Technical Engineering Collaborator

Battelle Energy Alliance; Idaho Falls (ID); On-site; USD 79,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

Idaho National Laboratory is seeking an experienced Technical Collaborator to support engineers, researchers, scientists, analysts, and facility managers in troubleshooting, analysis during design, and documentation for wireless research projects. This role is part of the Wireless Research team and follows a 9x80 schedule in Idaho Falls, with every other Friday off.

The position requires deep wireless expertise, DoD collaboration experience, and the ability to lead projects across sponsors,

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in a technical field with 5 years of experience or Master's with 2 years or PhD.
• DOE "Q" clearance required; U.S. citizenship.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Testing Designated Position.

Responsibilities

• Lead wireless technology projects across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Bridge DoD/Sponsor needs with INL technical capabilities.
• Coordinate requirements and deliverables with internal and external stakeholders.
• Plan, execute, and oversee complex wireless projects.

Skills

Wireless technology

DoD experience

Project leadership

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor of Science in a technical field

Master's degree

PhD

Job description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring an experienced Technical Collaborator to work alongside engineers, researchers, scientists, analysts, and facility managers in troubleshooting technical issues, conducting analysis during design and development, developing strategies, and creating documentation for research projects as part of our Wireless Research team. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of Idaho Falls, ID with every other Friday off.

This role sits at the intersection of technical research and mission execution - translating scientific objectives as a technical professional in offering solutions to everyday issues that deliver real-world impact for national security and critical infrastructure protection.
Success here requires a practitioner’s understanding of scientific principles and wireless research lifecycles, from initial concept and proposal development through proof-of-concept, prototype, and technology transition.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

Unlike typical technician roles, this position demands genuine fluency in wireless technology. You will support work that spans cellular network security, RF sensing, spectrum analysis, electronic warfare, and next-generation communication systems. To be effective, you must understand what researchers are building, what sponsors need, and how to bridge those two worlds under the constraints of federal research programs. This exciting position requires technical project and business leadership skills, to include planning, coordinating, and driving project activities for various sponsors. The person in this position is expected to:

• Have broad expertise and unique knowledge leading multi-disciplinary teams focused on wireless communication projects.
• Have extensive experience managing or working in DoD and Special Operations planning efforts to serve as INL spokesperson for developing advanced ideas and driving development of advanced solutions in this area.
• Be self-starter who can provide true project/program leadership and vision for rapidly growing mission area.
• Facilitate the integration, synchronization, and coordination of requirements to internal and external DoD organizations to help address mission gaps.
• Project Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to plan, execute, and oversee complex projects.
  Technical Skills: In-depth understanding of technical concepts and communications technologies is preferred.
• Communication Skills: Demonstrate subject matter expertise and communication skills to interface with all levels of sponsor management and for project deliverable quality and integrity. Ability to effectively convey technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
• Problem‑Solving: Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities. Capable of handling multiple priorities and managing competing demands effectively.
• Proven ability to work as a member of a team as well as autonomously without close supervision
• Experience with RF Communications
• Experience working with US DoW. US DoW Special Operations and Acquisition Experience a plus
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines
• A high level of drive and energy, with a strong results orientation
• Strong attention to detail
• Creative problem‑solving, initiative and excellent customer service skills
• Knowledge and interest in electronic communications and information technology
• Experience working in a design and development environment
• Exercise independent judgment as well as a high level of analytical skill in solving technical, administrative, and managerial problems.
  

Required:

• Bachelor of Science degree in a technical field from an accredited institution and 5 years of experience OR Master's and 2 years or PhD.
• Depending upon scope of work and assigned directorate, related experience may be considered in lieu of degree. Related experience in lieu of degree may require a closely related associates degree, certification, license, or specialized training/designation or a HS Diploma or equivalent and 11 years of experience.
• Relevant experience commensurate with level.
• Obtain and maintain a DOE "Q" level security clearance. U.S. citizenship.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Testing Designated Position.

Preferred:

• Ability to simultaneously address multiple complex tasks to meet commitments while maintaining quality of work and a professional interface.
• Travel internationally to support assigned programs and projects.
• Military Experience.
• Prior experience leading teams with multifaceted strengths, establishing critical deliverables, and implementing program management processes.
• Prior experience working as a DoD action officer, working with Joint staff departments, and briefing senior leadership teams is desired.
• Comfortable operating in inter‑governmental, inter‑agency environments. Ability to understand high government level directives and understand/articulate how INL capabilities support and enable those initiatives.
• Comfortable operating in inter‑governmental, inter‑agency environments. Ability to understand high government level directives and understand/articulate how INL capabilities support and enable those initiatives.
• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, and approaches to problems.
• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles,
• techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principals involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Ability to apply a general rule to specific problems to produce answers that make technical sense.
• Ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions.

Job Information:

• The pay range for this position is $79,344 min - $162,732 max. At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre‑employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job‑related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with people is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.