Mechanical Engineer 4, Nuclear Chemistry & Engineering

Company: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Location: Richland
Posted on: September 19, 2022

Job Description:

OverviewThe successful candidate will design and operate bench scale research equipment, analyze data, and produce technical reports. The candidate will conduct research and development activities including standard technical procedures that range from routine to specialized. Operates in laboratory workspaces equipped with fume hoods, glove boxes and with specialized instrumentation in order to conduct research. Have excellent written and oral communication skills and be able to communicate testing result to clients and stake holders.

• Technical LeadershipBuildingreputation through application of S&E principles and theories, and developing technical approaches to solve challenges.
• Project Execution elects and develops technical approaches to complex challenges. Principal investigator or co-PI on multiple or significantly complex, and/or high risk projects or tasks and/or involving multiple tasks, capabilities, and organizations. Develops, and realizes new significant project opportunities, leading the development of technical sections of large proposals. Takes lead in scope, schedule, and budget for projects or large tasks Demonstrates ability to acquire funding for self and task level teams. Serves as a role model for quality, safety, and security. May contribute to directorate level operational improvement activities.
• Impact Holds leadership role in professional community.
• Organizes and chairs sessions at national meetings of professional societies. Lead author or developer on a significant number of technical products. Recognized by sponsors and collaborators for delivery on important programmaticResponsibilitiesThis position resides in the Nuclear Chemistry & Engineering Group which supports the Hanford Site cleanup, river corridor protection, nuclear materials stewardship, non-proliferation missions, the nuclear fuel life cycle, national security missions, and energy production; and is engaged in expanding the beneficial use of nuclear materials. The candidate will conduct laboratory work in support of nuclear fuel fabrication, irradiation sciences, irradiated materials research and engineering. Will also perform the following duties:
  • Lead the design, building and operation of experimental systems, conduct analysis/data collection, and lead in data reduction and reporting.
  • Identify and lead efforts to develop new procedures and methods for complex, non-routine fuel fabrication and irradiated materials research.
  • Design, set up, test and operate test equipment/instruments.
  • Lead technical tasks and subtasks.
  • Work with radioactive, non-radioactive and hazardous materials on the benchtop and in fume hoods and glove boxes.QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
    • BS/BA with 7 years of experience.
    • MS/MA with 5 years of experience.
    • PhD with 3 years of experience.Preferred Qualifications:
      • Experience with fabrication of refractory metal alloys used for nuclear cladding and metallic fuel. Understanding of casting, cold working, cutting/machining/shearing, polishing, welding/brazing processes is beneficial.
      • Experience conducting and evaluating data from mechanical properties testing of tubing (especially fuel cladding) including tensile, burst, and hardness.
      • Experience with casting, extrusion, and machining processes, techniques, and equipment.
      • Experience with pellet pressing processes and equipment.
      • Experience in evaluation of tritium producing burnable absorber rods (TBAR) components.
      • Experience running a scanning electron microscope (SEM).Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
        • The position requires working with radioactive materials and working in and around radiation areas and contamination areas in fume hoods, gloveboxes, and hot cells.
        • There will be occasional off-shift work evenings, nights and weekends.
        • Heavy lifting, up to 40 lbs., will be needed occasionally.Additional InformationThis position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.Requirements:
          • U.S. Citizenship
          • Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
          • Drug Testing: All Security Clearance (L or Q) positions will be considered by the Department of Energy to be Testing Designated Positions which means that they are subject to applicant, random, and for cause drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).Testing Designated PositionThis position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.About PNNLPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington Statethe dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Labs campus is only a 45-minute flight (or -3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov .Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.Mandatory RequirementsBattelle requires employees to have a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation. Applicants are required to disclose their vaccination status following a conditional offer of employment and must attest to being fully vaccinated with a Center for Disease Control (CDC)-approved COVID-19 vaccination, or provide documentation of need for medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a country of risk without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Keywords: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland , Mechanical Engineer 4, Nuclear Chemistry & Engineering, Engineering , Richland, Washington