Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:

November 20, 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.

Additional Information:

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

Monthly Salary: $5,166 - $6,000 | 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.
Must obtain fall protection training, CPR training, first aid training, AED training, and overhead crane operation training within 6 months of hire.
Must undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history check. Must undergo a full background check.
Within 12 months of hire, must receive a favorable trustworthiness and reliability determination by the facility Director and Reactor Supervisor and required to maintain clearance throughout employment.
Must be able to satisfy all requirements set forth by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to remain qualified for a senior reactor operator license and SGI clearance access.

Preferred Qualifications:

Possession of a valid hazardous materials shipping certificate for radioactive materials for domestic air and ground shipping.
Current or previous reactor operator or senior reactor operator license.
Experience working with nuclear detector systems and spectroscopy software for radiation measurement and nuclide identification.
Experience using LabView, AutoCAD, or SOLIDWORKS.
Experience in repair and maintenance of analog and digital electronic controllers and systems.
Experience in handling radioactive and hazardous materials.
Previous training or education in the fundamentals of nuclear reactor theory and operations.

About Nuclear Science Center - For more information about the great work we are doing and to view our mission and values, please visit our website linked above.

Area/College: Office of Research
Department Name: Nuclear Science Center
Location: Pullman, WA

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

1) Resume
2) Cover Letter

External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.
Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.

Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Time Type:

Full time

Position Term:

12 Month

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.

Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.

More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/