Talent Bridge: Applied Mechanical Engineer

Idaho National Laboratory; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 82,151 - 88,992; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentored environment

Professional development opportunities

Comprehensive relocation package

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Job summary

A national laboratory specializing in engineering seeks a recent graduate for the role of Applied Mechanical Engineer. You will design, build, and test equipment supporting nuclear fuel fabrication activities. Responsibilities include defining project requirements, overseeing fabrication, and conducting experiments. Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, with CAD experience preferred. A mentoring environment and benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• Graduated within the last 12 months as a Talent Bridge applicant.
• Experience with CAD in experimental design or laboratory.
• Completion of a capstone project during undergrad.

Responsibilities

• Decompose project objectives and define design requirements.
• Oversee fabrication and construction according to designs.
• Design and execute experiments leading to irradiation.

Skills

Design techniques

Engineering science application

Problem-solving

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Overview

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a recent bachelor's graduate for our Talent Bridge program. As an Applied Mechanical Engineer, you will use engineering principles to design, build, test, and install specialized equipment that supports nuclear fuel fabrication activities. You will create CAD-driven designs, develop lab-scale components, run experiments, and assemble and test fabrication systems to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations. This role blends engineering design with hands-on fabrication, experimentation, and plant maintenance support.

Responsibilities

• Decompose project objectives into defined and controlled design requirements.
• Use design methodologies, technologies, and processes which are best practice for the technical discipline to develop and define a design, and to validate that the design meets defined requirements.
• Maintain familiarity with and technical understanding of codes and standards applicable to the discipline.
• Oversee or ensure that fabrication, construction, assembly, and procurement are done in accordance with the design.
• Provide solutions to technical problems and recommendations for improvements in production activities, including planning, design, and constructing manufacturing facilities and similar structures or production processes.
• Support and lead the development of new projects at INL in the area of specialty, including the development of proposals and business plans.
• Responsible for experiment design and fabrication and associated activities leading to irradiation. Establish experiment designs, demonstrate experiment requirements, and confirm experiment integrated analyses to ensure nuclear safety basis are met.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology to the design and production of goods and services.
• Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce sensible answers.
• Ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions.
• Ability to listen to and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly in speaking.
• Ability to identify when something is wrong or likely to go wrong and recognize issues.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering or related field from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Talent Bridge applicants must have graduated within the last 12 months.
• CAD experience applied in experimental design or laboratory settings.
• Completion of a capstone project during undergraduate studies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous participation in an INL internship.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Familiarity with robotic or automated systems.

Application Requirements

• Current Resume or CV
• Proof of graduation (copy of diploma or transcripts)

Program Benefits

• Mentored environment providing post-degree work experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Accelerated knowledge transfer from retiring staff to early career individuals.

Review And Evaluation

• Performance and satisfaction reviewed every three months. At six months, next steps may include transition to a full-time role, pursuing additional education, or exploring other opportunities.

Job Information

The pay range for this position is $82,151 - $88,992. Compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

Physical Requirements

The employee may stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in office or laboratory environments. Requires hand/finger dexterity for keyboarding and handling materials, ability to operate equipment and drive a vehicle. May occasionally lift up to 35 pounds. Reasonable accommodations available upon request.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors including employment status and position classification.

Other Information

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. INL does not accept resumes from third-party vendors unsolicited.

Compliance

Selective Service Requirements: Males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity: INL is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It provides equal opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation: We provide reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform essential job functions. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Primary Location: US-ID-Idaho Falls

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

Job Posting: Sep 8, 2025

Unposting Date: Sep 13, 2025