Waste Characterization Analyst

We have an opening for a Waste Characterization Analyst to provide technical support. You will ensure that radioactive and hazardous waste generated from LLNL operations is properly characterized packaged and managed in accordance with applicable requirements. You will interpret and apply regulations from Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Department of Toxic Substance Control Nuclear Regulatory Commission Department of Transportation and Department of Energy (DOE) Orders pertaining to the management of radioactive hazardous and mixed waste. This position is in the Radioactive and Hazardous Waste Management Program (RHWM) within the Strategic Deterrence Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

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.

In this role you will 

• Participate in the waste characterization process to ensure LLNL-generated waste streams are properly characterized and managed in accordance with all applicable federal state and site requirements.
• Prioritize day-to-day work assignments to ensure overall waste processing goals are met.
• Collaborate with LLNL waste generators field technicians and Environment Safety and Health (ES&H) professionals and contracting partners to provide technical guidance and solutions for the management transportation and disposal of hazardous radioactive and/or mixed wastes.
• Interpret complex analytical and/or radioanalytical data to determine proper characterization and disposition of radioactive and mixed waste.
• Work collaboratively with other team members within the RHWM program to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions to technically challenging waste management problems.
• Prepare technical basis documents describing characterization methodologies and their application.
• Prepare waste sampling plans using the Data Quality Objectives process in accordance with EPA guidelines.
• Perform validation and acceptance of complex chemical and radiological data packages.
• Support waste characterization activities associated with facility demolition and decontamination (D&D) work.
• Work with outside contractors in support of waste characterization packaging and disposition activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities at the TSS.4 level

• Represent RHWM in technical and programmatic discussions with internal and external stakeholders including regulators disposal sites DOE and other federal agencies.
• Apply principles of project management to plan and execute work including scope definition schedule development risk management and status reporting for complex waste characterization projects.
• Lead or significantly influence process improvement initiatives including defining success metrics driving implementation across stakeholders and sustaining improvements over time.
• Mentor and train less experienced personnel on federal and state regulations governing waste management and on RHWM characterization practices.

Qualifications :

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors degree in chemistry nuclear engineering health physics or a related scientific field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience interpreting analytical and/or radioanalytical data to determine waste characterization and/or disposal options.
• Experience applying health physics concepts and/or environmental regulations to the characterization of waste.
• Advanced application and understanding of chemical compatibility proper segregation and chemical identification and/or advanced knowledge of applying NDA techniques to waste containers including data interpretation.
• Experience interpreting waste acceptance criteria for the purposes of preparing shipments and developing profiles for waste disposal at treatment storage and disposal facilities.
•  Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to explain and present waste characterization data and strategies to audiences with varying technical abilities.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment engaged in the characterization of radioactive hazardous and medical waste.

Additional qualifications at the TSS.4 level 

• Subject matter expertise in one of the following categories: non-destructive analysis analytical inorganic or organic chemistry or the waste management aspect of facility D&D activities.
• Experience developing training practices mentoring less experienced personnel or leading projects that involve overseeing the activities of other personnel.
• Expert level application and development of chemical compatibility proper segregation and chemical identification or expert level knowledge of applying NDA techniques to waste containers including data interpretation.

Qualifications We Desire

• Masters degree in chemistry nuclear engineering health physics or related scientific field.
• Fundamental knowledge of TRU waste management including transportation and disposal requirements.
• Experience working with database systems designed to support waste characterization and management activities.

Pay Range

$154950 - $235692 Annually

$154950 - $196476 Annually for the TSS.3 level

$185850 - $235692 Annually for the TSS.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 employees 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-Onsite

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  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

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time