Post Masters RA - Computational Mechanical Engineer

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • Richland, WA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a post-master’s mechanical engineer research associate for the Experimental and Computational Engineering Group. The group develops engineered solutions through expert analysis, experimentation, and computation. The role supports research and development and engineering evaluations addressing complex nuclear challenges, including nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear waste management.

The position applies engineering, physics, and materials science principles, numerical methods, and computational modeling tools to fluid, thermal, and mechanical problems relevant to energy systems and security. The research associate will work with interdisciplinary teams and collaborate with internal colleagues and external partners, and will communicate findings through peer-reviewed publications and professional conferences.

The position requires a master’s degree received within the past 24 months or expected within the next 8 months, along with experience applying analytical calculations, computational methods, or commercial modeling tools to the design and evaluation of fluid, thermal, and mechanical components or systems. Preferred qualifications include familiarity with CFD or FEA software, programming experience, and strong communication skills.

The job is based at PNNL in eastern Washington State. The posting describes flexible work schedules and states that the position is not a Testing Designated Position. The stated pay range is USD $80,500 to $104,700 per year.

Requirements

• Must have received a master’s degree within the past 24 months or expect to receive one within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
• Experience applying analytical calculations, computational methods, and/or commercial modeling tools to the design and evaluation of fluid, thermal, and mechanical components or systems.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of fundamentals and familiarity with computational fluid dynamics codes such as STAR-CCM+ or Fluent, or implicit/explicit finite element analysis codes such as ANSYS or LS-DYNA.
• Programming experience, such as Fortran, C++, APDL, MATLAB, or Python.
• Excellent presentational, spoken, listening, and written communication skills, with the ability to write concisely and clearly.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering, physics, and materials science principles, numerical methods, and computational modeling tools to fluid, thermal, and mechanical problems relevant to energy systems and security.
• Support research and development activities and engineering evaluations related to the nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear waste management.
• Participate in interdisciplinary teams to develop solutions for industry and government clients.
• Build collaborations within PNNL and develop external partnerships that increase laboratory capabilities.
• Publish key findings in peer-reviewed journals and present work at professional conferences.

Benefits

• The posting describes excellent benefits, including health insurance and flexible work schedules.
• Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, telehealth care options, mental health benefits, wellness coaching, a health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, an employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation assistance, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support.
• Employees are automatically enrolled in a company-funded pension plan and may enroll in a 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.
• Benefits are dependent upon eligibility; Research Associates are excluded from the listed Rockstar Rewards benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level