Mechanical Engineer Level 3/4

Idaho National Laboratory • Idaho Falls, ID

1d • $95,256 - $234,336 • Onsite

About The Position

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the design, development, testing, and verification of complex electrical, mechanical, and/or software systems and components using a rigorous systems engineering approach. The position analyzes engineering plans and projects to establish operational objectives, high-level functions, and detailed requirements; evaluates design alternatives; and identifies opportunities to integrate technologies and techniques into new solutions. Work may involve sophisticated cross-discipline engineering challenges and support for multiple concurrent reactor and facility projects.

The role is based at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC), a nuclear research and development site with facilities for remote work on highly irradiated fuels and materials. The team follows a 4x10 schedule, with Fridays off. The engineer applies systems engineering throughout project lifecycles, manages requirements and configuration baselines, creates and maintains technical and safety-basis documentation, and uses digital engineering and AI-assisted tools to support design reviews and requirements management. The position also coordinates technical work across engineering disciplines and mentors colleagues.

The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy L clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. This is a testing-designated position requiring a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing. It is a multi-level posting; placement at Level 3 or Level 4 depends on the candidate’s experience and skills. Compensation decisions consider education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Requirements

• Level 3: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or another related technical discipline and 5 years of relevant experience; or an advanced degree in mechanical engineering or another related degree and 2 years of relevant experience. A closely related field from an ABET-accredited program is also specified.
• Level 4: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or another related technical discipline and 9 years of relevant experience; or an advanced degree in mechanical engineering or another related degree and 6 or more years of relevant experience. A closely related field from an ABET-accredited program is also specified.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy L clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
• Ability to meet testing-designated position requirements, including pre-employment and periodic drug testing.
• Ability to perform the stated physical duties, including occasional lifting and/or moving of up to 35 pounds without assistance.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to CAD modeling software such as SolidWorks or CREO and ability to apply it in a design environment.
• Foundational understanding of mechanical system design, machine design, robotics, and related control systems, developed through applied university projects and early-career experience.
• Familiarity with fabrication, construction, and assembly processes and how they connect to engineering design requirements.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations and apply analytical thinking to evaluate mechanical systems and design specifications.
• Experience contributing to engineering projects across phases such as design, analysis, fabrication, or testing, gained through academic or early-career opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Apply systems engineering principles to requirements development, decomposition, verification, and traceability throughout project and system lifecycles.
• Develop, implement, and integrate systems engineering processes, including systems and organizational integration, road mapping, and testing.
• Use digital engineering tools, including Asset Suites, on assigned projects.
• Create, revise, and manage configuration baselines for System Design Descriptions, Functional and Operational Requirements, Concepts of Operations, and Code of Record documents.
• Reconcile discrepancies between requirements databases, document control systems, and source documents, maintaining synchronization and traceability.
• Develop and apply macros, scripts, and database tools to automate document generation, formatting, difference reporting, and requirements management.
• Develop and apply AI-assisted digital engineering workflows for completeness checks, automated design reviews, and comparison of requirements against design output binders; evaluate and recommend AI tools for design reviews.
• Support development of concepts of operations and identify high-level functions and detailed requirements.
• Develop and implement graded systems engineering approaches and processes to meet program and customer needs.
• Draft, edit, and maintain technical specifications, requirements documents, and safety-basis documentation in alignment with applicable DOE Orders, standards, codes, and regulations.
• Create and interpret system architecture artifacts, including interface definitions, digital thread documentation, and 3D models, to communicate system design and boundaries.
• Author or co-author engineering specifications and serve as document owner for change requests, comment resolution, and release readiness.
• Develop control system concepts, instrumentation and P&ID diagrams, and related technical design artifacts.
• Identify viable systems and decision-making alternatives for engineering challenges.
• Develop systems models and decision-making tools to help customers make informed, efficient, effective, and defensible decisions.
• Support and mentor colleagues in technical writing and professional development.
• Ensure activities comply with DOE orders and Federal, State, and Local regulations.
• Coordinate and provide technical guidance across instrumentation and controls, networking, mechanical, safety engineering, and document control disciplines.
• Mentor junior staff in tool usage, documentation practices, and systems engineering methodology.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the department manager or lead engineer.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, and flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match for regular positions.
• Paid time off (personal leave).
• Employee Education Program with tuition assistance for eligible positions.
• Comprehensive relocation package.

What This Job Offers

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