Experimental Operations Engineer

argonne; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 94,000 - 181,350; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory’s Nuclear Science and Engineering Division seeks an experienced engineer to lead the design, construction, startup and operations of METL liquid metal experiments and related loops. You will guide mechanical, electrical, data logging, and control systems work across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities include developing, testing and maintaining electro‑mechanical equipment, coordinating with METL operators, and ensuring safety and policy compliance.

Qualifications

• Advanced experimental design and operation experience with instrumentation.
• Experience with resistance heating systems and LabVIEW/Eurotherm/industrial controls.
• Experience with liquid metal and high-temperature facilities.
• Understanding of AI/ML in experiments is desirable.
• Demonstrated leadership and collaborative skills.
• Knowledge of metallurgy, heat transfer and fluid mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee construction, startup, commissioning and operations of liquid metal experiments.
• Direct fabrication, troubleshooting, calibration and maintenance of complex equipment.
• Design and test electro‑mechanical equipment for advanced reactors.
• Design and test electronic systems: power supplies, data logging, temperature/valve control.
• Coordinate installation/testing of equipment with METL operators.
• Maintain awareness of Lab policies and procedures.
• Lead and communicate effectively with diverse team members.

Skills

Instrumentation

LabVIEW

Leadership

Liquid metal

AI/ML

Safety culture

Metallurgy

Education

Bachelor’s degree (relevant)

Master’s degree (relevant)

Doctorate (relevant)

Tools

Eurotherm

Industrial controls

Job description

For this position the Nuclear Science and Engineering (NSE) Division is seeking an experienced electrical, mechanical, chemical and/or nuclear engineer to join our multi-disciplinary team that includes design engineers, test engineers, fluids and thermal researchers, and experienced technicians.

The selected individual will oversee the design, construction, startup and commissioning, operations, and troubleshooting of cutting‑edge experimental systems and sub‑systems related to and in support of the intermediate‑scale liquid metal technology experimental facility called the Mechanisms Engineering Test Loop (METL), its associated hydraulic loops and qualification hardware, and other test loops and NSE Division experiments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the construction, startup, commissioning, and operations of intermediate and small‑scale liquid metal technology experiments and provide technical support and/or direction for experimental and programmatic work in the areas of mechanical, electromechanical, optical, and electrical systems.
• Oversee the development, fabrication, troubleshooting, repair, calibration, purchasing, and maintenance for a variety of complex electronic and mechanical apparatus, plant/process equipment, and subsystems, with a specific focus on the intermediate scale liquid metal technology facility (METL) and Argonne’s other liquid metal and surrogate experiments.
• Design and testing of electro‑mechanical equipment for advanced reactors that may be destined for testing in the MELT facility or its supporting infrastructure.
• Design and testing of electronic systems which typically consist of power supplies and controllers, data logging hardware, and equipment for temperature and valve control.
• Operate the METL facility or other facilities to provide the necessary conditions for the research and development conducted in the test vessels, etc.
• Oversee the design and testing of electronic systems which typically consist of power supplies and controllers, data logging hardware, and equipment for temperature and valve control.
• Coordinate with METL operators the installation and testing of specialized experimental equipment in the METL facility and its associated equipment.
• Must maintain knowledge and awareness of Laboratory policies and procedures.

Position Requirements

• Advanced experience with experimental design and operation including instrumentation (thermocouples, pressure transmitters, flow meters, level, etc.) specification, installation and operation.
• Prior resistance heating systems and LabVIEW/Eurotherm/industrial control experience.
• Prior liquid metal and high temperature experimental facility operations.
• Understanding of applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning as applied to experiments is desirable.
• Prior leadership experience.
• Familiarity with industry standards and practices for electrical and/or mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of mechanical equipment (motors, pulleys, gears, pumps, valves, etc.), thermal effects on materials and components (expansion, evaporation, etc.), and operation of a personal computer.
• Knowledge of metallurgy, heat transfer and fluid mechanics.
• The position may oversee personnel performing shift work.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, oral and written communication.
• Ability to model Argonne’s Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

This position can be hired at one of two levels; the selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (RD2 or RD3) dependent upon the depth and breadth of relevant knowledge and skills. The minimum requirements of the two levels are as follows:

• Bachelor’s and 5+ years; Master’s and 3+ years; Doctorate and 0+ years, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $94,486 - $147,399.
• Bachelor’s and 8+ years; Master’s and 5+ years; or Doctorate and 4+ years; or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $116,250 - $181,350.

The expected hiring range for this position is $94,486.00 - $147,398.94.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Job Family

Research Development (RD)

Job Profile

Nuclear/Reactor Engineering 2

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.