Postdoctoral Appointee - Integrated Solar & Thermal Systems, Onsite

About the Role

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Appointee to support thermal energy storage (TES), concentrated solar thermal (CST), and heat conversion projects focused on techno‑economic analysis (TEA) and performance optimization of advanced solar‑thermal collector systems integrated with TES, and on advanced power‑cycle design and integration.

The successful candidate will apply strong mechanical engineering fundamentals—thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and solid mechanics—along with system‑level modeling and analysis to optimize end‑to‑end solar‑thermal‑to‑heat and solar‑thermal‑to‑power architectures.

Key responsibilities include:

• Independently conduct research and deliver projects under the guidance of senior staff, including theoretical, computational, and experimental work in teams with partners from other institutions.
• Work with Sandia's technology transfer and licensing professionals to move successful R&D from the labs to industry.
• Assist or lead in developing proposals to secure funding from sponsors and customers for new or ongoing R&D projects in CST and TES.
• Disseminate R&D outcomes through journal articles, conference presentations, and other channels.
• Potentially represent Sandia on national or international committees related to conferences, standards, and publications.

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience with thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and/or solid mechanics.
• Prior academic or professional experience in Python coding.
• Proven record of technical accomplishment and strong written and verbal communication skills, evidenced by peer‑reviewed publications and/or conference presentations.

• Python coding skills for model integration and techno‑economic analysis.
• Experience generating CFD and/or FEA models for thermal and/or mechanical components.
• Strong communication skills for presenting to varied audiences and working on multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with TEA and cost/performance modeling (LCOE/LCOH), including sensitivity/uncertainty analysis and scenario evaluation across locations, scales, and markets.
• Experience with power‑cycle analysis and system modeling for thermal‑to‑electric conversion (sCO2 Brayton, steam Rankine, supercritical water, recuperated cycles), including cycle configuration development and state‑point design.
• Proficiency with computational/data‑analysis tools for modeling and optimization; familiarity with numerical optimization and/or AI‑assisted design‑space exploration methods is a plus.
• Familiarity with thermal energy storage concepts and trade studies, including TES media, heat transfer fluids, heat exchanger integration, and charge/discharge performance.
• Experience integrating experimental data into models for validation and performance prediction.
• Familiarity with industrial process heat applications and load‑matching requirements.
• Knowledge of lifecycle assessment (LCA) methods and carbon accounting; experience quantifying emissions reductions and environmental impacts is a plus.
• Exposure to supply chain, manufacturability, and domestic sourcing assessments.
• Understanding of solar thermal systems and radiation heat transfer fundamentals.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.