HLW Remote Operations Specialist

The High-Level Waste (HLW) Operations Support organization provides engineering oversight, program support, and qualified staff to support the Hanford Tank Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant (WTP) mission.  The mission includes safely storing, treating, and immobilizing the highly hazardous radiological wastes created during prior periods of nuclear processing at the Hanford Reservation. The HLW Operations Support organization is responsible for providing the framework for executing Plant Engineering and Maintenance work. HLW Operations Support personnel are responsible for the technical adequacy of department work products and decisions.

Within the HLW Operations Support organization, the Remote Operations Specialist will utilize their expert knowledge on operating, troubleshooting, and supporting remotely operated systems used in high hazard, inaccessible environments such as hot cells, melt caves, and associated decontamination and maintenance areas. This role will focus on setting up the tools and procedures to ensure future operators perform safe, precise, and compliant execution of remote tasks using cranes, manipulators, remote viewing systems, and specialized mechanical handling equipment.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES/TASKS

• Develop and review System Operating Manuals (SOMs) for remote operations in coordination with Engineering, Maintenance, and Radiological Control.

• Verify performance and operability of telemanipulators, in-cell cranes, and remote tooling for process operations, maintenance, and component changeouts.

• Conduct remote visual inspections using shield windows, CCTV, crane-mounted cameras, and other sensing devices to monitor equipment condition and task progress.

• Develop and implement mockup-facility training programs for operator proficiency with remote systems and abnormal event recovery tasks.

• Remain apprised of operational status and ongoing modifications within the facility.

• Develop procedures for remote removal, installation, export, and import of vessels, melter components, filters, jumpers, and other SSCs.

• Lead development of procedures for remote decontamination activities using in-cave spray lances, decontamination tanks, and remotely operated wash systems.

• Participate in mockup evaluations—physical or virtual—to validate reach, access, operability, and maintenance strategies in simulated environments.

• Support conceptual design development for mechanical handling systems, remote tooling, and equipment compatible with remote maintenance and operation.

• Review and assess engineering technical documents, design documentation, specifications, and drawings to ensure remote operability and maintainability aspects are included.

• Assist with resolving design issues necessary to support plant operations and maintenance.

• Request support to develop engineering products for system or equipment repair or replacement.

• Ensure personal and team health and safety by implementing Integrated Safety Management System principles.

• Maintain conduct consistent with nuclear safety and quality culture expectations.

• Support the Waste Treatment Plant Nuclear Safety Quality Culture by emphasizing safety and quality values to protect personnel and the environment.

• Support resolution of issues related to off-normal event recovery, equipment replacement, contamination control, and shielding effectiveness.

• Interface with multidisciplinary engineering teams, operations personnel, safety groups, subcontractors, vendors, and project support groups to resolve operational issues and optimize remote handling solutions.

• Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance reliability, reduce operator fatigue, and promote remote maintainability.

• Complete required training and maintain qualifications associated with assignments.

• Ensure timely and accurate oral and written technical reports on assigned activities.

• Resolve condition report issues or other discrepancies as assigned.

This job description is not intended to include every duty, task, or instruction for which an employee is responsible. Other tasks may be assigned, based on business needs and the department supervisor’s request.

REQUIREMENTS/SPECIFICATIONS

Education: High School Diploma or GED. Associate’s degree in engineering or science or equivalent education desired. Associate’s degree in engineering or science may be substituted for two years of experience.

Experience:

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Engineering or Science, or realted dicipline and 10 years of relevant experience.

OR

Associates degree and 12 years of relevant experience.

OR

High school diploma or equivalent and 14 years of relevant experience

Candidate must have excellent written and verbal communication skills

Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft application suite (e.g., Word, Excel, Access, Visio, PowerPoint, etc.)

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in processing facilities, DOE facilities, or DOD facilities

• One year of nuclear facility experience is preferred (Nuclear Experience when used in reference to Nonreactor Nuclear Facilities, is experience acquired at any facility in which radioactive materials are routinely handled, stored, processed, or utilized)

• Experience in remote operations at an operating plant preferred, including experience with telemanipulators, hydraulic power manipulators, in‑cell cranes, power‑manipulator cranes, process jumpers, remote waste handling equipment, and remote tooling

• Experience with remotability of equipment in high radiation areas

• Preparation of work packages and/or procedures at DOE facilities also preferred

Progression to the next grade is based upon complexity of assignment and performance.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

NA

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

(PFM-HOA) Plant Facility Management Hazard Activity Observer - Performs desk work, including writing, computer workstation processes, and telephone operation. Arranges for and/or perform presentations, oral reports, planning meetings, and other formal and informal contacts.  May require long periods of sitting and/or standing. Occasional lifting or transport of items from desk and printing stations.  Oversee field activities inside and outside posted / barricaded hazardous / contaminated areas e.g., radiological, chemical, etc. through inspections, observations, coaching, which require walking, climbing, descending, crouching, standing, bending, twisting and turning along with wearing personnel protective equipment while carrying an assortment of small items (e.g. flashlight, procedures,

tablet or notebook, etc.).

• This position is currently located in Richland but may move to the Construction Site (22 miles north of Richland) and works a 9x80 schedule, M-F every other Friday off, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Must be authorized to work and remain in the United States without Amentum visa sponsorship now or in the future.

• Must be able to complete and pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check which includes verification of employment and education.

• Must be able to obtain a Department of Energy badge for access to the Hanford Site. (Even if teleworking, must still be able to comply with security requirements to obtain a badge.)  

• Non-U.S. citizens from countries identified by the Department of Energy as posing heightened security concerns—including sensitive countries, state sponsors of terrorism, countries of risk, and other designated countries –are subject to additional security requirements.

Amentum is a global company with a heritage dating back more than 100 years and delivering solutions in nuclear energy, infrastructure, operations and maintenance, and national security. Our predecessors helped build Hoover Dam, protected fighting forces in World War II, and supported the Manhattan Project. Today, our teams clean up legacy nuclear waste around the world, manage the United Kingdom’s defense portfolio, design programs and tests for Navy submarine electronic systems, and provide integrated supply chain services needed in developing countries during the pandemic.

Amentum has joined with Bechtel to create an LLC, known as the Waste Treatment Completion Company (WTCC) Join us as we make history at the Hanford Vit Plant, known as the Waste Treatment and Immobilization Plant. We are designing and building a one-of-a-kind facility that will turn radioactive and chemical waste left over from World War II and Cold War plutonium production into a form safe for disposal. Your efforts will help protect the nearby Columbia River and the communities, salmon, and wildlife along its shorelines throughout the Northwest.

Sitting at the confluence of the Columbia, Snake and Yakima rivers near two mountain ranges, our community provides access to year-round outdoor recreation, 300 days of sun a year, more than 200 wineries within a 50-mile radius, and the amenities of large cities just a three-hour drive (or short flight) to Seattle and Portland.

Compensation Details:

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Paid time off and holidays

• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)

• Educational reimbursement

• Parental leave

• Employee stock purchase plan

• Tax-saving options

• Disability and life insurance

• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting:

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed,  marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.