Talent Bridge: Applied Mechanical Engineer

Overview

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking a recent bachelor's graduate for our Talent Bridge program. As an Applied Mechanical Engineer, you will use engineering principles to design, build, test, and install specialized equipment that supports nuclear fuel fabrication activities. You will create CAD-driven designs, develop lab-scale components, run experiments, and assemble and test fabrication systems to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations.

This role blends engineering design with hands-on fabrication, experimentation, and plant maintenance support.

• Decompose project objectives into defined and controlled design requirements.
• Use design methodologies, technologies, and processes which are best practice for the technical discipline to develop and define a design, and to validate that the design meets defined requirements.
• Maintain familiarity with and technical understanding of codes and standards applicable to the discipline.
• Oversee or ensure that fabrication, construction, assembly, and procurement are done in accordance with the design.
• Provide solutions to technical problems and recommendations for improvements in production activities, including planning, design, and constructing manufacturing facilities and similar structures or production processes.
• Support and lead the development of new projects at INL in the area of specialty, including the development of proposals and business plans.
• Responsible for experiment design and fabrication and associated activities leading to irradiation. Establish experiment designs, demonstrate experiment requirements, and confirm experiment integrated analyses to ensure nuclear safety basis are met.

• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology to the design and production of goods and services.
• Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce sensible answers.
• Ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions.
• Ability to listen to and understand information presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly in speaking.
• Ability to identify when something is wrong or likely to go wrong and recognize issues.

• Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering or related field from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Talent Bridge applicants must have graduated within the last 12 months.
• CAD experience applied in experimental design or laboratory settings.
• Completion of a capstone project during undergraduate studies.

• Previous participation in an INL internship.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Familiarity with robotic or automated systems.

• Current Resume or CV
• Proof of graduation (copy of diploma or transcripts)

• Mentored environment providing post-degree work experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Accelerated knowledge transfer from retiring staff to early career individuals.

• Performance and satisfaction reviewed every three months. At six months, next steps may include transition to a full-time role, pursuing additional education, or exploring other opportunities.

The pay range for this position is $82,151 - $88,992. Compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.

The employee may stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in office or laboratory environments. Requires hand/finger dexterity for keyboarding and handling materials, ability to operate equipment and drive a vehicle. May occasionally lift up to 35 pounds. Reasonable accommodations available upon request.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors including employment status and position…