Operations Lead

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring an Operations Lead to provide operations oversight to facilitate groundbreaking system demonstration research at the High Temperature Testing Facility (HTTF) at the Proving Ground located at Central Facilities Area, CFA-686. Normal schedule is a 4x10 schedule with every Friday off, however, occasional off-normal schedule support is expected as necessary.

You will oversee and interface with Facilities and Site Services (F&SS) staff to provide support to a 10 MW multi-bay test facility, dedicated to testing pre-commercial scale high temperature solid oxide electrolyzer cells (SOEC) to demonstrate the cost-effective production of hydrogen. You will be responsible for safe and efficient facility and research operations aiding in research activities to advance novel technology.

Responsibilities:

Oversee and direct connection activities of solid oxide electrolyzer systems within existing test beds and operational support activities within CFA-686 and its associated test pads.

• Provide support to researcher to shepherd new prototype SOEC test articles through INL safety, quality, and engineering requirements with a focus on enabling research.
• Interface with researchers to strategize and develop schedules for HTTF startup to include placement, connection, research operations, maintenance schedules, test article decommissioning and removal, and support conduct of research.
• Develop and lead HTTF infrastructure operational and training requirements, qualification/certification and normal and off-normal operations procedures to ensure Operations, Maintenance, Support, Research, and Management staff can successfully demonstrate readiness to commence the production of hydrogen, including off-normal response procedures.
• Interface with equipment manufacturers (vendors) of the solid oxide electrolyzers and INL staff for test bed plug-n-play set up, research, and removal.
• Facilitate large-scale systems safety reviews, interface with SOMS staff for Management Self-Assessments (MSA) preparations.
• Coordinate and Interface with the Research Technical point of contact for HTTF, Site Operations, Maintenance, and Support (SOMS) Director, Site Utilities Director, Facility Complex Manager, Facility Manager.
• Provide operations and research support for Maintenance Work Request, Work Orders and Procurement as needed.
• Support operations and research activities with required work permits i.e, LockOut/TagOut (LO/TO), Confined Space, Hoisting and Rigging, Work at Heights and Immediate/Advanced Material Handling.
• Work with Hydrogen Program Project Manager, Principal Investigator, Site Operations, and other site support staff to conduct activities on schedule and budget.
• Ensure HTTF operations and maintenance activities are conducted within the bounds of the approved Tenant Use Agreement.

Minimum Requirements:

• Level 4: Bachelor's degree and 9 years relevant leading research operations or an advanced degree and 6 years relevant experience.
• Level 5: Bachelor's degree and 14 years relevant leading research operations or an advanced degree and 8 years relevant experience.
• Experience with any or all the following: Hands-on Industrial/Facilities Maintenance, Electrical Construction, Mechanical Systems Construction, Mechanical/Electrical Design, and Process Engineering.
• Experience with NFPA 2 and hydrogen system safety, test plan writing for industrial scale processes. Operation of industrial scale systems, boiler systems, power, nuclear, and mechanical systems in a research environment, operation and installation of inverters, power controllers, relevant NEC and ASME codes, and applicable OSHA regulations. These include but are not limited to ASME B31.3, ASME B31.9, ASME B31.12, BPVC, International Building Code, and the NFPA 70 (National Electric Code).
• Strong knowledge of operating research equipment.
• Proven ability to lead a team.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "L" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

Preferred Experience:

• Relevant DOE and National Laboratory Experience.
• Proven experience working and communicating with staff, engineers, management, and internal/external customers.
• Developing operational procedures from operations manual following strict established protocols.
• Authoring and developing comprehensive operating procedure training documents and certification testing.
• Training administration.
• Experience with system of systems interoperability in a production environment.
• Directing the operation and maintenance of bench, pilot and full-scale research equipment designed to process and handle materials through chemical, mechanical and thermal conditions.
• Conduct of operations and maintenance in high hazard environments.

Job Information:

The pay range for this position is:

• Level 4: Salary grade 450 ($93,204-$191,076) Level 5: Salary grade 460 ($111, 888-$229,284).
• At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.

Physical Requirements:

• While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard and type, reach with hands and arms, and operate job related equipment. Ability to work in a pilot plant environment including inclement weather. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission
Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision
Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements
To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information
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