Mechanical Engineer

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 147,000; Full time

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, IL is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the Beamline Instrumentation group within the X-ray Science Division. You will design, analyze, and implement mechanical systems for beamlines and end stations.

You will collaborate with scientists and engineers on integrated opto-mechanical systems, manage procurement, and perform testing to ensure performance and reliability. This role emphasizes precision engineering and innovative automation approaches.

Qualifications

• Experience designing, fabricating, assembling, and commissioning mechanical systems.
• Proficiency with 2D/3D CAD (AutoCAD/Creo) and FEA tools (ANSYS/COMSOL) and analysis tools (MATLAB).
• Knowledge in thermal design, fluid flow, stress analysis, machine design, and precision mechanics.
• Experience with fabrication methods and QC/QA procedures.
• Strong collaboration with scientists and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with flexure-based positioning assemblies.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical designs for beamlines and end stations.
• Develop conceptual designs and perform detailed mechanical design and analyses.
• Collaborate with scientists, controls engineers, and other mechanical engineers on integrated systems.
• Develop, track, and manage project cost and schedule; contribute to planning and reporting.
• Coordinate procurement and manufacturing processes, including vendor engagement and inspection.
• Conduct performance, acceptance, and verification testing of systems.
• Stay current with precision mechanics, mechatronics, and automation, including AI/ML as appropriate.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

CAD 2D/3D

FEA tools

Thermal design

Fabrication methods

Interdisciplinary collaboration

MATLAB

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

AutoCAD

Creo

ANSYS

COMSOL

Job description

The Advanced Photon Source (APS) at Argonne National Laboratory (Lemont, U.S.) is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the Beamline Instrumentation (BI) Group within the X-ray Science Division (XSD). The BI Group’s mission is to enable world‑class X‑ray science through cutting‑edge instrumentation, engineering excellence, and collaborative support, directly contributing to XSD’s mission and advancing the capabilities of the APS user community. The BI Group works with APS beamline scientists and associated technical groups to provide engineering support for synchrotron radiation beamlines. The group contributes to the design, specification, and construction of scientific instrumentation, photon delivery components, and new and upgraded beamlines.

Job Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and execution of mechanical designs for beamlines and associated end stations.
• Develop conceptual designs and perform detailed mechanical design and engineering analyses.
• Collaborate closely with scientists, controls engineers, and other mechanical engineers on integrated opto‑mechanical and mechatronic systems, and automation.
• Develop, track, and help manage project cost and schedule; contribute to project planning and reporting.
• Coordinate procurement and manufacturing processes, including vendor engagement, fabrication oversight, inspection, and assembly.
• Conduct performance, acceptance, and verification testing of mechanical and mechatronic systems.
• Maintain awareness of, and apply, state‑of‑the‑art methods in precision mechanics, mechatronics, and automation, including AI/ML tools where appropriate.
• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Knowledge and experience in the design, fabrication, assembly, and commissioning of mechanical systems.
• Proficiency in mechanical engineering design tools, including 2D and 3D CAD (preferably AutoCAD and Creo); finite element analysis (FEA) tools (e.g., ANSYS or COMSOL); and engineering analysis/simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB or Mathematica).
• Knowledge and experience in thermal design, fluid flow, stress analysis, machine design, and precision machine design.
• Knowledge of fabrication methods and associated QC/QA requirements, procedures, and techniques.
• Skill and experience interacting with scientific staff and multidisciplinary research teams.
• Experience with the design and implementation of flexure‑based positioning assemblies.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
• Interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to interact with people at all levels both within and outside the laboratory.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Experience with the design and implementation of in situ sample environments.
• Experience in the design, implementation, and programming of robotic positioning and handling systems.
• Experience working with ultra‑high‑vacuum (UHV) or high‑vacuum systems, including vacuum‑compatible materials and design practices.
• Experience with X‑ray optics.
• Experience with the design and implementation of scanning and motion systems for beamline applications.
• Knowledge and experience in applying AI/ML methods to mechanical systems, including the development or integration of AI agents in engineering workflows.

Pay and Levels

This position can be hired at one of two levels; the selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (RD1 or RD2) dependent upon the depth and breadth of relevant knowledge and skills. The minimum requirements of the two levels are as follows: RD1: Bachelors and 0+ years’ experience, Masters and 0+ years’ experience, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $78,505 - $122,467. RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years’ experience, Masters and 3+ years’ experience, PhD and 0+ years’ experience, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $94,486 - $147,399.

Job Details

Job Family Research Development (RD) Job Profile Mechanical/Civil Engineering 1 Worker Type Regular Time Type Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $78,505.00 - $122,467.41. 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.

Non-Discrimination

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.

Restrictions

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

Background Check

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case‑by‑case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

About Argonne

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