ABOUT AVALANCHE

Avalanche Energy is developing compact fusion technologies that enable new capabilities in energy, propulsion, isotope production, and neutron generation. Our team combines deep technical expertise with a bias toward rapid execution, practical engineering, and continuous innovation.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Avalanche Energy is seeking a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) to lead radiation safety operations at FusionWERX, the company's Richland, Washington fusion facility.

This role serves as the primary on-site radiation safety authority for FusionWERX and is responsible for supporting safe operation of tritium systems, neutron-producing fusion devices, particle accelerators, activated materials activities, and licensed radioactive material operations.

The RSO will work closely with engineers, scientists, technicians, facilities personnel, and leadership to ensure that radiological work is performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and company procedures.

This is a hands-on role that combines radiation protection program implementation, operational support, regulatory compliance, facility oversight, and technical leadership. The position reports to Avalanche Energy's Corporate Radiation Safety Officer, who maintains overall responsibility for the company's Radiation Protection Program and radioactive materials licensing strategy.

AVALANCHE MIGHT BE A FIT FOR YOU IF...

  • You enjoy building new capabilities rather than maintaining mature systems.• You are comfortable balancing technical rigor with practical execution.
  • You enjoy working directly with engineers, scientists, and operators to solve real-world problems.
  • You view radiation safety as an enabling function that helps experimental programs operate safely and effectively.
  • You thrive in fast-paced environments where priorities evolve as new technologies are developed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Radiation Protection Program Implementation

  • Serve as the primary on-site radiation safety authority for FusionWERX.
  • Implement and maintain site-level radiation safety procedures and controls consistent with the company Radiation Protection Program.
  • Ensure site activities remain within approved license conditions, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
  • Support implementation of the company's Washington State radioactive materials license, radioactive air emissions license, particle accelerator registrations, and associated radiological programs.

Radiological Operations

  • Enable safe use, handling, storage, transfer, and inventory of radioactive materials.
  • Implement contamination control programs and radiological work controls.
  • Perform or oversee radiation surveys, contamination surveys, leak testing, instrument performance checks, area monitoring, and dosimetry activities.
  • Support operation of tritium systems, neutron-producing fusion devices, particle accelerators, and activated material programs.
  • Support radiological hazard assessments and shielding evaluations.
  • Coordinate radiological controls for laboratory, test, maintenance, and facility operations.
  • Support radioactive waste management and disposal activities.

Regulatory Compliance

  • Support regulatory inspections, audits, and information requests.
  • Assist with license amendments, renewals, reporting requirements, and regulatory correspondence.
  • Maintain records required by license conditions and applicable regulations.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and company requirements.

Training and Worker Support

  • Develop and deliver radiation safety training programs.
  • Support qualification and authorization of personnel performing radiological work.
  • Reinforce ALARA principles and radiological work practices.
  • Provide technical guidance to workers, engineers, and management.

Incident Response and Continuous Improvement

  • Support emergency preparedness and radiological incident response activities.
  • Investigate radiological events, abnormal occurrences, contamination events, and procedural deviations.
  • Develop corrective actions and track implementation.
  • Support internal audits, assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Assist with development of future radiological infrastructure and operational capabilities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in Health Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Physics, Radiological Sciences, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Previous experience serving as a Radiation Safety Officer or in a radiation protection leadership role with equivalent responsibilities.
  • Experience with radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment.
  • Experience with tritium handling, tritium controls, or radioactive gas systems.
  • Working knowledge of NRC regulations, Washington State regulations, radiation protection principles, and ALARA implementation.
  • Experience developing radiation safety procedures, work controls, or technical documentation.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in laboratory, prototype, and test environments.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Certified Health Physicist (CHP).
  • Experience with fusion devices, neutron-producing systems, particle accelerators, or activation analysis.
  • Experience supporting radioactive materials licensing activities.
  • Experience with radioactive waste management and disposal coordination.
  • Experience supporting regulatory audits and inspections.
  • Familiarity with Washington State Department of Health licensing and inspection practices.
  • Familiarity with DOT radioactive materials transportation requirements.
  • Experience working in research, prototype, startup, or rapidly evolving operational environments.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Primary work location is Richland, Washington.
  • Standard business hours with occasional off-hours support for experiments, maintenance activities, inspections, or operational events.
  • Occasional travel to corporate office (Tukwila) and conferences may be required.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States.
  • Must be able to comply with applicable export control requirements.
  • Ability to wear required PPE and radiological monitoring equipment and work in controlled radiological areas as needed.

We value people of all backgrounds. We are an equal opportunity employer, and you do not need to match every listed qualification to apply. If you like being hands-on, all over the system, and making difficult hardware work in the real world, we encourage you to apply.

This position may require access to export-controlled information. In order to comply with U.S. export control laws, applicants must be a “U.S. person” as defined by U.S. trade control laws (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual).

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