What Your Job Will Be Like

We are seeking an R&D Mechanical Engineer (job title: R&D S&E, Mechanical Engineering) to lead tasks related to modeling and experimental research on solar thermal systems, including system level mass and thermal transport phenomena. You will assist PIs initially and develop your own research interests combining a fundamental understanding of the physics of solar thermal systems to develop appropriate models and experimental validation processes. Models may be developed for thermal energy transport, mass flow, thermal energy storage, collector and receiver design, industrial process integration, or other relevant components and systems as requested by industry collaborators or the Department of Energy. Experimental testing may be conducted to validate models at bench to demonstration scale.

This position will also involve meeting with customers to provide specialized component testing solutions. The successful candidate will work with a team of engineers and technologists to perform simulation and hardware validation testing with the appropriate platforms in the Integrated Solar and Thermal Energy Systems Department. Additional opportunities for thermodynamic cycle analysis, thermal-hydraulic and mechanical design, power/heat production for industrial applications, and technoeconomic analysis are possible and the use of AI and advanced digital engineering tools is expected. Understanding and adherence to applicable Sandia National Laboratories ES&H requirements and guidelines will be important for this position.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Use engineering principles to research, design, or develop structures, instruments, machines, processes, or systems; to construct or operate the same with cognizance of their design; or to forecast their behavior under specific operating conditions.
• Prepare and analyze models and simulations of molten salt, sCO2, steam and or particle-based systems, concentrating solar power collectors or receivers, power plants, or hybrid energy systems.
• Plan, conceive, conduct, and manage research and development projects for NSTTF's customers and sponsors.
• Be self-motivated, detail-oriented, eager to advance concentrated solar thermal technologies, and interested in technical/functional details.
• Manage task and project budgets, schedules, plans, and communications.
• Present original research at conferences as well as in written publications.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able to work onsite.

Salary Range

$117,500 - $235,700

*Salary range is estimated, and actual salary will be determined after consideration of the selected candidate's experience and qualifications, and application of any approved geographic salary differential.

Qualifications We Require

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and five (5) years of directly relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and engineering or scientific experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform independent research and development.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE L-level security clearance.

Qualifications We Desire

The ideal R&D S&E, Mechanical Engineering candidate for Sandia National Laboratories will in addition possess the following:

• Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering or a highly related field where an independent research project was a graduation requirement (e.g., independent project, thesis, or dissertation).
• Experience with mechanical engineering and product realization in the NNSA complex.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Also, for this posting we are seeking individuals with the following experience:

• Demonstrated expertise in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and/or solid mechanics through publications or project work
• Excellent technical writing skills as demonstrated in scientific publications
• Demonstrated understanding of thermal transport fundamentals
• Experience conducting HPC simulations including mesh preparation, visualization, and data analysis
• Experience with engineering design tools to address testing requirements that may include engaging with finite element, finite volume, or discrete element methods for thermal, mechanical or combined environment analysis, engaging with commercial tools like ANSYS to suit customer needs
• Experience with coding, Python in particular
• Experience with LabVIEW in an experimental testing environment, as well as LabVIEW coding
• Demonstrated ability to generate CFD and/or FEA models to analyze thermal and/or mechanical components
• Experience in producing designs, and models of complex objects
• Ability to independently seek definition, evaluate, analyze, and then realize mechanical designs based on customers' or scientists' visions
• Experience with AI and ML in a research environment
• Experience with Concentrating Solar technologies
• Active DOE Q-level security clearance or equivalent
• Demonstrated leadership skills

About Our Team

The Integrated Solar & Thermal Energy Systems department uses world-class modeling and experimental capabilities to develop, validate, and demonstrate thermal energy generation, storage, and utilization. In collaboration with industry partners, we optimize the performance and efficiency of thermal energy technologies and processes as part of hybrid energy systems. Sandia conducts pioneering research in materials and reactions at high temperatures, component design and testing, integrated system controls, molten salt and particle-based concentrating solar thermal energy, direct heat for energy-intensive industrial applications (e.g., chemicals production, cement, food processing), and modeling of hybrid energy systems.

Posting Duration

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.