Uncrewed Systems Technical Specialist

Requisition Id 12892 

Overview:  

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

We are seeking an Uncrewed Systems Technical Specialist who will operate and maintain unmanned vehicles in support of a variety of research projects. This position resides in the Autonomous Systems group in the Geospatial Sciences & Human Security division within the National Security Sciences Directorate at ORNL. As an Uncrewed Systems Technical Specialist, your role will be to support a variety of research programs through the operation and maintenance of a variety of uncrewed vehicles as a pilot and lead vehicle operator. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other world-class researchers in a variety of subject areas to solve big problems facing our national security.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Work closely with research scientists and engineers to solve complex problems using uncrewed vehicle technologies to include aerial, ground, surface, and underwater vehicles.
• Operate, maintain, and repair a variety of uncrewed vehicles (UxV) and ground support equipment (GSE).
• Conduct field data collection campaigns as a lead pilot of a flight crew.
• Develop, integrate, and test a wide variety of UxV, including both fixed and rotary wing aircraft, ground vehicles, and maritime vehicles.
• Integrate, operate, and maintain multiple payloads including:
  • Multispectral/Hyperspectral Imagers
  • Short/Long Wave Infrared Imagers
  • Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR)
  • Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
  • Environmental Samplers
• Automated workflow processing of collected data in ENVI, Pix4D, and/or Python
• Support field work for data collection and test campaigns.
• Up to 25% travel required (primarily domestic, with the potential for some international).

All team members deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, computer engineering, robotics, aviation operations, or closely related field.
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
• Minimum of 25 logged hours as pilot in command of small uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS/UAV).
• Demonstrated experience with uncrewed systems and/or robotics.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with CAD software such as Autodesk or Solidworks.
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing low voltage electrical systems.
• Experience with embedded computing hardware and software implementation.
• Experience with relevant software programming languages.
• Demonstrated experience with Ardupilot/PX4 or ROS control systems.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to a scientific audience.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to technical and scientific papers and reports.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Q clearance with SCI: 

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) 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.  In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.  

Benefits at ORNL:  

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented people! We offer many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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 or call 1.866.963.9545.

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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.