Dynamic Test Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Insurance

Parental Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

Relocation Assistance

Relocation Assistance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Dynamic Test Engineer to support the Dynamic Testing Group in the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division within ISED. The role focuses on dynamic testing of enrichment devices and high-speed rotating equipment, driving R&D in rotor dynamics and related structures.

The Senior Dynamic Test Engineer will lead programmatic tasks, guide junior staff, and collaborate with government laboratories and academia.

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, physics, or related field, or MS with 2+ years post-graduate experience.
• Applied experience in dynamic testing of mechanical systems, data analysis, including modal analysis.
• Experience with mechanical system measurements: instrumentation, signal processing, data acquisition.
• Hands-on design and installation of testing fixtures, sensor suites, and data acquisition systems.
• Experience developing test plans, instrumentation, fixturing, and executing hands-on testing, interpreting and summarizing results.

Responsibilities

• Design, installation, testing, and performance evaluation of high-speed rotating equipment and subsystems.
• Use instrumentation and software to evaluate rotors, suspensions, and components; validate models for performance prediction.
• Dynamic testing and analysis of structures as part of responsibilities.
• Lead research on characterization of mechanical system dynamics related to gas centrifuge technologies.
• Mentor junior technical staff and interact with sponsors to define and report project elements.
• Collaborate with government labs and academia; publish non-sensitive research as permitted.

Skills

Dynamic testing

Data analysis

Modal analysis

Instrumentation

Signal processing

Data acquisition

Test plans

Instrumentation

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering or Physics

MS with 2+ years experience

Tools

MATLAB

Dyrobes

M+p

Dewesoft

HBK

Job description

life insurance, parental leave, 401(k), retirement plan, relocation assistance

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

We are seeking a Dynamic Test Engineer who will support the Dynamic Testing Group in the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED), Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to support dynamic testing of enrichment devices. In addition, the Senior Dynamic Test Engineer will independently lead programmatic tasks and deliver improvements and solutions to meet the desired KPIs.

ESED serves the nation in two critical areas: advancing enrichment technologies and exploring stable isotope production and applications. The division leverages an elite staff of scientists and engineers with the world-leading capabilities of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to deliver groundbreaking advancements with a variety of applications, from national security to life-saving medical treatments.

ESED is the national steward for research, development, and demonstration of centrifuge technology. The successful candidate will provide support for research and development using principles of Integrated Safety Management (ISM) within a division that supports multiple projects and programs.

The Dynamic Testing Group has a successful history supporting projects in the centrifuge science and isotope enrichment areas. Opportunities in these areas are expected to grow over the next few years, requiring additional qualified staff to successfully perform these challenging and nationally important projects. The successful Dynamic Testing Engineer candidate will provide research and development (R&D) leadership to the group in the characterization of gas centrifuges, centrifuge and component test stands, and test cascades for processing uranium-bearing and stable isotope compounds.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Design, installation, testing, and performance evaluation of high-speed rotating equipment and supporting subsystems will be this position's main activities. These activities will include using appropriate instrumentation and software to effectively evaluate the performance of rotors, suspensions, and other related components while working closely with analysts to validate rotor and subassembly models to ensure accurate prediction of performance. Dynamic testing and analysis of structures will also be part of the position's responsibilities.

Additional responsibilities for the Dynamic Test Engineer are as follows:

• Establish and conduct research regarding characterization of mechanical system dynamics as it relates to gas centrifuge and enrichment technologies.
• Serve as a thought leader in the area of dynamic testing for the group, section, and directorate.
• Serve as a mentor for junior technical staff.
• Interact with sponsors to define, execute, and report on relevant project elements.
• Actively collaborate with domain experts from U.S. government laboratories and academia involved in similar efforts.
• Publish high quality research results in peer-reviewed open or classified journals and conferences, if authorized by the sponsoring agency.
• Publish and present non-sensitive research in journals and conferences.
• Develop proposals for cutting edge research and funding.

As a member of the ORNL scientific community, the successful candidate will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. The full code of conduct and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here:https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity.

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering, physics, or related field, or a MS. Degree and two plus years of post-graduate experience.
• Applied experience in performing dynamic testing of mechanical systems, data analysis, and interpretation of test results including modal analysis.
• Experience with mechanical system measurements, including instrumentation, signal processing, and data acquisition.
• Hands on experience with design and installation of testing fixtures, application and selection of sensor suites, selection and operation of excitation methods with data acquisition systems is a plus.
• Experience in developing test plans and methodologies, instrumenting, fixturing, and executing hands on testing activities, including interpreting, documenting, and summarizing test results.
• 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.
• Excellent communication (spoken and written), strategic planning, organization, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated prior leadership experience.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active DOE Q security clearance.
• Experience in dynamic testing acquisition software (m+p, Dewesoft, VTI, HBK, Crystal Instruments, Vibration Research, and other related packages).
• Strong computational skills with the development and evaluation of signal processing and data analysis tools relating to extraction of information from dynamic test results.
• Experience in Machine Learning Algorithms and Data Analytics.
• Experience in Machinery Health Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance.
• Applied experience in the areas rotor dynamics, bearing selection and modeling, rotor balancing, and dynamic testing, including designing and performing measurements as well as analysis of test results.
• A record of significant technical publications.
• Experience with MATLAB and Dyrobes.
• Experience with machining, GD&T and manufacturing techniques.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a 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 the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED):

Established in 2020, the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate is strengthening Oak Ridge National Laboratory's leadership in isotope production and enrichment technology innovation. ISED is guiding the Lab's pursuit of the fundamental science and technology that broadens the application of isotopes for energy, environmental, medical, and national security purposes. These efforts are made possible through the High Flux Isotope Reactor, the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center, ORNL's other nuclear facilities, and an assemblage of world-leading scientists and engineers. Please visit https://www.ornl.gov/directorate/isotopes for more information about ISED.

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.

Relocation:

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions.

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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.

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.