Post Masters Research Associate - Engineering and Project Support

The Advanced Solutions & Integration (ASI) Group within PNNL's Physical Detection Systems & Deployment Division develops and deploys engineering systems that address nuclear security, nuclear nonproliferation, and operational resilience challenges.

The successful candidate will support national security-focused engineering activities, with primary assignments supporting the U.S. High Performance Research Reactor (USHPRR) Conversion Project. This project assists universities, private-sector partners, and government facilities in transitioning research reactors from highly enriched uranium to low-enriched uranium. Additional work may support isotope production research and development, robotics, inspection technologies, and other engineering applications.

This position is well suited for a recent master's graduate with interests in systems engineering, project management, mechanical design, engineering technology, robotics, data analysis, or related fields., * Support engineering and design teams with surge design activities using SolidWorks.

• Develop and implement an electronic bill of materials (eBOM) and explore predictive analytics applications to support engineering and project management.
• Support engineering applications involving industrial engineering, robotics, inspection, and sensor integration.
• Assist with the design, integration, and testing of linear positioning systems for sensors and other instrumentation.
• Apply basic software and data-analysis principles to engineering problems.
• Develop data visualizations, reports, and dashboards using Python and Power BI.
• Support laboratory activities, equipment setup, testing, and documentation.
• Assist with project planning, coordination, tracking, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, technicians, project managers, and external partners.
• Communicate technical information clearly through written documentation, presentations, and verbal briefings.
• Balance competing priorities while maintaining organization, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Perform other related engineering and project-support duties as assigned.

• Candidates must have received a Master's degree within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university., * Master's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, industrial engineering, engineering technology, bioengineering, robotics, computer science, or a related discipline.
• Experience using SolidWorks or comparable computer-aided design software.
• Experience with Python for data analysis, automation, or engineering applications.
• Experience developing dashboards or reports using Microsoft Power BI.
• Familiarity with robotics, industrial automation, inspection systems, or sensor integration.
• Experience with linear positioning systems, motion-control components, or electromechanical systems.
• Familiarity with bills of materials, configuration management, engineering data management, or predictive analytics.
• Demonstrated laboratory experience, academic, university, or national lab, including exposure to testing and/or prototyping.
• Exposure to isotope production, isotope applications, nuclear technology, or related engineering activities.
• Experience supporting engineering projects or working in a project-management environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $80,500.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $104,700.00/Yr.

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. The National Security Directorate (NSD) drives science-based, mission-focused solutions to take on complex, real-world threats to our nation and the world. The Physical Detection Systems and Deployment Division, part of the National Security Directorate, delivers policy-informed technology solutions by removing barriers to real-world implementation. We strive to understand end-user environments to transition technology from the developmental stage to deployment. Our diverse expertise in operational systems provides tools, technologies, and approaches for combating a range of threats, both at home and in more than 100 countries around the globe., Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs., Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.