Principal Scientist Accelerator Physicist

OverviewMission 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 Sites 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. In this environment, the best ideas need to be voiced and every opinion matters. As such, MSTS places great value on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and is committed to a diverse and equitable workforce, with an inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diversity of our people, talents, ideas, and perspectives. 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. NNSS COVID-19 attestation requirements:ResponsibilitiesThe Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) is seeking an outstanding Staff Scientist to support the Advanced Sources and Detectors (ASD) Project as part of the Scorpius Accelerator Group. ASD is responsible for developing the worlds newest and most advanced Linear Induction Accelerator (Scorpius). Scorpius will be installed 963 feet underground at the NNSS where it will generate high-current, relativistic electron beams that will be converted into intense bremsstrahlung pulses used to probe dynamic objects driven by high explosives. In this role, you will be expected to apply a range of theoretical, computational, and experimental techniques to the study of beam-physics, beam-target interactions and plasmas. Experience with multiple diagnostic methods for probing intense charged particle beams, dynamic material properties, and plasma physics and/or experience performing large-scale, multi-processor computer simulations is highly desired. Key Responsibilities Serve as a key member of the Scorpius Accelerator Commissioning Team and a long-term member of the Scorpius Accelerator Group, which will operate and maintain the accelerator in support of the U.S. Stockpile Stewardship Program. Serve as a subject matter expert by developing a comprehensive understanding of accelerator systems and how system-level performance influences beam parameters. Additionally, develop an understanding of flash-radiography as well as hydrodynamic and sub-critical experiments. Evaluates processes, procedures, and work instructions to improve performance. Perform predictive computer modeling and analytic calculations of beam transport and beam-target interactions. Perform machine learning feasibility studies and identify areas where machine learning can benefit the Scorpius Accelerator. Field accelerator diagnostics and perform data analysis. Support installation and commissioning activities of accelerator systems, test stands and the Scorpius accelerator. Serves as mentor to less experienced scientists, providing practical advice on implementation of solutions for organizational goals. Ensures teams processes and deliverables comply with MSTS policies and procedures. Conducts or leads research, presents papers, and keeps abreast of new technological developments and methods or materials . Collaborate with scientists and engineers at Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Sandia National Lab, and Los Alamos National Lab. Collaboration includes t ravel to partner institutions to participate in workshops, reviews, collaborative experiments and commissioning activities. QualificationsBachelors degree in a calculus-based (STEM) field, plus at least 9 years relevant experience.Skill building experience must demonstrate either deeper technical specialization or additional cross-disciplinary knowledge. Graduate research experience may be recognized. Ph.D. in Physics (or a similar field providing an accelerator science background) is required. Ideally, candidates will have completed a post-doc. Must have experience fielding diagnostics and performing measurements of particle beams (examples: beam profile imaging from optical transition or Cherenkov radiation, beam emittance measurement techniques, beam energy measurement techniques, Faraday cup measurements, etc.). Must have some experience using beam transport computer modeling software such as envelope, particle-in-cell and/or particle tracing codes. Must be knowledgeable in accelerator systems, components and hardware. Must have peer reviewed publications. Experience with machine learning. Experience performing measurements of high-current (kA), relativistic (MeV) electron beams. Experience performing and/or supporting accelerator operations and maintenance activities Experience with multi-processor computer modeling is desired. Strong publication record as demonstrated by first- and co-authored peer reviewed publications, technical documents and institutional publications is desired. Pre-placement physical examination, which includes a drug screen, is required. MSTS maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. The primary work location will be at the Losee Road facility in North Las Vegas, Nevada. Work at the Nevada National Security Site (located 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas, Nevada) may be required in support of these functions. Additional travel to partner institutions to participate in workshops, reviews, collaborative experiments and commissioning activities is required. Work schedule for this position will be 4/10s, Monday Thursday (subject to change). Strong publication record as demonstrated by first- and co-authored peer reviewed publications, technical documents and institutional publications is desired. Must possess a valid driver''s license. MSTS is required by DOE directive to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants offered employment with MSTS are also subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. In addition, Applicants for employment must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship, at least 18 years of age. ReferenceDOE Order 472.2 (, Personnel Security. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted. Department of Energy Q Clearance (position will be cleared to this level). Reviews and tests for the absence of any illegal drug as defined in10 CFR Part 707.4 (, Workplace Substance Abuse Programs at DOE Sites, will be conducted. Applicant selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation, required to participate in subsequent reinvestigations, and must meet the eligibility requirements for access to classified matter. Successful completion of a counterintelligence evaluation, which may include a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination, may also be required. Reference10 CFR Part 709 (, Counterintelligence Evaluation Program. MSTS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. MSTS is a background screening, drug-free workplace. Posted Date10 months ago(10/20/2021 3:45 PM)Job ID 2021-3712 of Openings 1Category Sciences Type Full-Time Location : CityNorth Las VegasLocation : State/Province (Full Name)Nevada

Created: 2025-10-04