Overview

The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation's biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation's power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.

The Earth Systems Science Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, provides leadership and solutions that advance Earth system opportunities for energy systems and national security. We are a multidisciplinary division connected by a shared commitment to innovate and collaborate towards solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system.

Responsibilities

The Environmental/Integrated Sensors team within the Earth System Predictability & Resiliency Group of ESSD is seeking candidates to lead key tasks and support interdisciplinary projects including:

1) developing advanced sensing systems for earth system science and renewable energy. These next-generation sensors are not only fast, accurate, and versatile in terms of system performance but also lightweight, small, and soft. They can also be adapted for challenging environments such as deep subsurface and the Arctic environments, as well as for chemical detection.

2) studying the environmental impact of conventional hydropower and marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy systems by detecting and tracking fish or other animals in the river or ocean using underwater acoustic telemetry.

3) studying and mitigating the environmental impact of wind energy by detecting and tracking bats and birds using radio telemetry.

4) developing advanced energy-harvesting systems for small sensors and transmitters as well as remote sensing platforms.

The primary scope of this position includes advanced sensor design, signal acquisition, data processing and algorithm development in laboratory settings and field environment, generation of intellectual properties, and writing of high-impact papers.

Job responsibilities include a mix of office work, laboratory work, and field work. Tasks will include designing and fabricating mechanical systems and sensor housings, designing experiments, conducting laboratory experiments of systems and components, acquiring data in laboratory and field environments, processing and analyzing experiment data, generating intellectual properties, writing high-impact papers, and contributing to the development of proposals for funding. This candidate is expected to play a crucial role in our team, with a specific emphasis on hands-on field testing and troubleshooting. We require that this individual dedicates a minimum of 25% of their working hours to field operations, especially during spring and summer seasons.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have received a Master's degree within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, ocean engineering, or a related field.
• Able to work well independently and in a multi-disciplinary team setting. The candidate must exhibit a strong work ethic, be self-motivated, and place a high value on data quality and accuracy.
• Hands-on experience with designing and fabricating mechanical systems.
• Hands-on experience designing and conducting experiments, including field experiments.
• Hands-on rapid prototyping and/or mechanical system assembly.
• Proficiency in mechanical design using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360).
• Experience with a programming language such as MATLAB or Python to conduct data analysis.
• Experience programming microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi) to perform tasks such as collecting sensor data or controlling an actuator.
• Ability to effectively work and communicate within a multidisciplinary development team environment.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

• Must be comfortable driving to and working in the field, including on a research vessel.
• Must be capable of getting cleared to work at federal sites (e.g., hydropower dams).

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 $80,500.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $104,700.00/Yr.