R&D Associate — Robotic Construction Systems

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

On-site amenities

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking an early-career R&D Associate to develop robotic construction workflows and automated platforms within the Manufacturing Robotics and Controls Group. The role supports the UT-ORII Convergent Research Initiative and includes a UT-ORII Fellow appointment, collaborating with University of Tennessee faculty and ORNL researchers.

The incumbent will lead tasks, contribute to proposals, collaborate with industry, publish results, and mentor students, while

Qualifications

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of1 year of postdoctoral experience or relevant industry experience in advanced manufacturing, robotics, or construction automation.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, patents, or equivalent technical contributions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent R&D in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing systems for building construction.
• Design, prototype, and demonstrate new robotic construction processes (e.g., robotic assembly, automated fabrication, large-scale additive manufacturing, modular construction automation).
• Develop control strategies, perception systems, and digital workflows for construction-scale automation.
• Advance human-robot collaboration methods in manufacturing and construction environments.
• Collaborate with UT faculty, ORNL researchers, and industry partners through UT-ORII.

Skills

Robotics and autonomous systems

Construction automation

Advanced manufacturing systems

Human-machine interaction

Robotic process development

System integration

Education

PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline

Job description

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking an early-career R&D Associate to develop robotic construction workflows and automated platforms within the Manufacturing Robotics and Controls Group. The role supports the UT-ORII Convergent Research Initiative and includes a UT-ORII Fellow appointment, collaborating with University of Tennessee faculty and ORNL researchers.

The incumbent will lead tasks, contribute to proposals, collaborate with industry, publish results, and mentor students, while