Senior Technical Advisor

MELE Associates, Inc. is seeking a highly detailed and strategic Senior Technical Advisor to provide high-level, remote subject matter expertise to the National Nuclear Security Administration’s (NNSA) Office of Safeguards Technology (NA-241). This strategic technical role focuses on advising federal program managers on complex nonproliferation, arms control, and international nuclear safeguards policies. The Advisor will conduct advanced technical assessments, support interagency frameworks, and ensure that programmatic decisions align with the technical realities of the nuclear fuel cycle and international commitments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

•  Technical Review and Assessment: Review and provide detailed technical review of SGTech deliverables from various DOE laboratories. Provide expert advice and support SGTech projects, including Hybrid K-Edge Densitometer/X-Ray Fluorescence.
•  IAEA Engagement and Support: Support the SGTech team in formulating responses to inquiries from the IAEA, advise on emerging technologies that could be further developed to meet the needs of the IAEA and the safeguards community, and participate in technology demonstrations by lab teams to the IAEA.
•  Strategic Advisory and Planning: Support the SGTech Program Director and the team in identifying suitable R&D topics that address the short-term and longer-term needs of the IAEA. Advise on the International Target Values (ITVs) for NDA techniques.
•  Programmatic Integration: Support NA-241 in identifying technologies that could flow from NA-22 to NA-241 and eventually to the IAEA and other Safeguards Inspectorates.
•  Project Leadership and Collaboration: Provide expert advice on Project Carousel technology R&D projects, AUKUS-related projects, and the Joint Fuel Cycle Study with the Republic of Korea. Participate in in-person visits to DOE laboratories and review journal articles and conference presentations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

•  D. in Nuclear Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
•  15+ years of experience in nuclear safeguards, non-proliferation, and nuclear security.
•  Current and active DOE Q Clearance (SCI access preferred).
•  Demonstrated expertise in nondestructive assay (NDA) methods, including Gamma Spectrometry (HPGe), neutron detection, and Monte Carlo modeling (MCNP).
•  Excellent analytical writing skills, with the ability to synthesize dense technical data for executive-level, non-technical stakeholders.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

•  Expert-level knowledge of the nuclear fuel cycle, international safeguards (IAEA) frameworks, and export control regimes.
•  Proven history of collaboration with international organizations (IAEA) and nuclear facilities.
•  Direct experience supporting DOE NNSA NA-241 Safeguards Technology programs, including successful management or technical leadership of R&D projects.

LOCATION: This is a remote. 

SALARY: Salaries are determined based on several factors including external market data, internal equity, and the candidate’s related knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position. The salary range for this position is $200-$225k. 

BENEFITS 

• Employer Paid, High Quality Employee Medical, Dental & Vision Care
• Low-Cost Family Health Care offered
• 11 Federal Holidays and 3 weeks’ vacation
• 401k with Generous Employer Match
• Cross-training opportunities

About MELE 

With over 300 employees and offices in Rockville, MD, Washington, DC, and Albuquerque, NM, MELE is a veteran-owned government contractor empowering its customers with innovative solutions for more than three decades. MELE has team members located across the U.S. and has served more than a hundred countries across hundreds of project locations. The company offers technical, engineering, and programmatic support expertise to a host of U.S. federal and international agencies, including, but not limited to, the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, INTERPOL, and the International Atomic Energy Agency. MELE’s services include national security, intelligence, IT/cybersecurity, facility management and engineering, CBRNE defense and nuclear security, emergency response training/management, and mission and program support. 

MELE Associates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. MELE Associates, Inc. is an E-Verify employer.