R&D Associate Staff - Directed Energy Deposition of Metals

Date: Apr 11, 2025

Location: Knoxville, TN, US, 37932

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 14810 

 

Overview:  
We are seeking a candidate with extensive background in physical metallurgy of metals processed through directed energy deposition (DED). The candidate will aid staff in conducting high quality research on a variety of metal alloy systems fabricated via DED with the goal of constructing process-structure-property relationships of these materials. A background in processing and characterization of metals, and physical metallurgy is preferred. Strong communication and program management skills are required. This position resides in the Deposition Science and Technology Group at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) in the Manufacturing Sciences Division (MSD), Energy Sciences and Technology Directorate (ESTD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

 

As part of our research team, you will engage with researchers with various backgrounds such as materials science, mechanical behavior of materials, heat transfer, and robotics along with close interactions with industry partners. These engagements will play a vital role in ensuring success of programs and the adoption by project sponsors. You will also be involved in proposal writing with our scientists while taking the lead in publishing high impact papers.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:  

  • Work within a committed team of scientists to develop processing science of metals alloys through AMDED.

  • Optimize process conditions to produce high performance material and relate the material performance to microstructure use advanced characterization techniques.

  • Work with team members to develop new research directions and opportunities within the space of metal alloy DED processing for industrial applications including machine tools.

  • Interact with industrial partners, other research organizations, and universities related to advanced manufacturing technologies, and product, systems, and materials development.

  • Responsible for presenting and reporting research results and publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner.

  • Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.

  • Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics.

  • 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.

 

Basic Qualifications:

  • A PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Background in physical metallurgy of metals.

  • Experience with metal tooling and manufacturing technologies.

  • Experience with characterization tools necessary to understand structure-property relationships of ferrous metals.

  • An excellent record of productive and creative research demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journal papers.

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international, scientific audience.

  • Motivated and safety conscious.

  • Ability to set priorities, multi-task, and adapt to ever-changing needs with the proven ability to function well and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

  • Ability to work with a measure of autonomy and a willingness to participate creatively in a collaborative, team environment.

 

Special Requirements:

  • Q Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.


About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

 

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

 

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
 
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This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

 

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.


If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.


ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.


Nearest Major Market: Knoxville