Robotics Engineer Level 3/4

Idaho National Laboratory • Idaho Falls, ID

5d • $95,256 - $234,336

About The Position

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Robotics Engineer at Level 3 or Level 4 in the Nuclear Materials Performance division. The role focuses on robotics and deployment in radioactive environments, primarily in the Structural Properties Laboratory, a newly constructed hot cell for post-irradiation examination and mechanical testing of structural materials. The work includes programming robots for autonomous and collaborative functions, developing tooling and techniques to improve robotic efficiency, and applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to robotics.

The Robotics Engineer supports research remotely using robotics, equipment operation, and experiments, and works with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. The role also collaborates with hot cell engineers to develop tooling and equipment modifications, supports other research and engineering activities across the facility, follows INL policies and procedures, and completes role qualifications within one year. The schedule is 4x10, with every Friday off. Work is primarily in the Structural Properties Laboratory and may include office, field, and construction-site environments.

This is a testing-designated position requiring a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing. Placement at Level 3 or Level 4 depends on the depth and breadth of the candidate’s proven experience and skills. The pay range is $95,256–$195,288 for Level 3 and $114,360–$234,336 for Level 4. INL has more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff.

Requirements

• Level 3: Bachelor’s degree in robotics, data science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics, artificial intelligence, or a related technical discipline and 5 or more years of experience; or a master’s degree and 4 or more years of experience.
• Level 4: Bachelor’s degree in robotics, data science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics, artificial intelligence, or a related technical discipline and 9 years of experience; or a master’s degree and 6 years of experience.
• Submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout employment.
• Frequently stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in office and field environments, which may include construction sites.
• Have hand and finger dexterity for keyboarding or typing, handling materials, manipulating tools, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Operate job-related equipment and drive a vehicle.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Have sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform essential functions and interact with the public.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with collaborative robots (cobots), including operation and programming.
• Experience with Universal Robots cobots.
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence and/or machine learning processes.
• Engineering background in electronics and development or modification of tooling and equipment.
• Experience with SolidWorks modeling software.
• Ability to design and work with 3D-printed fixtures, jigs, brackets, and tooling.
• Ability to troubleshoot robot motion, positioning, sensors, tooling, and hardware/software integration.
• Good understanding of robot safety, payload limitations, and load/moment considerations.
• Experience with end-of-arm tools (EOAT), grippers, and cameras.

Responsibilities

• Support research activities remotely using robotics.
• Develop scripted programs for autonomous robotic operations in a hot cell environment.
• Operate robotics collaboratively.
• Develop tooling and techniques to increase robotic efficiency.
• Support operation of research equipment that uses robotics and participate in experiments.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers on challenging work scopes.
• Apply advanced technologies—including AI/ML, large language models, physics-informed machine learning, systems performance analysis, and sensor methodologies—to increase robotic efficiencies.
• Work with hot cell engineers to develop tooling and modifications to hot-cell equipment.
• Support other research and engineering activities throughout the facility.
• Adhere to INL policies and procedures.
• Complete qualifications associated with the position within one year.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match for regular positions; postdoctoral positions have self-contribute access.
• Paid time off (personal leave).
• Employee Education Program, including tuition assistance for eligible positions.
• Comprehensive relocation package.

What This Job Offers

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