Overview

The Energy Processes and Materials Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, creates and delivers real world solutions that support the Department of Energy's goals for national energy security. We deliver new technologies that connect fundamental science to applications in areas such as energy storage, advanced materials manufacturing, applied catalysis, advanced separations, biomass conversions, carbon capture and utilization, and hydrogen production and storage. 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.

Responsibilities

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Applied Materials and Manufacturing group is seeking an outstanding researcher/engineer with expertise in solid phase processing (SPP) to join a world-class, interdisciplinary research program advancing next-generation metals manufacturing for a wide range of technology applications and markets. PNNL's research in this area focuses on understanding the fundamental physics of microstructural evolution in materials subjected to high strain and high shear processing conditions inherent to SPP methods and translating that understanding into scalable manufacturing platforms capable of producing materials and components with exceptional performance.

This position is hands-on with SPP technologies including friction stir welding and consolidation, shear-assisted processing and extrusion (ShAPE), and/or cold spray. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with materials scientists, mechanical engineers, and manufacturing researchers to explore relationships between processing conditions, microstructure, and material performance while developing innovative manufacturing approaches for new materials and component repair applications.

The successful candidate will:

• Work directly with SPP processing equipment, tooling, robotics, and characterization techniques.
• Design and develop equipment, tooling, fixtures, and processing approaches for manufacturing applications.
• Support design-build-test activities, including adaptation of tooling and systems for industrial robotic platforms and prototypical manufacturing equipment.
• Investigate relationships between processing conditions, microstructure evolution, and material performance.
• Develop material- and application-specific processing protocols, parameters, and workflows.
• Apply metallurgy and materials selection knowledge to integrate ongoing research with machine and process development across multiple manufacturing platforms.
• Coordinate fabrication details with machinists, engineers, and technical staff.
• Draft recommendations and support testing approaches aligned with ASTM/ISO material testing standards.
• Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, presentations, and other research products for internal and external audiences.
• Contribute to proposal development and future research directions; and
• Lead small engineering or research tasks/projects, delivering results on time and within budget.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA -OR-
• PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong technical problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with machine and tooling design, including SolidWorks/CAD.
• Familiarity with finite element analysis, thermal modeling, and/or process simulation tools.
• Knowledge of metallurgy, materials processing, and materials characterization techniques.
• Experience with industrial robots and automated manufacturing systems.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to develop creative conceptual ideas and coordinate aspects of the design-build-test process; and
• Familiarity with clean-sheet design approaches is a plus.
• Build a technical reputation through application of science and engineering principles and theories.
• Develop technical approaches to solve complex manufacturing and materials challenges.
• Build collaborative technical networks within PNNL and work effectively across interdisciplinary teams.
• Mentor junior staff and students.
• Independently complete recurring assignments while receiving guidance on new technical challenges.
• Present work at national and international forums.
• Lead sections of journal articles, reports, proposals, and other technical products; and
• Embrace expectations for quality, safety, and security.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, 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 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

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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 $100,100.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $150,200.00/Yr.