Post Masters Research Associate – Engineering and Project Support

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Aid in 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.
• Aid in 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.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: Received a Master’s degree within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.
• Preferred Qualifications: 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.