Postdoctoral Appointee – Mechanical Engineering

Argonne National Laboratory; Lemont (IL); On-site; USD 72,879 - 121,465; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois is seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee in the Applied Materials Division to advance methods for high-temperature structural materials relevant to nuclear reactors and energy systems.

The candidate will work on finite element simulations, technical reporting, and will be required to present at conferences. A recent PhD in a relevant engineering field is essential. The position offers a pay range of $72,879 to $121,465.

Qualifications

• PhD obtained within the last 0-5 years.
• Experience with finite element simulations and developing constitutive models.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values.

Responsibilities

• Review and develop design methods and models for structural materials.
• Collaborate on research to enhance methods for predicting reliability.
• Contribute to technical reports, conference papers, and presentations.

Skills

Finite element simulations

Programming in Python

Oral and written communication skills

Knowledge of engineering design codes

Knowledge of high-temperature creep crack growth

Education

PhD in mechanical engineering, materials science, civil engineering, or related field

Tools

MOOSE finite element simulation framework

Job description

Postdoctoral Appointee – Applied Materials Division

The Applied Materials Division at Argonne National Laboratory has an immediate opening for a Postdoctoral Appointee. The candidate will be responsible for reviewing and developing design methods and models for high‑temperature structural materials with applications in nuclear reactors and other energy systems. The research will collaborate with ANL staff to review, validate, and enhance methods for predicting the reliability of high‑temperature structural components, working with continuum damage mechanics models and statistical reliability models to enhance engineering design for safer and more reliable components. The researcher will also contribute to technical reports, conference papers, and journal publications, and present findings at technical conferences.

Position Requirements

• Recent or soon‑to‑be completed PhD (typically within the last 0‑5 years) in mechanical engineering, materials science, civil engineering, structural engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience with finite element simulations and developing constitutive models.
• Knowledge of high‑temperature creep crack growth.
• Knowledge of engineering design codes such as the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, API standards, R5, RCC-MRx, or similar documents.
• Programming experience in Python.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to present research at all levels of organization.
• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
• On‑site presence required at the Argonne campus in Lemont, Illinois.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in fracture‑mechanics based reliability modeling.
• Familiarity with the basic structure‑property relations for metallic and ceramic materials.
• Experience in engineering design, particularly for high‑temperature components.
• Experience with the MOOSE finite element simulation framework.

Pay Range: $72,879.00 – $121,465.00 (general guideline; final pay based on qualifications and other factors). Comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Equal Employment Opportunity

As an equal employment opportunity employer, 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 and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.