to benchmark nuclear assurance performance and share lessons learned.
- Coordinate and lead independent and diverse review teams.
- Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.
Basic Qualifications:
- A BS degree in science, engineering, or related field with a minimum of 8 years of related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
- Minimum 4 years in nuclear facility operations experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Navy Nuclear Operations, Department of Energy Nuclear Oversight, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, or equivalent experience.
- Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
- Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
- Advanced level of knowledge developing, analyzing, and reporting key performance indicators.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
- Ability to frequently interact with senior engineers, senior scientists, and senior technical management in regard to addressing complex technical issues and problems.
- A working knowledge of DOE nuclear safety and criticality safety requirements, standards and guides is preferred.
- Experience working directly with contractor assurance program elements, e.g. assessments, issues management, causal analysis, critiques, extent of condition reviews, effectiveness reviews, corrective action development, lessons learned, event management, enterprise risk management, etc.
Special Requirements:
Q Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:
For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.
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