Nevada National Security Sites · 1 day ago
Scientist I/II
North Las Vegas, NV
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$66K/yr - $99K/yr
2+ years expMission Support and Test Services, LLC (MSTS) manages and operates the Nevada National Security Site for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration. The role involves supporting the Enhanced Capabilities for Subcritical Experiments program by contributing to the installation and technical maturation of advanced linear induction accelerators, conducting experiments, and collaborating across various scientific teams.
Government Administration
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Contributes to solutions of problems and issues with limited scope and basic complexity, using a well-defined set of technologies, generally in support of more senior scientists
Solutions use established basic standards, practices and procedures as well as technical knowledge to address problems and complete tasks
Focus is on applying academic knowledge to the work environment and developing good work/team habits
Design, execute and analyze accelerator/beam experiments (injector, transport, target/x-ray conversion, stability/BBU, corkscrew mitigation)
Develop, commission, and operate beam and x-ray diagnostics (e.g. BPMs, Faraday cups, scintillators/ICCD, streak cameras, x-ray diodes, spectrometers, interferometry, and others)
Build, validate, and apply physics models and Multiphysics simulations; compare to experimental data and iterate designs
Apply targeted Machine Learning to speed up tuning, improve diagnostics insights, and support experiments planning; build data workflows and integrate with controls where appropriate, validate models against measurements
Author test plans, procedures, and technical reports; present results to program leadership and external partners
Work safety with high voltage, radiation, vacuum/pressure systems; follow Work Planning & Control and configuration management
Collaborate across controls (timing/EPICS), solid state pulse power, alignments, targets, and operations
Execute well-scoped tasks under mentorship; own sub-system/test; grow into project ownership within 6-12 months
Contributes to solutions of problems and issues with limited scope and basic complexity
Defines specifications for procurements and initiates purchase requests
Follows established technical procedures and instructions
Assist in compiling and summarizing scientific data. Utilizes technology solutions for both experimental and operational needs
Assists in data cleaning, baseline models, and simple optimization trials under mentorship
Consistently practice Work Planning & Control; participate in pre-job briefings, wear required PPE, exercise stop-work authority and promptly report near-misses
Own experimental or modeling packages; mentor juniors; contribute to hazard analysis and test readiness reviews
Assists 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
Own a focused Machine Learning use case with clear success metrics
Lead pre-job briefs for small tests; author/update Job Hazard Analysis, verify LOTO/controls, and capture lessons learned after activities
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in a calculus-based (STEM) field. Skill building experience must demonstrate either deeper technical specialization or additional cross-disciplinary knowledge. Graduate research experience may be recognized
2 plus years post-degree experience (internships/research labs counts)
Coursework or project experience in at least one: accelerator physics, HV/pulsed power, vacuum systems, radiation detection, plasma physics, optical diagnostics
Proficiency in Python for data analysis
Strong lab skills: ability to follow procedures and write clear test notes
Minimum Education and Experience: 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
Demonstrated ability to design and analyze accelerator experiments and simulation with traceability to requirements
Solid grasp of BBU/corkscrew, envelope/optics matching, and beam diagnostics calibration/uncertainty
Experience integrating models with experimental data; author technical reports
Clear test notes
Technical Knowledge (Scientist I & Scientist II): Accelerator physics: high-current electron sources/diodes. LIAs, magnetic focusing/solenoids, emittance, envelope physics, space-charge, BBU & corkscrew, tune/optics matching
Pulsed Power and HV: LTD concepts, solid state pulsed power, switching, transmission lines, grounding/isolation, EMI diagnostics and survivability
Beam-target/x-ray production: converters, bremsstrahlung yield, spot optimization, dose/fluence, target thermal response
Diagnostics and DAQ: fast detectors, timing/jitter, calibration/uncertainty, signal integrity, high-rate data pipelines
Vacuum and magnet systems: UHV practices, leak-check, magnet mapping/alignment, field quality and trim strategy
Modeling tools (examples): LSP, WARP, COMSOL, Geant4, MCNP, Python, CHICAGO, FLAG
Working knowledge of supervised machine learning, basics of model validation in test operations
Controls and test infrastructure: EPICS, LabVIEW, timing/fan-out, triggers, oscilloscopes/digitizers, safety interlocks
Preferred
Exposure to LIAs or electron beamlines; familiarity with EPICS/LabVIEW
Hand-on with optical plasma diagnostics and/or vacuum hardware
Safety awareness for HV/radiological work
MS/PhD (or BS with 3-5 years) in relevant field
Lead a small test campaign or subsystem from plan through execution to report
Experience with one or more codes: LSP, CHICAGO, FLAG, COMSOL, MNCP, Geant4
Basic EPICS IOC development or LabVIEW DAQ; vacuum & magnet alignment practices
Benefits
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
Company
Nevada National Security Sites
The Nevada National Security Sites help ensure the security of the United States and its allies by: supporting the stewardship of the nation’s nuclear deterrent; providing nuclear and radiological emergency response capabilities and training; contributing to key nonproliferation and arms control initiatives; executing national-level experiments in support of the National Laboratories; working with national security customers and other federal agencies on important national security activities; and providing long-term environmental stewardship of the NNSS’s Cold War legacy.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Melissa Biernacinski
Action Officer, Government/Customer Relations and Strategic Partnerships
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