Mechanical Engineer Level 2/3

Idaho National Laboratory • Idaho Falls, ID

10h • $79,344 - $195,288 • Onsite

About The Position

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Mechanical Engineer at Level 2 or Level 3 to support the design, development, testing, and verification of complex electrical, mechanical, and/or software systems and components using a systems engineering approach. The role analyzes engineering plans and projects, establishes operational objectives and requirements, evaluates design alternatives, and identifies opportunities to integrate technologies and techniques. Work may involve resolving sophisticated cross-discipline engineering problems and supporting multiple concurrent reactor and facility projects.

The position is located at the Materials and Fuels Complex (MFC), a center for U.S. nuclear research and development that supports remote work on highly irradiated fuels and materials. The team works a 4x10 schedule, with Fridays off. The position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy “L” clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. It is a testing-designated position requiring a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing.

Requirements

• Level 2: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or another related technical discipline plus 2 years of relevant experience; alternatively, an advanced degree in mechanical engineering or another related degree with 0 years of relevant experience. The degree must be in a closely related field from an ABET-accredited program.
• Level 3: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or another related technical discipline plus 5 years of relevant experience; alternatively, an advanced degree in mechanical engineering or another related degree with 2 years of relevant experience. The degree must be in a closely related field from an ABET-accredited program.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy “L” clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
• Submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing during employment.
• Meet the physical requirements of the position, including occasional lifting or moving of up to 35 pounds without assistance.

Nice To Haves

• Exposure to CAD modeling software such as SolidWorks or CREO, with the ability to apply it in a design environment.
• Foundational understanding of mechanical system design, machine design, robotics, and related control systems developed through university projects or 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 and techniques across the project and system lifecycle, including requirements development, decomposition, verification, and traceability.
• Develop, implement, and integrate systems engineering principles throughout the lifecycle, including systems and organizational integration, road mapping, and testing.
• Use digital engineering tools, such as Asset Suites, to implement systems engineering 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 differences 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 comparisons of requirements against design output binders; evaluate and recommend AI tools for design review.
• Support development of concepts of operations and identify high-level functions and detailed requirements for projects.
• 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 to address engineering challenges.
• Develop systems models and decision-making tools to support informed, efficient, effective, and defensible customer 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 insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 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