Mechanical Testing and Evaluation - Technical Staff Member

Requisition Id 10168 

Overview: 

We are seeking a Mechanical Testing and Evaluation Technical Staff Member who will conduct physical and mechanical characterization of structural materials for nuclear energy applications. This position resides in the Advanced Nuclear Material Group in the Materials in Extremes Section, Materials Science and Technology Division, Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

As part of our research team, you will be responsible for various laboratory tasks including physical/mechanical testing of nuclear structural materials, newly establishing testing and evaluation methods and systems, and maintaining various testing systems in the laboratories.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Act as an expert of testing and evaluation solutions to emerging challenges for nuclear structural material
• Develop methods and establish procedures for testing and evaluation of materials
• Design, procure, and install new equipment for testing materials in various environments, such as high temperature and vacuum, in regular or radiological laboratories or a hot cell
• Work in radiological laboratories for preparation and testing of low radioactivity specimens (the radiation level is closely monitored and controlled within DOE and ORNL administrative limits)
• Perform mechanical test data processing and analysis to derive engineering material parameters. Acquire or develop software for data processing and calculations for evaluation of materials properties and engineering parameters 
• Be responsible for maintaining materials testing and characterization instrument in good working condition
• Report results in a written archivable document and supports publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals
• Mentor technicians and technical staff
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
• Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

Basic Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of experience or a Master’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of experience. Degree should be in Materials Science and Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in performing physical/mechanical testing of materials relevant to nuclear energy systems, which will include tensile, fracture and fatigue, Charpy impact, and other tests in a regular materials test laboratory, radiological materials test laboratory, and hot cell facility.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in physical or mechanical properties testing and evaluation as well as in the handling of testing equipment
• Demonstrated expertise in using mechanical testing equipment such as hardness tester, test frame, vacuum systems, Charpy impact machine, load/displacement/temperature control equipment, etc.
• Demonstrated expertise in using AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and LabView software
• Experience working on materials preparation and testing in radiological laboratories
• Basic understanding of the mechanical behaviors of metallic, ceramic, and composite materials
• Demonstrated ability to publish results from material testing and evaluation in formal reports and other forms of archivable publications
• 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

Physical Requirements: Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.

Export control, no clearance:  This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

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.