Post Masters Research Associate - Mechanical Engineer

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory • Richland, WA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Science & Technology directorates at PNNL include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. The Earth Systems Science Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, provides leadership and solutions that advance Earth system opportunities for energy systems and national security. We are a multidisciplinary division connected by a shared commitment to innovate and collaborate towards solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system.

Requirements

• Received a Master’s degree within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
• Able to work well independently and in a multi-disciplinary team setting.
• Exhibit a strong work ethic, be self-motivated, and place a high value on data quality and accuracy.
• Ability to effectively work and communicate within a multidisciplinary development team environment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, ocean engineering, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with designing and fabricating mechanical systems.
• Hands-on experience designing and conducting experiments, including field experiments.
• Hands-on rapid prototyping and/or mechanical system assembly.
• Proficiency in mechanical design using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360).
• Experience with a programming language such as MATLAB or Python to conduct data analysis.
• Experience programming microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi) to perform tasks such as collecting sensor data or controlling an actuator.

Responsibilities

• Developing advanced sensing systems for earth system science and renewable energy, focusing on next-generation sensors that are fast, accurate, versatile, lightweight, small, and soft, adaptable for challenging environments (deep subsurface, Arctic) and chemical detection.
• Studying the environmental impact of conventional hydropower and marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy systems by detecting and tracking fish or other animals using underwater acoustic telemetry.
• Studying and mitigating the environmental impact of wind energy by detecting and tracking bats and birds using radio telemetry.
• Developing advanced energy-harvesting systems for small sensors and transmitters as well as remote sensing platforms.
• Designing and fabricating mechanical systems and sensor housings.
• Designing experiments.
• Conducting laboratory experiments of systems and components.
• Acquiring data in laboratory and field environments.
• Processing and analyzing experiment data.
• Generating intellectual properties.
• Writing high-impact papers.
• Contributing to the development of proposals for funding.
• Hands-on field testing and troubleshooting.
• Dedicating a minimum of 25% of working hours to field operations, especially during spring and summer seasons.

Benefits

• health insurance
• flexible work schedules
• medical insurance
• dental insurance
• vision insurance
• robust telehealth care options
• several 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
• 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
• 120 vacation hours per year
• ten paid holidays per year

What This Job Offers

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