Technical Engineering Collaborator

About the role

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring an experienced Technical Collaborator to work alongside engineers, researchers, scientists, analysts, and facility managers in troubleshooting technical issues, conducting analysis during design and development, developing strategies, and creating documentation for research projects as part of our Wireless Research team.

This role sits at the intersection of technical research and mission execution — translating scientific objectives as a technical professional in offering solutions to everyday issues that deliver real-world impact for national security and critical infrastructure protection. Success requires a practitioner’s understanding of scientific principles and wireless research lifecycles, from initial concept and proposal development through proof-of-concept, prototype, and technology transition.

Responsibilities

Unlike typical technician roles, this position demands genuine fluency in wireless technology. You will support work that spans cellular network security, RF sensing, spectrum analysis, electronic warfare, and next-generation communication systems. To be effective, you must understand what researchers are building, what sponsors need, and how to bridge those two worlds under the constraints of federal research programs.

• Lead multi-disciplinary teams focused on wireless communication projects.
• Manage or work in DoD and Special Operations planning efforts to serve as INL spokesperson for developing advanced ideas and driving development of advanced solutions.
• Provide project/program leadership and vision for a rapidly growing mission area.
• Facilitate the integration, synchronization, and coordination of requirements to internal and external DoD organizations to help address mission gaps.
• Plan, execute, and oversee complex projects.
• Convey technical information effectively to non-technical stakeholders.
• Handle multiple priorities and manage competing demands effectively.
• Work as a member of a team as well as autonomously without close supervision.
• Exercise independent judgment and analytical skill in solving technical, administrative, and managerial problems.
• Support international travel to assigned programs and projects.
• Identify complex problems, develop and evaluate options, and implement solutions.
• Monitor and assess performance to make improvements or take corrective action.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in a technical field from an accredited institution and 5 years of experience OR Master's and 2 years or PhD.
• Depending upon scope of work and assigned directorate, related experience may be considered in lieu of degree. Related experience in lieu of degree may require a closely related associates degree, certification, license, or specialized training/designation or a HS Diploma or equivalent and 11 years of experience.
• Obtain and maintain a DOE “Q” level security clearance. U.S. citizenship.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Testing Designated Position (pre-employment and periodic drug testing required).

Skills

• Technical project and business leadership skills, including planning, coordinating, and driving project activities.
• Broad expertise in wireless communication projects.
• Experience with RF Communications.
• Experience working with US Department of Defense (DoD), Special Operations, and Acquisition (preferred).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines with a high level of drive and energy.
• Strong attention to detail and creative problem-solving skills.
• Experience in design and development environments.
• Knowledge of electronic communications and information technology.
• Ability to apply engineering science and technology principles.
• Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles for technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Ability to apply general rules to specific problems for technically sound solutions.
• Ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to simultaneously address multiple complex tasks while maintaining quality.
• Military experience.
• Prior experience leading teams, establishing critical deliverables, and implementing program management processes.
• Experience as a DoD action officer, working with Joint staff departments, and briefing senior leadership teams.
• Comfortable operating in inter-governmental and inter-agency environments.
• Ability to understand high-level government directives and articulate how INL capabilities support them.

Schedule

The team works a 9x80 schedule located out of Idaho Falls, ID with every other Friday off.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $79,344 minimum – $162,732 maximum. Compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.