Mechanical Engineer 2: Power Systems Materials & Innovation

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rockstar Rewards

Job summary

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) seeks a Mechanical Engineer to lead thermomechanical process development for power-system materials. You will design experiments, set operating envelopes, and collaborate with fabrication teams to translate findings into actionable recommendations.

The role focuses on advanced manufacturing platforms and process control, with opportunities to publish results and contribute to research planning within EP&M.

Qualifications

• BS/BA or MS/MA or PhD with relevant experience in friction stir welding, extrusion, rolling and related solid‑phase processing technologies.
• Experience with mechanical design and CAD tooling is required.
• Strong background in experimental manufacturing and process development is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design experiments to evaluate operating parameters, tooling designs, manufacturing configurations and feedstock conditions using statistical experimental design where appropriate.
• Design tooling using CAD and coordinate their development with facilities/vendors.
• Investigate process stability and product quality to develop operational frameworks and controls.
• Develop process windows and document evidence, limitations, and repeatability for recommended conditions.
• Collaborate with engineers to implement digital twin concepts using physics models and data to improve manufacturing performance.
• Communicate results through technical summaries, reports, and journal articles.

Skills

Friction stir welding

Metal extrusion

Metal drawing

Rolling

Friction extrusion

Mechanical design

Education

BS/BA in Mechanical Engineering

MS/MA in relevant field

PhD

Tools

CAD

Job description

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) seeks a Mechanical Engineer to lead thermomechanical process development for power-system materials. You will design experiments, set operating envelopes, and collaborate with fabrication teams to translate findings into actionable recommendations.

The role focuses on advanced manufacturing platforms and process control, with opportunities to publish results and contribute to research planning within EP&M.