Research Operations Engineer, Maintenance & Operations

Online applications must be received before 12:00am on:

March 3, 2025

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):

1467-YN_ADMINPRO - Research Operations Engineer

Business Title:

Research Operations Engineer, Maintenance & Operations

Employee Type:

Admin. Professional

Position Details:

The Opportunity:

The WSU Nuclear Science Center (NSC) provides a collaborative environment where WSU faculty, staff, students, and clients can succeed in their basic and applied nuclear science research goals.  The NSC prepares WSU students for successful entry into the scientific workforce, provides the pathway to discovery in novel research, and makes impactful contributions to science and to the people who work and study here. 

As the Research Operations Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, assessing, approving, and performing research reactor maintenance activities and operations planning in support of fundamental and applied science research projects across the Nuclear Science Center and the NSC 1MW TRIGA research reactor. This includes performing work in support of scientific or engineering research which provides practical experience for graduate and undergraduate students, research technicians, and reactor operators; using advanced skills and knowledge to perform the following non-inclusive list of tasks, perform complex investigative procedures; modifies procedures to accomplish operational & maintenance goals; collect, process and analyze data; and run research protocols. On-Call Status will be required at times.

You will serve as a senior reactor operator; ensure quality and safety controls, review regulations, and maintain the operational goals of the facility. You will make recommendations and conclusions, which will serve as the basis for decision making in the NSC reactor operations group.

This is a full time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible.

Monthly Salary: $4,508 - $6,763 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate related scientific or engineering discipline and experience performing professional-level work with scientific or engineering research protocols. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis. Experimental and analytical skills; understanding and knowledge of research theory; excellent organizational and project management skills.

• Knowledge of research reactors, reactor safety systems and components, industry best practices, state-of-the- art, infrastructure, regulatory requirements, experience in experimental safety analysis for neutron activation and chemistry experiments.

• Must currently possess or be able to obtain a senior reactor operator license at the NSC reactor within 9 months of hire.

• Must obtain a hazardous materials shipping certificate for radioactive materials for domestic air and ground shipping within six months of hire.

• Must be a U.S. citizen at time of hire as part of the licensing requirement.

• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.