Robotics Engineer Level 3/4

Idaho National Laboratory•Idaho Falls, ID

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Robotics Engineer for the Nuclear Materials Performance (NMP) division. The division performs post-irradiation examination (PIE) of structural materials and advanced characterization and testing of irradiated materials. Most work will take place in the Structural Properties Laboratory, a newly constructed hot cell focused on PIE and mechanical testing of structural materials. The role focuses on deploying robotics in a radioactive environment, including programming robots for standard autonomous and collaborative functions, developing tooling and techniques to improve robotic efficiency, and applying machine learning and artificial intelligence to robotics. The engineer will work with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. The team follows a 4x10 schedule, with Fridays off, at the Materials and Fuels Complex. This is a testing designated position requiring a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing during employment. This is a multi-level posting; placement at Level 3 or Level 4 depends on the depth and breadth of demonstrated experience and skills.

Requirements

Level 3: Bachelor's degree in robotics, data science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, physics, artificial intelligence, or a related technical discipline and at least 5 years of experience; alternatively, a master's degree and at least 4 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; alternatively, a master's degree and 6 years of experience.
Frequently stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, and bend in office and field environments, which may include construction sites.
Have the hand and finger dexterity needed to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach 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 operating and programming collaborative robots (cobots), including Universal Robots.
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 tooling (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 improve robotic efficiency.
Support the 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, such as AI/ML, large language models, physics-informed machine learning, systems performance analysis, and sensor methodologies, to improve robotic efficiency.
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.