Dynamic Test Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Dynamic Test Engineer to support the Dynamic Testing Group within the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED), Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED). This role will focus on the dynamic testing of enrichment devices, particularly gas centrifuges and their components. The successful candidate will lead programmatic tasks, drive improvements, and contribute to key performance indicators (KPIs). ESED is dedicated to advancing enrichment technologies and exploring stable isotope production and applications, playing a critical role in national security and medical advancements. The Dynamic Testing Group has a strong history in supporting centrifuge science and isotope enrichment projects, with expected growth in these areas. The engineer will provide R&D leadership in characterizing gas centrifuges, test stands, and test cascades for processing uranium-bearing and stable isotope compounds.

Requirements

PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, physics, or related field, or a MS. Degree and two plus years of post-graduate experience.
Applied experience in performing dynamic testing of mechanical systems, data analysis, and interpretation of test results including modal analysis.
Experience with mechanical system measurements, including instrumentation, signal processing, and data acquisition.
Experience in developing test plans and methodologies, instrumenting, fixturing, and executing hands on testing activities, including interpreting, documenting, and summarizing test results.
Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
Excellent communication (spoken and written), strategic planning, organization, and decision-making skills.
Demonstrated prior leadership experience.
The ability to obtain and maintain a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Hands on experience with design and installation of testing fixtures, application and selection of sensor suites, selection and operation of excitation methods with data acquisition systems is a plus.
Active DOE Q security clearance.
Experience in dynamic testing acquisition software (m+p, Dewesoft, VTI, HBK, Crystal Instruments, Vibration Research, and other related packages).
Strong computational skills with the development and evaluation of signal processing and data analysis tools relating to extraction of information from dynamic test results.
Experience in Machine Learning Algorithms and Data Analytics.
Experience in Machinery Health Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance.
Applied experience in the areas rotor dynamics, bearing selection and modeling, rotor balancing, and dynamic testing, including designing and performing measurements as well as analysis of test results.
A record of significant technical publications.
Experience with MATLAB and Dyrobes.
Experience with machining, GD&T and manufacturing techniques.

Responsibilities

Design, installation, testing, and performance evaluation of high-speed rotating equipment and supporting subsystems.
Use appropriate instrumentation and software to evaluate the performance of rotors, suspensions, and related components.
Collaborate with analysts to validate rotor and subassembly models for accurate performance prediction.
Conduct dynamic testing and analysis of structures.
Establish and conduct research regarding characterization of mechanical system dynamics as it relates to gas centrifuge and enrichment technologies.
Serve as a thought leader in the area of dynamic testing for the group, section, and directorate.
Serve as a mentor for junior technical staff.
Interact with sponsors to define, execute, and report on relevant project elements.
Collaborate with domain experts from U.S. government laboratories and academia.
Publish high quality research results in peer-reviewed open or classified journals and conferences, if authorized.
Publish and present non-sensitive research in journals and conferences.
Develop proposals for cutting edge research and funding.