Experimental Operations Engineer

Overview For this position the Nuclear Science and Engineering (NSE) Division is seeking an experienced electrical, mechanical, chemical, and/or nuclear engineer to join our multi‑disciplinary team that includes design engineers, test engineers, fluids and thermal researchers, and experienced technicians. The selected individual will oversee the design, construction, startup and commissioning, operations, and troubleshooting of cutting‑edge experimental systems and sub‑systems related to and in support of the intermediate‑scale liquid metal technology experimental facility called the Mechanisms Engineering Test Loop (METL), its associated hydraulic loops and qualification hardware, and other test loops and NSE Division experiments. Responsibilities Oversee the construction, startup, commissioning, and operations of intermediate and small‑scale liquid metal technology experiments and provide technical support and/or direction for experimental and programmatic work in the areas of mechanical, electromechanical, optical, and electrical systems. Manage the development, fabrication, troubleshooting, repair, calibration, purchasing, and maintenance for a variety of complex electronic and mechanical apparatus, plant/process equipment, and subsystems, with a specific focus on the intermediate‑scale liquid metal technology facility (METL) and Argonne’s other liquid metal and surrogate experiments. Design and test electro‑mechanical equipment for advanced reactors that may be destined for testing in the MELT facility or its supporting infrastructure. Design and test electronic systems which typically consist of power supplies and controllers, data logging hardware, and equipment for temperature and valve control. Operate the METL facility or other facilities to provide the necessary conditions for the research and development conducted in the test vessels. Coordinate with METL operators the installation and testing of specialized experimental equipment in the METL facility and its associated equipment. Maintain knowledge and awareness of laboratory policies and procedures. Oversee personnel performing shift work. Demonstrate interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and exhibit core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork. Qualifications Advanced experience with experimental design and operation including instrumentation (thermocouples, pressure transmitters, flow meters, level sensors, etc.) specification, installation, and operation. Prior experience with resistance heating systems and LabVIEW/Eurotherm/industrial control systems. Prior experience operating liquid metal and high‑temperature experimental facilities. Knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications to experiments is desirable. Prior leadership experience. Familiarity with industry standards and practices for electrical and/or mechanical systems. Knowledge of mechanical equipment (motors, pulleys, gears, pumps, valves, etc.), thermal effects on materials and components (expansion, evaporation, etc.), and operation of a personal computer. Knowledge of metallurgy, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics. Ability to model Argonne’s core values: impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork. Salary and Benefits Job Family: Research & Development (RD). Expected pay ranges: RD2 – $94,486 – $147,399; RD3 – $116,250 – $181,350. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on qualifications, responsibilities, and market considerations. Comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr Argonne National Laboratory