Research Associate - Advanced Machining and Machine Tool Research Group

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Research Associate in the Advanced Machining and Machine Tool Research Group to advance machining science and digital manufacturing workflows. The role focuses on developing, evaluating, and demonstrating advanced manufacturing technologies and machine tool performance improvements.

You will join the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility in a fast-paced research environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams and industry partners to deliver

Qualifications

• PhD in mechanical engineering or related discipline or MS with at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with machining science, machine tool dynamics, and machining process optimization.
• Experience with CNC tools, G-code, CAM software, fixture design, and manufacturing workflows.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in advanced machining and machine tool systems.
• Plan and execute experimental activities involving CNC machining, tool evaluation, and process monitoring.
• Analyze complex manufacturing problems using engineering fundamentals, data, and statistical methods.
• Contribute to proposals, reports, publications, and sponsor briefings.

Skills

Data analysis

Modeling

Python

MATLAB

C#

C++

Education

PhD in mechanical engineering or related field

MS with 2+ years experience

Tools

Siemens NX

SolidWorks

Mastercam

Fusion

VERICUT

Job description

Research Associate - Advanced Machining and Machine Tool Research Group

We are seeking a Research Associate Member within the Advanced Machining and Machine Tool Research Group who will focus on developing, evaluating, and demonstrating advanced manufacturing technologies related to machining processes, machine tool performance, process monitoring, machine tool metrology, and/or manufacturing system integration. The successful candidate will support research and development projects that advance the state of the art in machining science, machine tool design and characterization, manufacturing process optimization, and digital manufacturing workflows.

This position resides in the Advanced Machining and Machine Tool Research Group in the Manufacturing Science Division, Energy Science and Technology Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Manufacturing Demonstration Facility.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research in advanced machining, machine tool systems, manufacturing process science, and related manufacturing technologies.
• Develop, plan, and execute experimental research activities involving CNC machining, machine tool design and characterization, process monitoring, cutting tool evaluation, machining dynamics, metrology, and/or manufacturing process optimization.
• Analyze complex manufacturing problems using engineering fundamentals, experimental data, machine tool performance measurements, statistical methods, and computational tools.
• Contribute to externally sponsored research proposals, technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, invention disclosures, conference presentations, and sponsor briefings.
• Support project management activities, including scope definition, milestone planning, budget awareness, risk identification, documentation, and communication of technical progress.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, mechatronics, electrical engineering, controls engineering, or a related discipline or a MS and at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience conducting research in machining science, machine tool dynamics, machine tool error compensation and modeling, CNC system design, and/or machining process optimization
• Experience with CNC machine tools, machine controllers, G-code, CAM software, machining process planning, fixture design, and practical manufacturing workflows.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with machine tool metrology and performance evaluation methods such as ball-bar testing, laser interferometry, volumetric accuracy assessment, spindle characterization, probing, thermal testing, or dynamic compliance testing.
• Experience integrating sensors, data acquisition systems, and instrumentation into machining or manufacturing systems.
• Experience with data analysis, modeling, or automation using tools such as Python, MATLAB, C#, C++, or similar engineering software environments.
• Experience with CAD/CAM/CAE tools such as Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Mastercam, Fusion, VERICUT, or similar platforms.
• Experience working with industry partners, government sponsors, equipment suppliers, or multidisciplinary research teams.
• Demonstrated record of technical contributions through publications, technical reports, patents, invention disclosures, conference presentations, funded proposals, or delivered manufacturing technology demonstrations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

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.

• 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
• Employee Discounts

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

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.