Title Nuclear Safety Engineer (Entry-Level)
Position Number 40817
Company Hanford Tank Waste Operations
City/State Richland, WA
Location 200E
Posted 01/08/2026
Closes 02/02/2026
Regular/Temporary Regular
Full/Part-Time Full-Time
Job Responsibilities/Duties
Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C) delivers exceptional performance in safely removing, treating, and disposing of tank waste. H2C leads the nation's largest and most complex radioactive waste cleanup, including closure of the legacy waste tanks at Hanford containing 56 million gallons of radioactive and chemical waste.
Joining H2C means becoming part of a team dedicated to creating "The Solution Today for a Better Tomorrow." At H2C, our culture is deeply rooted in our Vision, Mission, Values, and Behaviors, which guide our efforts on the Hanford Site and within our communities. Our vision to tackle the Department of Energy's largest environmental challenge reflects our commitment to leaving a positive legacy for future generations. We strive to deliver exceptional performance in safely removing, treating, and disposing of tank waste. Our values emphasize living safely, acting with integrity, and working collaboratively as a team. We encourage innovation, personal accountability, and continuous improvement, fostering an environment where everyone is empowered to contribute to our mission and celebrate our achievements. By embracing these principles, you will be part of a forward-thinking organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact today and for the future.
Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C) is the integrated tank disposition contractor at the Hanford Site located near Richland, WA. The H2C mission is to safely store, retrieve, and treat 56 million gallons of legacy radioactive and hazardous waste. This complex mission spans all competencies of engineering and science supporting daily operations, design and maintenance of the Tank Farms, 242-A evaporator, Tank-Side Cesium Removal capability, Liquid Effluent Retention Facility, and Effluent Treatment Facility. This is accomplished through a highly integrated engineering organization. Engineering and Innovation at H2C consists of process engineering, design engineering, nuclear safety, plant/system engineering, construction project engineering, procurement engineering, control system engineering, engineering standards/program implementation, and the Chief Technology Office. These areas support all aspects of the H2C mission.
The Nuclear Safety organization is responsible for establishment, implementation, ongoing maintenance, assessment and interpretation of nuclear safety processes, procedures, and standards. These responsibilities include: safety analysis and safety basis development (including Documented Safety Analysis [DSA], Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis [PDSA], and Technical Safety Requirements [TSR]), the Unreviewed Safety Question (USQ) process, the Process Hazard Analysis (PrHA) process, hazard assessment and consequence analysis, and criticality safety.
The Nuclear Safety Engineer responsibilities are:
Represent the Nuclear Safety department in control decision meetings. For engineered controls, determine if the control should be a design feature or Limiting Condition of Operation. For administrative controls, determine if the control should be a Specific Administrative Control or a Key Element of an Administrative Control.
Participate in hazard analysis and control selection.
Support development of consequence analysis and frequency determination.
Maintain qualification as a Nuclear Safety Engineer and USQ evaluator.
Demonstrate knowledge of the DSA and TSR format and content requirements of 10 CFR 830, Subpart B, DOE-STD-3009, and DOE-STD-1186 and DOE-STD-1189.
Demonstrate how the hazard analysis is used in developing the DSA.
Demonstrate how to apply the hierarchy of controls.
Demonstrate how to develop and maintain assigned procedures for PrHA, DSA/TSR development and maintenance, and USQ process.
Identify weaknesses in hazard analysis, DSA development and maintenance, and USQ process and lead the development of program improvements.
Participate as the Lead or Nuclear Safety representative on a PrHA team.
Lead or participate as a team member for DSA amendments or development for major modifications and new facilities.
Demonstrate knowledge of how to develop Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the DSA for proposed changes.
Demonstrate knowledge of how to develop technical basis documents (hazardous event, consequence analysis).
Perform hazard evaluation and DSA review in support of proposed changes and process negative USQ for proposed changes.
Demonstrate a comprehension for what proposed changes require USQ review.
Demonstrate proficiency in using the Potential Inadequacy in the Safety Analysis process requirements.
Required Qualifications
Grade 14:
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering or related technical discipline
Grade 15:
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering or related technical discipline
One (1) year related experience
Note the essential duties for this grade level are like that of the previous grade level, however the scope of responsibility is larger, and the expected level of performance is increased.
Grade 16:
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering or related technical discipline
Two (2) years related experience
Note the essential duties for this grade level are like that of the previous grade level, however the scope of responsibility is significantly larger, and the expected level of performance is greatly increased.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of the hazard analysis process, DSA and TSR development, implementation and controls selection processes [DOE-STD-3009 (DSA)], DOE-STD-1186 (Specific Administrative Controls) and DOE-STD-1189 (Integration of ESH Requirements in Safety and Design), DOE G 423.1-1B (Technical Safety Requirements), DOE O 420.1C (Facility Safety), DOE G 421.2A (DSA) and DOE G 424.1-1C (USQ).
Tank Farm knowledge and experience.
Ability to achieve Qualification as a Nuclear Safety Engineer and USQ Evaluator within a reasonable timeframe. Qualification requirements may be met through the DOE and/or Hanford-specific Equivalency process as allowed by H2C procedures
Compensation & Benefits
In accordance with the company's philosophy on compensation for exempt and salaried non-exempt employees, H2C takes into consideration a variety of factors when determining initial grade and salary to include assigned job scope and responsibility, a candidate's qualifications as compared to internal comparators performing in a similar role, and the external labor market. A salary offer will be made at the appropriate grade level and within the targeted hiring range posted according to these factors. Note a candidate's prior salary history will not be taken into consideration.
Hiring Range Minimum: 74,538
Hiring Range Maximum: $113,550
H2C offers a comprehensive benefits package to include medical/dental/vision, short-and long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k) with employer match, and paid time off. For a full list of benefits please visithttps://hmis.hanford.gov/hr/page.cfm/HEWTBenefits
Relocation Funding Provided Yes
U.S. Citizenship Required Yes
Clearance Required No
Job Classification Exempt
Shift Work Required No
This contractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.
Applicants and employees have rights under Federal Employment Laws and are protected under federal law against discrimination. To view information regarding these rights, please click on these links:
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OFCCP/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/22-088\EEOC\KnowYourRights.pdf)
Pay Transparency Policy Statement
Family Medical Leave Act (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf)
Employee Polygraph Protection Act
WA State Paid Family Medical Leave (https://paidleave.wa.gov/app/uploads/2021/12/2021.12.Six-things-to-know-about-Paid-Leave.pdf)
