Labor Relations - Principal Human Resources Specialist

Mission Support and Test Services, LLC (MSTS) manages and operates the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).  Our MISSION is to help ensure the security of the United States and its allies by providing high-hazard experimentation and incident response capabilities through operations, engineering, education, field, and integration services and by acting as environmental stewards to the Site’s Cold War legacy.  Our VISION is to be the user site of choice for large-scale, high-hazard, national security experimentation, with premier facilities and capabilities below ground, on the ground, and in the air. (See NNSS.gov for our unique capabilities.) Our 2,750+ professional, craft, and support employees are called upon to innovate, collaborate, and deliver on some of the more difficult nuclear security challenges facing the world today.   

• MSTS offers our full-time employees highly competitive salaries and benefits packages including 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.  
• MSTS is a limited liability company consisting of Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell), Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (Jacobs), and HII Nuclear Inc.

The Principal Human Resources Specialist, Labor Relations will be a pivotal leader responsible for shaping and executing MSTS's labor relations strategy. This senior-level role demands exceptional expertise in managing complex union relationships, leading collective bargaining negotiations, and ensuring compliance with all relevant labor laws and agreements. The specialist will act as a primary liaison between MSTS management and union leadership, skillfully navigating sensitive issues, resolving grievances, and proactively fostering constructive labor-management partnerships. Success in this position requires a deep understanding of collective bargaining agreements, Project Labor Agreements, and federal regulations such as the Davis-Bacon Act. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of strategic thinking, persuasive communication, and the ability to drive positive outcomes in a dynamic labor environment. This role will also involve conducting thorough investigations, advising leadership on labor relations best practices, and contributing to the development of robust HR policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and expertise in all labor relations functions.

• Collaborate with Union Leaders and Management (up to Director level) to resolve complex issues and reach agreements.
• Lead and co-chair contract negotiations.
• Manage negotiation preparations and the process, including key financial information analysis.
• Apply in-depth knowledge of Project Labor Agreements/Collective Bargaining Agreements.
• Apply expert working knowledge of the Davis-Bacon Act and related federal regulations.
• Conduct thorough investigations into internal and external employee concerns and complaints, especially for union-represented employees.
• Resolve union grievances through proper and electronic processes.
• Review, revise, and develop labor relations policies, procedures, agreements, and instructions; advise management on these.
• Multitask and respond promptly to all issues and concerns from management, employees, contractors, and other sources.
• Exercise independent judgment to identify labor relations concerns, prepare responses, and provide strategic recommendations.
• Manage challenging and sensitive conversations with labor union personnel and MSTS employees (up to Director level).
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality for all employee-related information.
• Develop internal and external reports on investigations.
• Provide backup support for the random drug-screening program.
• Handle protocols and consequences of positive drug/alcohol screenings.
• Interface with Legal, Internal Audit, and Employee Relations on issues.
• Cross-train and collaborate with Employee Relations staff on investigations and contracts.
• Stay current on employment law changes in California, Nevada, New Mexico, Maryland, and other states relevant to NNSS operations.

Due to the nature of our work, US Citizenship is required for all positions.

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and at least 8 years’ of professional level experience, or equivalent training and experience.

  • Professional Human Resources (PHR) and (AWI) certifications preferred. 

• Demonstrated experience as a lead in negotiations.
• Knowledge of legal