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Mechanical Engineer 1 - Advanced Energy Systems

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Richland, WA Full Time
POSTED ON 2/19/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/17/2025

Overview

Our expert staff provide multi-disciplinary solutions to complex energy and environmental issues. Key capabilities include science (chemical and mechanical). We employ a systems perspective that includes, discovery technology development and scale-up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization. EP&MD focuses on three mission contributions : Clean Fossil Energy, Electricity Infrastructure, & Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Responsibilities

The Advanced Energy Systems group at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has a history of developing innovative solutions to problems of national significance in energy, global climate change, and national security. The Advanced Energy Systems group is currently seeking a Mechanical Engineer 1 to support separations research utilizing cryogenic equipment, vacuum and pressure vessels, and high-magnetic fields. The ideal candidate is a well-organized, self-starter, with a high capacity for attention to detail, especially as it pertains to designing and operating high-hazard mechanical and chemical systems. Verbal and written communication skills, as well as strong time management skills, are essential in order to balance activities among several concurrently operating projects.

Specific position responsibilities include the following :

  • Support the development of PNNL's portfolio of separation technologies. This includes designing high-tolerance mechanical designs assembled at room temperature and operated at cryogenic temperatures under mechanical, thermal, and magnetic loads.
  • Support multiple projects and performing assigned project tasks and meeting deliverables and project milestones on time and within budget, all without appreciable direction.
  • Assist in the development of protocols and written procedures for operating laboratory test systems involving high pressures, low temperatures, electromagnetic and chemical hazards.
  • Evaluate experimental results and writing recurring progress reports, serving as a contributing author for publications.
  • Develop new or improved equipment designs and processes using CAD (SolidWorks) and multi-physics modeling (COMSOL) tools.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications :

  • BS / BA or higher
  • Preferred Qualifications :

  • B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
  • Already holds a U.S. security clearance.
  • A solid understanding of how to develop and follow safety planning procedures for industrial equipment and processes involving multiple hazards including flammable gases, high pressures, low temperatures, electromagnetics, and chemicals.
  • An advanced level of skill in 3D CAD, preferably SolidWorks.
  • Fundamental understanding of system-level thermodynamics, heat and mass transport, and application experience via multi-physics tools, such as COMSOL.
  • Prior experience with gas separation system designs and operation.
  • Prior experience with high-intensity magnets and associated mechanical handling equipment.
  • A solid understanding of precision machining techniques and associated tolerances.
  • Operating knowledge of a variety of processing equipment, such as pumps, motors, thermocouples, pressure transducers, etc.
  • Strong communications skills, both oral and written, and the ability to clearly communicate objectives and results.
  • Excellent technical writing skills.
  • Hazardous Working Conditions / Environment

  • Laboratory work performed will include assembly and operation of equipment in an industrial laboratory setting, involving cryogenic, flammable and toxic materials.
  • This position will require the ability to work hours beyond normal working schedules, including some evenings and weekends.
  • Additional Information

    This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

  • U.S. Citizenship Required
  • Background Investigation : Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
  • Drug Testing : All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the candidate selected is subject to pre-employment and random 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).
  • Note : Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months can be demonstrated.

    Testing Designated Position

    This 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 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, and flexible work schedules. 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 and Equal Employment Opportunity

    Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

    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 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.
  • Click Here For Rockstar Rewards

    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 $78,000.00 / Yr.

    Maximum Salary

    USD $104,800.00 / Yr.

    Salary : $78,000 - $104,800

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