WETF Operator

What You Will Do

The Weapons Engineering Tritium Facility (WETF) performs critical radioactive material research and development to ensure the safety, security and effectiveness of gas transfer systems in our nation's enduring stockpile. This includes monitoring and understanding performance of gas transfer systems in existing stockpile weapons as well as development of advanced gas transfer systems for weapon updates, such as component retrofits and life extension programs.

The WETF facility provides the operational infrastructure necessary to execute work involving radioactive material in a safe and secure environment.

This position will be filled at either Operator 4 or Operator 5 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate. Additional job responsibilities outlined below will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

The Operator 4 is a fully qualified, experienced operator as defined by the organization’s training and qualification program, or has significant subject matter expertise in related or similar facilities, functional areas, or fields. Operates and monitors critical safety systems according to operating instructions. Responsible for safe execution of technical safety requirement surveillances or surveillances required to meet safety / authorization basis requirements.

Performs technical tasks in support of operations, maintenance, science or engineering activities. Provides direct support in operations, specification, construction, and/or design of facility mechanical, electrical, and/or chemical systems. Checks and inspects operation and maintenance against predetermined standards. Follows process sheets or written / verbal directions. Observes equipment and control panels for operator messages or error indicators. Sets up and runs diagnostic test and reacts appropriately to the messages and reports errors or machine malfunctions as required.

May work with and be responsible for multiple systems.

In addition to the responsibilities at the lower level, Operator 5 is fully Certified operator regarded as facility expert. Operates and monitors critical safety systems according to operating instructions. Recognized as the facility lead on off‑shifts and required to make technical decisions regarding safe operations of nuclear facilities. Performs technical tasks in support of operations, maintenance, science or engineering activities. Provides direct support in operations, specification, construction, and/or design of facility mechanical, electrical, and/or chemical systems.

Checks and inspects operation against predetermined standards. Follows process sheets or written / verbal directions. Observes equipment and control panels for operator messages or error indicators. Sets up and runs diagnostic test and reacts appropriately to the messages and reports errors or machine malfunctions as required. May work with multiple systems.

• Demonstrated knowledge of typical facility electrical and mechanical systems, sub‑systems and components (i.e., ventilation, vacuum pumps, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience with following detailed procedures, documenting actions and logging of activities related to facility operations.
• Ability to read and understand engineering instructions, drawings, layouts and other related specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to perform assigned tasks with minimal supervision based on demonstrated proficiency.
• Experience working with programmatic customers to achieve laboratory goals.
• Experience and skill to prioritize alarm responses based on evaluation of available data.
• Excellent interpersonal, written & verbal communication skills.

• Knowledge of relevant Laboratory procedures, standards and guides.
• Experience developing and revising complex operational procedures.
• Ability to perform as Person in Charge during operation and maintenance activities.
• Experience working with multiple disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior personnel.
• Ability to effectively understand and implement nuclear facility safety basis requirements.