Research Associate - Advanced Machining and Machine Tool Research Group

About the role

We are seeking a Research Associate Member within the Advanced Machining and Machine Tool Research Group who will focus on developing, evaluating, and demonstrating advanced manufacturing technologies related to machining processes, machine tool performance, process monitoring, machine tool metrology, and/or manufacturing system integration.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in advanced machining, machine tool systems, manufacturing process science, and related manufacturing technologies.
• Develop, plan, and execute experimental research activities involving CNC machining, machine tool design and characterization, process monitoring, cutting tool evaluation, machining dynamics, metrology, and/or manufacturing process optimization.
• Analyze complex manufacturing problems using engineering fundamentals, experimental data, machine tool performance measurements, statistical methods, and computational tools.
• Contribute to externally sponsored research proposals, technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, invention disclosures, conference presentations, and sponsor briefings.
• Support project management activities, including scope definition, milestone planning, budget awareness, risk identification, documentation, and communication of technical progress.
• 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.

Qualifications

• A PhD in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, mechatronics, electrical engineering, controls engineering, or a related discipline or a MS and at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience conducting research in machining science, machine tool dynamics, machine tool error compensation and modeling, CNC system design, and/or machining process optimization.
• Experience with CNC machine tools, machine controllers, G-code, CAM software, machining process planning, fixture design, and practical manufacturing workflows.
• Experience with machine tool metrology and performance evaluation methods such as ball-bar testing, laser interferometry, volumetric accuracy assessment, spindle characterization, probing, thermal testing, or dynamic compliance testing.
• Experience integrating sensors, data acquisition systems, and instrumentation into machining or manufacturing systems.
• Experience with data analysis, modeling, or automation using tools such as Python, MATLAB, C#, C++, or similar engineering software environments.
• Experience with CAD/CAM/CAE tools such as Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Mastercam, Fusion, VERICUT, or similar platforms.
• Experience working with industry partners, government sponsors, equipment suppliers, or multidisciplinary research teams.
• Demonstrated record of technical contributions through publications, technical reports, patents, invention disclosures, conference presentations, funded proposals, or delivered manufacturing technology demonstrations.
• 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.