Mechanical Engineer 1 - Stress Corrosion Cracking Lab Engineer

Overview

At a time when complex environmental problems are emerging on every front, the Nuclear Sciences Division's staff, capabilities, and facilities are delivering science and technology innovations for the environment, as well as for energy and national security needs. Our diverse work addresses a wide range of national and international challenges, from providing solutions that protect the health of people who must work in hazardous environments, to developing durable new materials, streamlining industrial processes for improved productivity and effectiveness, and delivering new approaches for environmental cleanup. Nuclear Sciences Division capabilities and efforts are focused in three key areas including Environmental Health and Remediation, Nuclear Regulatory, and Nuclear Energy.

Responsibilities

The Reactor Materials Group operates lab spaces dedicated to metallography, microscopy, mechanical property testing, and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) testing. This job posting seeks an applicant with a desire to oversee and significantly contribute to day-to-day research activities within the SCC labs. These lab spaces house 16 high temperature water stress corrosion tests systems and 5 chloride salt stress corrosion test systems. These are state-of-the-art systems used to obtain quantitative data on time to crack initiation and crack growth rate in realistic environments. These systems were designed and built in-house - only a few other labs in the world have similar capability. We are seeking a candidate to take responsibility for operation of these labs and to contribute to associated research activities.

Responsibilities include

• Designs, analyzes, manufactures, and maintains mechanical systems.

• Designs, produces, and operates machinery.

• Applies principles of engineering, physics, and materials science as well as an understanding of core areas including mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, materials science, structural analysis, and electricity along with tools like computer-aided design and product lifecycle management to design and analyze manufacturing plants, industrial equipment, and machinery; heating and cooling systems; transport systems; aircraft; watercraft; robotics; medical devices; weapons; and others.

• Researches, plans, designs, and develops mechanical products and systems such as instruments, controls, robots, engines, machines, and mechanical, thermal hydraulic, or heat transfer systems for production, transmission, measurement, and use of energy.

• Designs, develops, and implements numerical methods for Computational Fluid Dynamics or Structural Mechanics analyses using advanced programming techniques.

• Conducts research and evaluation of technologies and methods for efficient operation and control of energy, water, and other resource use in buildings and connected systems.

• Develops, analyzes, and tests technologies, facilitating their adoption and integration in commercial and residential buildings.

• Conducts state-of-art whole building energy simulation modeling at a large scale to address building type and climate zone variation across the country.

• Conducts engineering and economic analysis to advance building energy codes and appliance standards.

• Develops and applies building performance evaluation methods and field studies to identify building envelope, systems, and operational efficiency measures.

• Develops and applies meter and building automation system data measurement and monitoring methods to understand and optimize building performance.

• Optimizes the performance of building control systems with architectures systems integration and algorithms for maintaining the specific process within a desired range.

• Evaluates the impact of statutory and regulatory requirements on buildings and energy-using equipment.

Highlights of the job duties include

• Contribute to set up and operation of SCC test systems where specimens are exposed under an applied load to a corrosive environment. These are complex test systems that will foster an in-depth understanding of corrosion behavior of metals, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and pressure systems. Substantial hands-on training is needed to operate these systems and will be provided.

• Contribute to performing routine maintenance of these test systems, including but not limited to rebuilding pumps, maintaining electrical wiring, and maintaining high pressure plumbing.

• Contribute to test system design modifications that improve data quality, test system reliability, and/or allow for other types of testing to be conducted.

• Contribute to the development of other corrosion or stress corrosion testing approaches.

• Contribute to materials science activities including but not limited to: assisting in acquisition of materials to study, material preparation activities, specimen preparation activities, post-test specimen examinations, analysis of test data, and contributing to creation of reports and journal publications.

• Manage and/or assist one or more people working in the SCC labs. This could include assistance in test system operation, maintenance activities, material preparation activities, specimen preparation activities, and post-test specimen examinations.

• Be cognizant of potential test system operational concerns, proactively address emergent issues, and advocate for improvements that will enhance safety and delivery.

General knowledge, skills, abilities, and responsibilities include:

• Embracing their role of managing the SCC labs and ensuring that high quality data are obtained.

• Learning and operating a variety of specialized technical equipment.

• Developing creative solutions for technical issues and challenges in a timely fashion to ensure project success.

• Working with scientists, technicians, and collaborators in conducting research.

• Documenting work and processing data acquired from testing.

• Assisting in reporting of research and meeting deadlines complying with all applicable policies, standards, subject areas, and permits.

• Conducting work in conformance with approved activities, practices, and procedures.

• Performing work effectively, efficiently, and to the quality required by the customer.

• Completing tasks assigned by project managers.

• Expanding their own expertise and taking an active role in their career development.

• Self-motivating attitude.

• Good communication and teamwork.

• Using safe work practices and promoting them in performing high quality research.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• BS/BA or higher

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. in Materials or Mechanical Engineering with hands-on experience conducting mechanical tests on metals.

• The ideal candidate will have experience with concepts such as stress and strain, mechanical design, and basic electric circuit principles as well as having significant education and interest in metals testing and corrosion.

• Prior experience working in mechanical testing laboratories with hands-on experience, and a desire to continue to perform mechanical testing.

• Prior experience working in laboratory spaces with hazards such as high temperatures, high pressures, heavy weights and that require an engaged worker with a focus on safety in addition to delivery.

• Excellent communication skills.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

• Laboratory work will be performed in PNNL laboratory facilities and involves working with high temperatures (=400°C) and pressures (=3200 psi), as well as using selected hazardous chemicals (alcohols, degreasers, lubricants).

• The position will occasionally work hours beyond normal working schedules including evenings and weekends.

Additional Information

Not applicable.

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

Pacific 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 State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's 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 Opportunity

Our 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 ~~~ .

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL 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.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

Mandatory Requirements

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.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

• Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.

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Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $68,000.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $97,900.00/Yr.