Process Development Engineer

Process Development Engineer

The Advanced Energy Systems group at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a Process Development Engineer to contribute to the creation and demonstration of innovative solutions to problems of national significance in energy, and national security. The group has a long history of developing new processing solutions for the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Defense and industrial clients. The ideal candidate is a well-organized, self-starter with strong attention to detail, particularly in the design and operation of high-hazard systems.

The position responsibilities include the following:

• Supports the team in the areas of advanced process development; specifically in separations and chemical processing related to isotopic separations. Building a strong technical reputation both inside and outside PNNL through publications, participation in national and international conferences, and other contributions.
• Conducts hands-on chemical syntheses and materials testing for novel chemical conversions and/or separation techniques.
• Works with broader engineering teams to develop test plans that ensure collection of the necessary data to demonstrate large-scale viability.
• Provides technical contributions through problem-solving, innovation, and creativity, including the generation of ideas that are marketable and/or patentable.
• Able to work independently, including planning and executing work scope, completing deliverables on time and within budget, while maintaining safety as a priority.
• Proactive in the research community, stays knowledgeable of research advancements in science and industry, and maintains skills consistent with the state of the art.
• Prepares and presents technical reports.
• Delivers on assigned project tasks and meets project deliverables on time and within budget.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA -OR-
• PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering or equivalent.
• Already holds a U.S. security clearance.
• Extensive knowledge of the nuclear fuel cycle – front and back ends.
• Hands on experience working in radiological areas – fume hoods, benchtops, and glove boxes.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as ultrasonics, mass spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, etc.
• Chemistry experience, especially in radioisotope and stable isotope preparation and separations.
• Experience working with a diverse set of government and/or industry teams on complex and/or high-risk projects.
• Ability to contribute to the development of competitive research proposals for government and private clients.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to clearly communicate research goals, parameters, objectives and outcomes.
• Demonstrated excellence in technical writing, ideally supported by peer-reviewed publications, and experience contributing to competitive research proposals for government and private clients.
• The ideal candidate will be a well-organized, self-starter, with strong attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as effective time management skills, are essential for balancing activities across multiple concurrent projects.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
• Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.

This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.