Job Summary

We are currently seeking a Gas Turbine Research Engineer. This position is a full-time opportunity located in Pittsburgh, PA.

In this role, you will join a multidisciplinary research team working to advance the development of low-NOx gas turbine combustion systems fueled by ammonia. You will also support R&D efforts to demonstrate and evaluate the use of non-thermal plasma (NTP) to enable and optimize ammonia combustion for industrial applications. This position is 100% on-site at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) Research & Development facility in Pittsburgh, PA.

The selected candidate will collaborate with engineers, scientists, technicians, subject matter experts, faculty members, post-doctoral researchers, and graduate students across DOE national laboratories, U.S. government laboratories, universities, industry partners, and research organizations. The candidate will contribute to written reports, journal articles, and regular meetings to communicate research findings and innovations.

Responsibilities

As a Gas Turbine Research Engineer, the selected individual will conduct experimental investigations and modeling to advance ammonia-fueled combustion and non-thermal plasma research. Responsibilities may include:

• Demonstrate flame stability and emissions performance with and without non-thermal plasma (NTP)
• Generate data and validate models for ammonia and ammonia-blend fuels in fundamental and applied burner configurations
• Use advanced laser diagnostic techniques in both single- and two-stage burner configurations
• Validate plasma generation flame speed and species concentration profiles
• Test and characterize plasma generation in inert gases
• Characterize parameters such as laminar flame speed (by heat flux burner method), global emissions, and heat loss in a two-stage burner configuration
• Generate manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals

Key Qualifications

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
• Proficiency in both modeling and experimental investigation of engines, combustors, gas turbines, and other energy-related systems
• Direct experience with a variety of fuels, including methane (natural gas), ammonia, and hydrogen
• Experience with nanosecond repetitively pulsed (NRP) plasmas
• Data processing and model development using MATLAB, Python, and/or C++
• Understanding of safe laboratory practices, including handling of compressed gases, heat sources, high voltage, and toxic/flammable materials
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision as part of a multidisciplinary team interacting with individuals across a variety of disciplines
• Proficient technical writer with a demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications
• Strong analytical, oral, and written communication skills, including the ability to analyze and interpret research data, apply findings within the scope of project direction, and clearly report results
• Ability to author and/or co-author reports, manuscripts, and articles suitable for peer-reviewed publication
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to balance competing and changing priorities
• Ability to meet federal site access requirements for work at NETL facilities
• Travel to the NETL R&D facility in Morgantown, WV is required approximately 3-4 times per month
• Work Authorization: Willing to Sponsor Candidate

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-pressure combustion systems
• Experience with rich-quench-lean (RQL) combustor architectures
• Experience with laser and optical diagnostics (e.g., optical emission spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy)
• Understanding of chemical kinetics, including ignition and laminar burning velocity
• Experience with commercial software including LabVIEW, ANSYS Fluent, ZDPlaskin, Bolsig+, and/or Massive OES
• Active participation in conference and journal peer review, committees, or similar academic service

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 Life
We 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.