What are the responsibilities and job description for the Engineering Technical Assistant - Vehicle position at UChicago Argonne, LLC?
We are seeking a highly skilled Engineering Technical Assistant to join the Transportation Research Operations section of the Engineering Operation and Facilities division (EOF). Argonne National Laboratory’s Advanced Mobility group (AMTL) supports the U.S. Department of Energy in evaluating technologies, developing transportation policies for petroleum displacement, optimizing advanced technologies for commercial use, demonstrating alternative fuel benefits, and providing unbiased research results for various stakeholders. The EOF division partners to provide vital technical support to Argonne's Transportation and Power Systems (TAPS) division. The selected candidate will be deployed, working at Argonne’s Advanced Mobility Technology Laboratory, supporting vehicle laboratory and on road testing of light to heavy duty vehicles.
As an Engineering Technical Assistant, you will be integral to advancing vehicle research by coordinating and conducting the design, setup, and operation of electrical and mechanical vehicle systems. Your work will support experimental testing on conventional, electrified, connected, and automated vehicles, as well as new mobility modes such as drones and micro-mobility solutions.
You will oversee the setup, operation, and maintenance of chassis dynamometers and other essential test equipment.
Additionally, you will manage vehicle communication systems and perform independent assignments with minimal supervision. You may also supervise non-exempt technicians.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and assist in the design and execution of R&D tests, both on-road and in dynamometer environments.
Support vehicle research by designing, setting up, and maintaining test equipment.
Perform electrical and mechanical modifications for custom vehicle experiments.
Work with a range of vehicles, including gasoline, hybrid, and electric models, from light duty (passenger cars) to heavy duty.
Oversee vehicle communication protocols, ensuring seamless integration for testing purposes.
Ensure compliance with Laboratory ES&H (Environment, Safety, and Health) policies.
Operate and program data acquisition systems, and perform electrical design, repairs, and assembly.
Work on high-voltage EV systems and provide technical guidance.
May work non-standard schedules, including afternoons and weekends, to meet testing needs.
Position Requirements
Strong knowledge of vehicle performance, powertrain systems, and vehicle communication protocols (e.g., CAN, LIN, Ethernet, etc.).
Experience in setting up and modifying electrical and mechanical components for vehicle experiments.
Familiarity with gasoline, hybrid, and electric vehicles.
Proficiency in constructing experimental devices and installing/programming data acquisition equipment.
Solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, wiring techniques, and electrical safety standards.
Knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, including thermal effects on materials and vehicle components.
Experience working with high-voltage electric vehicles.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Proficiency with computers and office applications.
Ability to embody Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.
Ability to make our laboratory a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment where all can thrive.
Bachelors and 2 years’ experience, or equivalent (Some occupations may require a graduate degree).
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
Experience with vehicle communication systems, including troubleshooting and integration.
Experience working with medium and heavy-duty (class 3-8) vehicles.
Familiarity with chassis dynamometers and related instrumentation.
Some experience with emissions testing equipment (maintenance and calibration is a plus but not required).
Job Family
Professional Technical (PT)Job Profile
Facilities Engineering 2Worker Type
RegularTime Type
Full timeAs an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.
