Nuclear Safeguards Specialist

Overview:

The Nuclear Safeguards Specialist manages Material Control and Accountability (MC&A) and safeguards functions for Lightbridge's pilot HALEU metallic fuel fabrication facility. This role ensures accurate accountability of special nuclear material (SNM) throughout the fabrication process, from HALEU feedstock receipt through co-extrusion and finished fuel element shipment, and maintains compliance with DOE Order 474.2, 10 CFR Part 74, and related physical security interfaces under each respective regulatory framework.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain the facility's MC&A Plan, including Material Balance Area (MBA) structure, measurement methods, and inventory procedures appropriate for HALEU metal fabrication processes.
• Perform and oversee physical inventories, item control, and material measurement/verification for uranium feedstock, in-process alloy, scrap, and finished fuel assemblies.
• Investigate and resolve inventory differences (ID); calculate standard error of the inventory differences (SEID); prepare required documentation and root-cause analysis.
• Maintain nuclear material accounting records and submit required reports to NMMSS in accordance with Atomic Energy Act requirements.
• Coordinate with Physical Security to ensure MC&A measures integrate with access control, surveillance, and material tamper-indication systems required under DOE approved security and safeguards plans.
• Support development of transportation and shipment documentation for HALEU material moves, coordinating with facility’s RadCon and Facility Managers on transport package requirements.
• Lead or support MC&A-related DOE/NRC inspections, license amendment submittals, and safeguards program audits.
• Establish and deliver MC&A training and procedures for operations personnel handling or transferring SNM.
• Evaluate new process equipment or facility modifications for MC&A and safeguards impacts
• Maintain material control software/database systems and ensure data integrity across custodial transfers.

Required Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, or related technical field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in nuclear material control and accountability, safeguards, or a closely related function at an NRC- or DOE-licensed facility handling SNM.
• Working knowledge of 10 CFR Part 74 (and familiarity with Part 73 physical security interfaces) as applied to Category I/II/III SNM facilities, or working knowledge of DOE Order 474.2 for DOE authorized facilities.
• Experience with material balance accounting, physical inventory processes, and inventory difference resolution.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a DOE/NRC security clearance, as required.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation discipline, with experience preparing regulatory submittals or audit-ready records

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience with HALEU or highly enriched uranium MC&A programs.
• Familiarity with NMMSS reporting systems and DOE/NRC safeguards reporting requirements.
• Experience in a metal fuel fabrication environment (as distinct from oxide fuel), including scrap recovery and in-process material tracking.
• Prior experience supporting facility licensing, readiness reviews, or safeguards program startup.