R&D Assistant - Sensors and Electronics Group

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plans

Flexible work hours

On-site fitness facilities

Job summary

UT-Battelle invites applications for an early career R&D Assistant in the Sensors and Electronics Group within the Electrification and Energy Infrastructures Division. You will support programs in particle accelerators, electronics, pulsed power, and energy systems.

The role involves developing computational workflows, executing experiments, and preparing technical documentation while adhering to safety and QA requirements. A strong publishing and collaboration track is preferred.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Nuclear, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with scientific programming and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar programming languages.
• Demonstrated technical writing skills, including reports, presentations, and scientific documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work cohesively with research teams, sponsors, and end users.

Responsibilities

• Perform particle tracking simulations and computational analyses to support design, optimization, and interpretation of advanced research.
• Develop and maintain computational workflows, scripts, and software tools to improve simulation efficiency and data processing.
• Design, assemble, and execute laboratory experiments to validate simulation results and refine models.
• Analyze experimental and simulation data and document findings to support ongoing research activities.
• Develop, integrate, test, and troubleshoot electronic systems and instrumentation, including circuit work and hardware modifications.
• Prepare high-quality technical documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Adhere to safety, security, and QA requirements while conducting research.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Technical writing

Teamwork

Education

MS/PhD in Nuclear, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

COMSOL Multiphysics

CST Studio Suite

ANSYS

MCNP

Geant4

Job description

Overview

We invite applications for the early career position of R&D Assistant to support the Sensors and Electronics Group in the Electrification and Energy Infrastructures Division (EEID). This early career research position will involve supporting existing programs in areas involving particle accelerators, electronics, pulsed power, and energy systems.

Requisition Id 17099

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Perform particle tracking simulations and computational analyses to support the design, optimization, and interpretation of advanced engineering and scientific research
• Develop and maintain computational workflows, scripts, and software tools to improve simulation efficiency, data processing, and reproducibility
• Design, assemble, and execute laboratory experiments to validate simulation results, analyze experimental data, and refine computational models based on observed performance
• Analyze and interpret experimental and simulation data using appropriate statistical and computational methods, and document findings to support ongoing research activities
• Develop, integrate, test, and troubleshoot electronic systems and instrumentation, including circuit assembly, soldering and desoldering of components, diagnostic testing, and hardware modifications
• Prepare high-quality technical documentation, including white papers, proposals, statements of work (SOWs), technical reports, journal manuscripts, and presentation materials for internal and external stakeholders
• Adhere to laboratory safety, security, and quality assurance requirements while conducting research activities and operating laboratory equipment

Basic Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. degree in Nuclear, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or a closely related discipline
• Experience with scientific programming and data analysis using Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar programming languages
• Demonstrated technical writing skills, including preparation of reports, presentations, and other scientific documentation
• Demonstrated ability to work cohesively with research teams, sponsors, and project end users

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with multiphysics and particle transport simulation tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics, CST Studio Suite, ANSYS, MCNP, Geant4, or comparable software for electromagnetic field modeling, particle tracking, and device optimization
• Experience designing, assembling, and conducting laboratory experiments, including integration of instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition (DAQ) systems
• Experience with electronics development, circuit debugging, and laboratory troubleshooting, including soldering, desoldering, and hardware integration
• Demonstrated ability to organize, visualize, and communicate complex experimental and simulation data through high-quality figures, presentations, and technical reports
• Experience supporting research in particle accelerators, radiation detection, pulsed power, high-voltage systems, or related engineering research is desirable

Special Requirements

• Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to perform tasks that involve physical requirements, including, but not limited to lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects.
  • Familiar with the appropriate use of personal protective equipment, including eye protection, earmuffs, hard hats, and gloves.
  • Be able to work in varied working conditions, including noise over 80dB, vibration, mechanical, electrical, and thermal hazards, moving objects, operating vehicles on company property and/or highway, and working with solvents, fumes, dust, and gases.
  • Letters of Reference: Please submit two letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to [e-mail] with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For Foreign National Candidates

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

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.

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.