Development Metallurgist (High-Temperature Processing) (17805)

Pantex Plant•Oak Ridge, TN

46d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Development Researcher, the candidate will be responsible for conducting leading edge research and development activities with a specific application to manufacturing, production, or quality operations or similar national security applications. The position performs duties as a project lead, coordinating and preparing technical aspects of engineering projects from inception to completion including project reviews. The position conducts formal presentations to plant personnel and other interested parties. The candidate participates in the development, research, and/or design of new types of proposed improvements in production and formulation of broad programs and mandatory requirements. The candidate will serve as the liaison with representatives of the various design agencies, vendors, and contractors as required to ensure effective and necessary technical cooperation at all levels that result in the completion of assigned objectives. Performs difficult and complex technical project assignments, analyzes impact of mission changes on assigned programs, designs and concepts. Recommends improvements and prepares technical specifications. Acts as a leader, advisor, or consultant as required in the design and application of products, processes, devices, and equipment with engineers, scientists, and other technical staff within the department and at other applicable locations as required for efficient and economical accomplishment of the Plant's assigned mission. Recommends improvements in procedures and work control packages, technology utilization and automation, and analyzes the impact of mission changes on design or engineering concepts of assigned programs. Y-12 has a long history of uranium research and development. The current posting seeks expertise in the production and characterization of uranium, uranium alloys, and their associated materials. The role includes evaluation, analysis, recordkeeping, procurement, working in a laboratory environment, testing of next generation equipment, as well as development of novel materials and manufacturing technologies. In addition to research and development activities, the job role includes interfacing with system and process engineers in the production areas of the plant to provide technical oversight and troubleshooting assistance for the various metallurgical processing capabilities to ensure that Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) mission milestones are met. Meaningful work and unique opportunities to support missions vital to national and global security Top-notch, dedicated colleagues Generous pay and benefits with a stable organization Career advancement and professional development programs Work-life balance fostered through flexible work options and wellness initiatives

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Engineering/Physical Science [Chemistry, Physics, or related] from an Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited program in the United States or designated equivalents from Canada or Mexico, the Washington Accord, or the list of substantially equivalent as documented by ABET AND 2 years of relevant experience. OR MS in Engineering /Physical science. OR PhD in Engineering /Physical science.
There is a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement up to 4 years post-graduation at time of offer and confirmed by transcript. Beyond four years from graduation, engineering experience will supersede GPA as a requirement for hire.
3.0/4.0 minimum cumulative GPA for Bachelor degree
3.3 minimum cumulative GPA for Master degree
3.5 minimum cumulative GPA for PhD

Nice To Haves

The position requires a deep understanding of Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR) in order to develop, monitor, and optimize manufacturing processes. This understanding includes the relationship between VAR equipment operating parameters and control and their effect on solidification processes and material properties.
Experience with various high temperature processing techniques such as vacuum induction melting (VIM) and casting, microwave heating and melting, plasma and electron beam melting, and vacuum induction skull melting are desired for this position. Relevant experience with high temperature processing and casting of uranium/uranium alloys is preferred but not required.
The position requires technical knowledge in technical principles, theories, and concepts of engineering systems related to material, design, analysis, testing, qualification, and engineering application of computers.
The position requires the ability to clearly and effectively communicate through oral and written word, interpret experimental results, and convert the data generated into detailed written reports for both internal as well as external customers.
Must be able to work collaboratively and build professional relationships between projects, among Y-12 organizations and design agency counter-parts as well as external organizations.
Must have the ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment, and discretion under limited supervision; develop, manage, and report planned cost and scheduled work; and develop a plan for recovery in order to successfully achieve overall objectives
Experience with various additional metallurgical processes such as heat treating, forming, rolling, swaging, and extrusion of various engineering materials.

Responsibilities

Conducting leading edge research and development activities with a specific application to manufacturing, production, or quality operations or similar national security applications.
Performing duties as a project lead, coordinating and preparing technical aspects of engineering projects from inception to completion including project reviews.
Conducting formal presentations to plant personnel and other interested parties.
Participating in the development, research, and/or design of new types of proposed improvements in production and formulation of broad programs and mandatory requirements.
Serving as the liaison with representatives of the various design agencies, vendors, and contractors as required to ensure effective and necessary technical cooperation at all levels that result in the completion of assigned objectives.
Performing difficult and complex technical project assignments, analyzes impact of mission changes on assigned programs, designs and concepts.
Recommending improvements and prepares technical specifications.
Acting as a leader, advisor, or consultant as required in the design and application of products, processes, devices, and equipment with engineers, scientists, and other technical staff within the department and at other applicable locations as required for efficient and economical accomplishment of the Plant's assigned mission.
Recommending improvements in procedures and work control packages, technology utilization and automation, and analyzes the impact of mission changes on design or engineering concepts of assigned programs.
Evaluation, analysis, recordkeeping, procurement, working in a laboratory environment, testing of next generation equipment, as well as development of novel materials and manufacturing technologies.
Interfacing with system and process engineers in the production areas of the plant to provide technical oversight and troubleshooting assistance for the various metallurgical processing capabilities to ensure that Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) mission milestones are met.