Principal Technologist

MSTS Overview

Mission Support and Test Services, LLC (MSTS) manages and operates the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) for the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Our MISSION is to help ensure the security of the United States and its allies by providing high-hazard experimentation and incident response capabilities through operations, engineering, education, field, and integration services and by acting as environmental stewards to the Site’s Cold War legacy. Our VISION is to be the user site of choice for large‑scale, high‑hazard, national security experimentation, with premier facilities and capabilities below ground, on the ground, and in the air. (See NNSS.gov for our unique capabilities.) Our 2,750+ professional, craft, and support employees are called upon to innovate, collaborate, and deliver on some of the more difficult nuclear security challenges facing the world today.

• MSTS offers full‑time employees highly competitive salaries and benefits packages including medical, dental, and vision; a pension and a 401(k); paid time off and 96 hours of paid holidays; relocation (if located more than 75 miles from work location); tuition assistance and reimbursement; and more.
• MSTS is a limited liability company consisting of Honeywell International Inc. (Honeywell), Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (Jacobs), and HII Nuclear Inc.

Principal Technologist – Special Technologies Laboratory

The Special Technologies Laboratory (STL) is seeking a highly capable Principal Technologist to support the assembly, fabrication, and deployment of advanced prototype systems in a fast‑paced R&D environment. This role blends hands‑on technical work with problem‑solving across mechanical and electrical domains. You will work closely with scientists and engineers to build, modify, and test one‑of‑a‑kind systems, often under evolving requirements. Success in this role requires adaptability, craftsmanship, and curiosity.

Located in Santa Barbara, California, the Special Technologies Laboratory is a key satellite location within the NNSS and is responsive to NNSA nuclear security mission requirements and broader national security objectives. At STL “problem solving is in the DNA,” using a diverse team of experts composed of scientists, engineers, technicians, facilities specialists, academic collaborators, and professional support staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Assemble, integrate, and modify prototype systems spanning mechanical, electrical and sensor components in support of R&D efforts.
• Fabricate custom parts and fixtures in a machine shop environment, including machining, drilling, tapping and finishing operations.
• Plan and conduct work, often in the fabrication of components, that requires judgment in the evaluation, selection, application, adaptation, and modification of standard techniques, guidelines, procedures, and criteria.
• Support field deployment and data collection activities, including setup, operation and troubleshooting of sensing systems in operational environments.
• Create and ensure effective resolutions and improvements across mechanical and electrical systems, adapting quickly to changing requirements and contributing to iterative design improvements.
• Devises new approaches to maintenance, operations, or testing of mechanical or electronic systems.
• Performs work that involves conventional practices including conventional machine shop techniques, and utilizes novel and emerging techniques, such as mechanical part printing, to meet specialized fabrication needs.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in a field related to the position plus at least 9 years’ progressive related experience, or High School diploma plus 11 years’ progressive related experience.
• Primary work location will be at the Special Technologies Laboratory (STL) located in Santa Barbara, CA.
• Work schedule for this position will be negotiated with the supervisor; employees can work 5‑8, 9‑80, or 4‑10 work‑weeks.
• Pre‑placement physical examination, which includes a drug screen, is required. MSTS maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Security Clearance

The position will be cleared to the DOE Q‑level. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q‑level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship and a minimum of 18 years of age. The role requires a Federal background investigation, and may include a counterintelligence‑scope polygraph examination. For more information, reference DOE Order 472.2, “Personnel Security,” and 10 CFR Part 706.4, 707.4, and 709.

EEO Statement

MSTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. MSTS is a background screening, drug‑free workplace.

Salary Range

Annual salary range for this position is $83,491.20 - $125,236.80 . Starting salary is determined based on the position market value, the individual candidate’s education and experience, and internal equity.