Staff Member - Advanced Polymer Composites

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

12d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Technical Professional Staff member who will focus on manufacturing processes and testing for advanced polymer composites. The successful candidate will be expected to execute research and development tasks at ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility including, but not limited to: operating polymer composite manufacturing systems such as extrusion, compression molding, large area thermoplastic extrusion additive manufacturing systems, infusion and thermoforming processes designing test and demonstration articles, preparing and analyzing material samples; analyzing samples; and preparing reports of the results of such analyses. The staff will be expected to collaborate amongst groups focusing on basic and applied research in various fields related to the current projects. This position resides in the Composites Innovation Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD), Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). As part of our research team, the candidate will execute tasks necessary to advancement the science of manufacturing with emphasis on polymer composites manufacturing processes. Experience in polymer composite materials processing and testing is critical for this position. You will be expected to simultaneously execute multiple projects, contribute to lab set-up, operations, maintenance of equipment, interact with ORNL staff, industry, and academic partners.

Requirements

A BS in manufacturing, mechanical engineering or a related discipline
Experience with advanced polymer manufacturing processes
Experience with continuous & discontinuous composite material systems
Experience with different polymer characterization and testing methods
Experience with computer aided design (CAD) software and concepts

Nice To Haves

An excellent record of productive and creative technical solutions
Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience
Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative and frequently interacting teams of researchers
Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Responsibilities

Execute tasks for projects in the area of high-rate composite manufacturing
Characterize polymer composites feedstock materials
Prepare polymeric and composite materials and intermediates
Execute tasks for projects in the area of post process of composite structures
Execute tasks for projects in the area of additive manufacturing and processing of advanced thermoplastic composites
Execute tasks for projects in the area of design and manufacturing optimization for additive manufacturing
Contribute to lab set-up and operations
Work with others to maintain a high level of scientific productivity
Interact regularly with senior scientists, program managers, group members, and industrial partners, and prepare and present periodic reports documenting research and development
Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
Ensure compliance with ORNL operation excellence
Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.