UT-ORII R&D Associate - Advanced 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

UT-ORII R&D Associate - Advanced Construction Systems

We are seeking an early-career R&D Associate Staff Member to develop and demonstrate advanced manufacturing, robotics, and automation technologies for next-generation building construction. This position resides in the Manufacturing Robotics and Controls Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD), Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

This role will focus on the development and implementation of novel robotic construction workflows, human-machine collaboration strategies, and automated manufacturing platforms that transform how buildings are designed and constructed. The successful candidate will contribute to a UT-ORII Convergent Research Initiative (CRI) aimed at enabling affordable, resilient, high-productivity construction practices through advanced automation.

As an ORNL staff member aligned with UT-ORII, the selected candidate will also be appointed as a UT-ORII Fellow, working collaboratively with University of Tennessee faculty through joint research engagement and student mentorship.

ORNL is the largest U.S. Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

Position Summary:

• Develop and demonstrate robotic and automated systems for advanced building construction.
• Create new manufacturing workflows that integrate robotics, automation, digital design, and advanced materials.
• Investigate human-machine interaction strategies to augment skilled labor and improve productivity and safety.
• Lead technical tasks within a UT-ORII Convergent Research Initiative focused on industrialized and automated construction.
• Contribute to proposal development and help grow a nationally visible research portfolio in automated construction technologies.
• This is an RP2-level independent contributor position expected to solve technically complex problems with limited supervision and develop growing external visibility.

Major Duties/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.
• Integrate sensing, control, and manufacturing systems to enable repeatable, scalable construction practices.
• Collaborate with UT faculty, ORNL researchers, and industry partners through UT-ORII.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students engaged in the CRI.
• Prepare and present research results to DOE sponsors, industry, and academic audiences.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at leading conferences.
• Contribute to proposal development and strategic research planning.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality requirements per ORNL SBMS.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Basic 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.
• Demonstrated research experience in at least one of the following:
  • Robotics and autonomous systems.
  • Construction automation or industrialized construction.
  • Advanced manufacturing systems.
  • Human-machine interaction in manufacturing environments.
  • Robotic process development and system integration.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, patents, or equivalent technical contributions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing robotic systems for large-scale or unstructured environments.
• Experience in advanced building construction technologies (modular construction, prefabrication, additive construction, automated assembly).
• Knowledge of robotic control systems, perception systems, or digital twin frameworks.
• Experience integrating sensing, controls, and manufacturing hardware.
• Industry experience in automation, construction technology, or advanced manufacturing.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines.
• Emerging leadership potential and interest in growing a research portfolio.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
• 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.

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.

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.