Development Welding Engineer

About the Role

As a Development Researcher, you will conduct leading-edge research activities with specific applications to manufacturing, production, or quality operations or similar national applications. The position involves serving as a project lead, coordinating and preparing technical aspects of projects from inception to completion, including project reviews. You will conduct formal presentations to personnel and other interested parties, participate in the development and research of proposed improvements in production, and formulate broad programs and mandatory requirements.

The role includes serving as a liaison with representatives of various design agencies, vendors, and contractors to ensure effective technical cooperation at all levels, resulting in the completion of objectives. You will perform complex technical project assignments, analyze the impact of mission changes on designs and concepts, recommend improvements, and prepare technical specifications. Acting as a leader and consultant, you will assist in the design and application of products, processes, devices, and equipment with scientists and other technical staff within the department and at other applicable locations.

This role focuses on production and characterization of uranium, uranium alloys, and associated materials. Responsibilities include evaluation, analysis, recordkeeping, procurement, laboratory work, testing of new equipment, and development of novel materials and manufacturing technologies. You will interface with system and process engineers to provide technical oversight and troubleshooting assistance for various metallurgical processing capabilities, ensuring Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) mission milestones are met.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate technical projects from inception to completion, including project reviews.
• Conduct formal presentations to personnel and stakeholders.
• Develop, research, and propose improvements in production and formulation of broad programs.
• Serve as a liaison with design agencies, vendors, and contractors to ensure technical cooperation.
• Analyze the impact of mission changes on designs and concepts; recommend improvements and prepare technical specifications.
• Act as a leader and consultant in the design and application of products, processes, devices, and equipment.
• Evaluate and characterize uranium, uranium alloys, and associated materials.
• Perform laboratory work, testing of new equipment, and development of novel materials and manufacturing technologies.
• Provide technical oversight and troubleshooting assistance for metallurgical processing capabilities.
• Interface with system and process engineers to ensure NSE mission milestones are met.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering/Physical Science (Chemistry, Physics, or related) from an ABET-accredited program in the United States or designated equivalents from Canada, Mexico, the Washington Accord, or substantially equivalent programs as documented by ABET, with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.
• OR a Master of Science in Engineering/Physical Science.
• OR a PhD in Engineering/Physical Science.
• Minimum GPA requirements:
  • 3.0/4.0 for Bachelor’s degree (up to 4 years post-graduation).
  • 3.3 for Master’s degree.
  • 3.5 for PhD.
• Beyond four years from graduation, engineering experience will supersede GPA as a requirement for hire.
• Requires a Q clearance; ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance is mandatory.
• May require entry into Material Access Areas (MAA) and participation in the Human Reliability Program (10 C.F.R. Part 712), including a DOE counterintelligence evaluation and potential counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination.
• May be categorized as a “designated position” under 10 C.F.R. Part 709, requiring a DOE counterintelligence evaluation and potential counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination.
• U.S. citizenship is required for security clearance applicants.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical knowledge in principles, theories, and concepts of engineering systems related to material, design, analysis, testing, qualification, and engineering application of computers.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively through oral and written word, interpret experimental results, and convert data into detailed written reports for internal and external customers.
• Ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment, and discretion under limited supervision; develop, manage, and report planned cost and scheduled work; and develop recovery plans to achieve overall objectives.
• Experience with joining techniques such as Gas Tungsten Arc (GTAW), Gas Metal Arc (GMAW), Laser welding, Friction Stir welding, and Electron Beam welding.
• Relevant experience with induction brazing, soldering, and resistance welding.
• Firm grasp of metallurgical principles related to material joining, including solidification behavior, heat flow, cooling rate, and structure of fusion welds.
• Experience with developing weld procedure qualifications.
• Experience with training and certifying welders is preferred but not required.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, vision, and dental plans.
• Employer-matched 401(k) savings plan.
• Disability coverage.
• Education reimbursement.
• Onsite workout facilities and healthy cafeteria options.
• Flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Wellness initiatives.
• Career advancement and professional development programs.

CNS is a drug-free workplace. Candidates accepting a job offer will be required to pass a pre-placement physical, drug screening, and background investigation. All employees are subject to random drug testing without advance notification.