Post Doctorate RA - Computational Mechanical Engineer
About The Position
The Experimental and Computational Engineering Group seeks a computational mechanical engineer postdoctoral researcher to support complex nuclear challenges. The group develops engineered solutions through expert analysis, experimentation, and computation. The position applies engineering, physics, and materials science principles, together with numerical methods and computational modeling tools, to fluid, thermal, and mechanical problems relevant to energy systems and security. The role supports research and development activities and engineering evaluations related to the nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear waste management, contributes to interdisciplinary projects for industry and government clients, builds internal and external collaborations, and shares findings through peer-reviewed publications and professional conferences. The role is within the Nuclear Sciences Division of PNNL’s Energy and Environment Directorate. The division advances science and technology for environmental management of nuclear sites, nuclear regulatory processes, national nuclear security, and nuclear energy. PNNL describes its research environment as offering health insurance and flexible work schedules. The position requires a PhD earned within the past five years or expected within the next eight months, along with experience using analytical calculations, computational methods, and/or commercial modeling tools to design and evaluate fluid, thermal, and mechanical components or systems.
Requirements
- Must have received a PhD within the past five years (60 months) or expect to receive one within the next eight 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 (CFD) codes such as STAR-CCM+ or Fluent, or implicit/explicit finite element analysis (FEA) codes such as ANSYS or LS-DYNA.
- Programming experience, for example in Fortran, C++, APDL, MATLAB, or Python.
- Excellent presentational, spoken, listening, and written communication skills, including 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 developing solutions for industry and government clients.
- Build collaborations within the organization and external partnerships that increase laboratory capabilities.
- Publish key findings in peer-reviewed journals and present work at professional conferences.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Flexible work schedules
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Telehealth care options
- Mental health benefits
- Free wellness coaching
- Health savings account
- Flexible spending accounts
- Basic life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Business travel insurance
- Tuition assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Backup childcare
- Legal benefits
- Supplemental parental bonding leave
- Surrogacy and adoption assistance
- Fertility support
- Company-funded pension plan
- 401(k) savings plan with company match
- Up to 120 vacation hours per year
- Ten paid holidays per year
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
