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Containment Engineer

Position and Grade:Containment Engineer (P-4)
Organizational Unit:Seals Team
Systems Integration and Coordination Section
Division of Technical and Scientific Services
Department of Safeguards
Duty Station:Vienna, Austria
Issue Date:15 January 2014
Application Deadline:11 February 2014
Type/Duration of Appointment:Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Department of Safeguards is the organizational hub for the implementation of IAEA safeguards. The IAEA implements nuclear verification activities for some 180 States in accordance with their safeguards agreements. The safeguards activities are undertaken within a dynamic and technically challenging environment including advanced nuclear fuel cycle facilities and complemented by the political diversity of the countries.

The Department of Safeguards consists of six Divisions: three Operations Divisions: A, B and C, for the implementation of verification activities around the world; three Technical Divisions: Division of Concepts and Planning, Division of Information Management, and Division of Technical and Scientific Services; as well as two Offices: the Office of Safeguards Analytical Services and the Office of Information and Communication Services.

The Division of Technical and Scientific Services is responsible for nuclear and other measurement systems applied in verification activities, containment and surveillance techniques and all verification logistics.

The Systems Integration and Coordination Section consists of three teams: Project Engineering; Remote Monitoring; and Seals. This Section is the focal point for providing broad based support to the Operation Divisions in instrumentation data processing and review, remote data collection, development and application of sealing, containment and instrument security technologies, as well as in the development and deployment of complex and integrated equipment systems. The Section is also responsible for maintenance, enhancement and quality assurance of the Divisional infrastructure for instrumentation development and authorization.

Main purpose

Reporting to the Team Leader, the Containment Engineer leads developments, tests, evaluations, and implementation of passive and active containment systems for IAEA safeguards purposes. These systems include various tamper indicating devices (seals, tags, etc.), protective enclosures, containment verification and technical security systems, related supporting infrastructure, and form the basis of the IAEA ability to maintain continuity of knowledge of nuclear materials and/or critical security components necessary to draw the safeguards conclusions. The design, development, and deployment of containment solutions are needed to support SG Operations (SGO) Divisions. The incumbent designs, tests, installs and further supports containment and technical security systems. He/she is the main point of contact for resolving related operational issues. The incumbent will also assess vulnerabilities and provide secure solutions.

Role

The Containment Engineer is: (1) an engineer responsible for all design, development, and construction of containment solutions needed for maintaining continuity of knowledge of nuclear materials and protecting critical security components; (2) an expert in the application and knowledge of computer aided design tools, modelling designs for various extreme conditions, the rapid prototyping of designs, and the final fabrication of mechanical and electrical components; (3) a technical writer of documentation for all mechanical and electrical designs.

Partnerships

The Containment Engineer establishes relationships internally with staff throughout the Division and SGO. He/she also builds and maintains relationships with many external stakeholders: Member State Support Programmes, R&D laboratories, commercial partners, facility operators and State Authorities in order to gather and evaluate requirements and to present them to the team along with viable solutions.

Functions / Key Results Expected

  • Plan, implement, and assume responsibility for assigned developments and routine tasks requested by the Divisions of Operation.
  • Liaise with R&D specialists in the Member States for the systems development.
  • Participate in the planning, acquisition, distribution, maintenance and support of the systems supporting the needs of the Operation Divisions. Provide full lifecycle support for assigned systems.
  • Perform or coordinate the testing and evaluation of system performance in development, repair and/or maintenance.
  • Write manuals for the setup, calibration and use of the systems.
  • Perform field duties in support of the systems at nuclear facilities located anywhere in the world.
  • Undertake tasks related to bilateral agreements for the systems.
  • Design, model and document the systems.
  • Review on-going technical developments, evaluate technical solutions for possible vulnerabilities and provide mitigation solutions.
  • Assist in vulnerability reviews and assessments of the safeguards instruments.
  • Subject to approval of the Board of Governors, function as a safeguards inspector.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Technical expertise:
    • Containment and technical security technology used in safeguards.
    • Testing and detailed evaluation of instrumentation software and firmware.
    • Extensive knowledge of analogue and digital electronics and digital data handling.
    • Knowledge of applications of ultrasonic and laser technologies is desirable.
    • Knowledge of assessing threats and vulnerabilities preferable in international nuclear safeguards.
  • Ability to make independent technical decisions and take responsibility.
  • Ability and willingness to keep abreast of technological developments and to share knowledge.
  • Innovative thinking.
  • Commitment to quality.
  • Ability to work independently and plan activities in a timely way and monitor performance against deadlines and milestones.
  • A high standard of integrity, fairness and transparency to ensure and promote a work environment based on mutual respect and trust.
  • Good communication skills: ability to write technical documentation and to deliver oral presentations in English in a clear manner.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to establish and ability to maintain good relationships with internal and external counterparts and to work harmoniously in a multicultural/multidisciplinary environment with respect and sensitivity for diversity.
  • Ability to work within a team with varied backgrounds, skills and expertise, maximizing innovation and goal achievement.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

  • Advanced university (or equivalent) degree (or equivalent working experience) in electronics/computer engineering, physical science with emphasis on electronics or associated technical disciplines.
  • Minimum of seven years of working experience in research and development in the area of technical security systems.
  • Experience in safeguards implementation, is an asset.
  • Experience in risk management.
  • Strong background and experience in designing and prototyping electromechanical systems.
  • Work experience at the international level.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of any other official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) and/or German is an asset.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $67 483 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $45 484*, dependency benefits, rental subsidyeducation grantrelocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, home leave,pension plan and health insurance.

How to apply to the IAEA

Complete an Online Application

* Subject to change without notice

Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged

Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. The IAEA is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. As part of the United Nations common system, the IAEA subscribes to the following core ethical standards (or values): IntegrityProfessionalism and Respect for diversity. Staff members may be assigned to any location. The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.

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