Job SummaryWe are currently seeking a
Fiber Optic Sensor Scientist. This position is a full-time opportunity located in
Pittsburgh, PA.The Research Support Team supporting the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) is seeking a Fiber Optic Sensor Scientist to join a collaborative, interdisciplinary team spanning industry, academic, and national laboratory partners. This role focuses on developing gas sensing technologies for infrastructure monitoring, with a development cycle that spans conceptual design through field demonstration.
The selected candidate will work side by side with world-class scientists and engineers using state-of-the-art equipment to contribute to both basic and applied research. Expected outcomes include publications in high-quality peer-reviewed journals, presentations at national and international technical conferences, and the development of new intellectual property.
Responsibilities As a Fiber Optic Sensor Scientist, the selected individual will lead and contribute to the development of advanced fiber optic sensing technologies for energy infrastructure applications. Responsibilities may include:
- Fabricate functional material-coated optical fiber sensors for gas sensing of hydrocarbons and blended gases in natural gas infrastructure such as pipelines and storage wells
- Simulate optical fiber interferometers using finite element analysis software (e.g., COMSOL) to predict and optimize fiber-based sensor performance
- Modify thin films and sensing materials to achieve highly sensitive, selective, low-ppb sensing layers capable of operating in high humidity, high temperature, and other challenging conditions
- Work with functional material scientists to design and develop sensor devices capable of detecting gas, corrosion, and other pipeline environmental factors
- Plan and participate in field test demonstrations of developed sensing technologies
- Document and communicate scientific results through peer-reviewed journal manuscripts and technical reports
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary group of researchers to accomplish project tasks
- Create and deliver oral and poster presentations of research results at meetings and technical conferences and workshops
Key Qualifications - Master's or PhD degree in physics, engineering physics, chemical engineering, materials engineering, or a related field
- Hands-on familiarity with optical fiber preparation techniques, including polishing, cleaving, splicing, dip/spin coating, and tapering
- Experience with characterization equipment such as spectrometers, OTDRs, FBG interrogators, vector network analyzers, arbitrary waveform generators, oscilloscopes, and spectrum analyzers
- Experience with fiber sensor fabrication and testing, ideally in harsh environments
- Experience in device and material characterization techniques such as SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and XRD
- Experience publishing peer-reviewed scientific articles
- Experience working on federally funded research projects
- Must be able to meet the requirements for gaining access to work on the NETL campus
- Applicants must have authorization to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment Visa at this time.
Compensation Data Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $81,600 - $116,300 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate's salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.
Benefits: Live an Extraordinary LifeWe care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.
- Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
- Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs .
- Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
- Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
- Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
- Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
- Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.
