Subject Matter Expert – Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies (ARISE Program) at Cogent Security LLC / ITP – Washington, District of Columbia

Position: Subject Matter Expert: Advanced Reactor International Safeguards Engagement (ARISE) – Full time position

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Office of International Nuclear Safeguards (NA-241), is seeking a highly qualified Subject Matter Expert to support the Advanced Reactor International Safeguards Engagement (ARISE) Program. ARISE focuses on promoting the integration of international safeguards by design into advanced nuclear reactors (including small modular reactors) and associated fuel cycle facilities, ensuring effective IAEA safeguards implementation while supporting U.S. nonproliferation objectives. This role involves providing expert technical support on advanced nuclear reactor technologies, safeguards, and related programmatic efforts. The successful candidate will contribute to technical reviews, stakeholder engagement, program planning, and high-impact initiatives within a dynamic national security environment.

Detailed duties and responsibilities will include:

• Subject Matter Expertise: Serve as the primary technical expert for the ARISE program regarding advanced nuclear reactor technologies, small modular reactors (SMRs), and associated fuel cycle facilities.
• Technical Review & Quality Assurance: Perform rigorous technical reviews of ARISE deliverables produced by national laboratories and provide objective assistance with the NA-241 project proposal process.
• Safeguards Implementation: Apply a deep understanding of international safeguards obligations to ensure effective implementation worldwide.
• Strategic Planning: Offer technical assistance in developing internal technical roadmaps and program plans to guide future ARISE initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate and foster collaborative relationships with internal NNSA stakeholders and external partners, including the U.S. nuclear industry, IAEA, DOE Office of Nuclear Energy, and the NRC.
• Program Leadership: Lead HQ-directed efforts, such as the Technology Readiness and Challenges Study (TRACS), and represent ARISE interests at technical consultancies, conferences, and high-level meetings.
• Communications & Outreach: Develop briefings, reports, and related materials for internal and external stakeholders to share programmatic efforts and milestones.
• Operational Support: Perform additional administrative tasks as directed, including research compilation, presentation preparation, and supporting special projects or travel arrangements.

Requirements:

• Active DOE Q-level security clearance (Equivalent to Top Secret)
• U.S. Citizenship
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to manage complex technical workloads and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills for high-level technical reporting
• Strong understanding of IAEA safeguards and U.S. nonproliferation objectives

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in nuclear engineering or a relevant discipline
• Minimum 5 years of research and development (R&D) or operational experience in nuclear technology-related fields or industries
• Experience collaborating with national laboratories or federal agencies (NNSA, DOE, NRC)
• Specific expertise in Safeguards by Design (SbD) for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

About Cogent Security LLC Cogent Security Consulting was founded in 2010 and has since grown to over 150 employees. We pride ourselves on hiring individuals that can deliver with integrity, value, transparency, efficiency, and discretion. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team with room to grow as Cogent expands, we encourage you to apply.

Company Website: https://www.cogentsecurity.com/