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Overview


Responsibilities

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) Applied Materials and Manufacturing group is seeking an outstanding researcher/engineer with expertise in solid-phase processing (SPP) to join a world-class, interdisciplinary research program advancing next-generation metals manufacturing for a broad range of energy, defense, and industrial applications. PNNL's research focuses on understanding the fundamental physics of microstructural evolution in materials subjected to high-strain and high-shear processing conditions and translating those discoveries into scalable manufacturing technologies that produce high-performance materials and components.

 

This is a highly hands-on position supporting the development of advanced manufacturing technologies including friction stir welding, friction stir processing, friction stir consolidation, shear-assisted processing and extrusion (ShAPE), friction extrusion, and cold spray. The successful candidate will collaborate with materials scientists, mechanical engineers, manufacturing researchers, and industrial partners to develop innovative processing solutions while advancing the understanding of processing-structure-property relationships across a variety of metallic materials and manufacturing platforms.

 

The successful candidate will:

• Work directly with advanced solid-phase processing equipment, tooling, robotics, automation systems, and materials characterization techniques.
• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, and processing approaches for research and industrial applications.
• Support design-build-test activities, including adaptation of tooling and systems for robotic manufacturing platforms and prototype equipment.
• Investigate relationships between processing conditions, microstructure evolution, and material performance through experimentation and characterization.
• Develop material- and application-specific processing parameters, workflows, and manufacturing protocols.
• Apply principles of physical metallurgy and materials science to integrate machine development with process optimization across multiple manufacturing technologies.
• Coordinate fabrication activities with machinists, engineers, and technical staff.
• Develop testing strategies and recommendations consistent with ASTM and ISO standards.
• Prepare technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and sponsor deliverables.
• Contribute to proposal development, strategic research planning, and new program development.
• Lead small engineering or research projects while delivering high-quality results on schedule and within budget.

 

Desired Skills and Experience

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Strong technical problem-solving, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with machine, tooling, fixture, and manufacturing equipment design using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software.
• Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA), thermal modeling, computational materials engineering, or process simulation tools.
• Knowledge of physical metallurgy, materials processing, deformation mechanisms, and processing-structure-property relationships.
• Experience with advanced materials characterization and interpretation of microstructural and mechanical property data.
• Experience with industrial robotics, automation, advanced manufacturing systems, and process controls.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to develop innovative concepts and coordinate all aspects of the design-build-test process.
• Familiarity with clean-sheet engineering and manufacturing system design is desirable.

 

Professional Expectations

The researcher/engineer will:

• Build a nationally recognized technical reputation through innovative research and engineering.
• Develop creative technical solutions to complex manufacturing and materials challenges.
• Establish collaborative technical relationships across multidisciplinary teams within PNNL and with external partners.
• Mentor students, interns, and early-career researchers.
• Independently execute research assignments while effectively balancing multiple priorities.
• Present research findings at national and international technical conferences.
• Lead portions of proposals, technical reports, journal publications, and sponsor deliverables.
• Maintain the highest standards of quality, safety, security, and scientific integrity.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and at least 2 years of relevant Mechanical Engineering experience -OR-
• MS/MA -OR-
• PhD
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more solid-phase processing technologies, such as friction stir welding, friction stir processing, friction stir consolidation, shear-assisted processing and extrusion (ShAPE), friction extrusion, hot extrusion, equal-channel angular pressing/extrusion (ECAP/ECAE), cold spray, or related severe plastic deformation processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Hands-on experience operating, troubleshooting, and optimizing advanced manufacturing equipment for research or industrial applications.
• Experience designing or modifying manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, robotic end-effectors, or process hardware using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software.
• Strong knowledge of physical and mechanical metallurgy, including microstructural evolution, deformation behavior, and processing–structure–property relationships.
• Experience with industrial automation, robotics, advanced process controls, machine integration, and real-time process monitoring or quality assurance.
• Experience developing and implementing ASTM or ISO-compliant materials testing methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams while developing innovative technical solutions.
• Strong analytical, project management, and technical communication skills, including preparation of proposals, technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations.
• Experience working with industrial partners, national laboratories, or technology transition activities.
• Internship, cooperative education, or other industrial or national laboratory experience related to advanced manufacturing or materials engineering.
• Demonstrated commitment to delivering high-quality work while meeting project schedules and sponsor expectations.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not Applicable

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
 

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

 

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

 

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [email protected].

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

 

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.  If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. 

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication.  The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include 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) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

Research Associates excluded.

**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

 

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

 

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $89,300.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary

USD $131,200.00/Yr.