R7D Engineer; R&D Engineer

Position: R7D Engineer (R&D Engineer 2/3)
** What You Will Do*
* The Nuclear Materials Science Group (MST-16) is seeking an Engineer (2/3) to serve as the engineering lead for the Full-Scale Test Facility (FSTF) within PF-4. This role provides technical ownership of FSTF control and data acquisition systems that enable corrosion research and related national security missions. You will work in multidisciplinary teams alongside technicians, scientists, and engineers to maintain, upgrade, and lead high-impact test operations in secure nuclear facilities.

MST-16 supports national security missions through engineering innovation, system development, and materials testing in support of Pit Surveillance, Plutonium Modernization, and other core programs.

The successful candidate will lead the design, sustainment, and modernization of integrated experimental systems involving instrumentation, data acquisition, automation, pressure/vacuum systems, and facility interfaces. Working in close collaboration with technologists, scientists, and facility engineering organizations, you will ensure the FSTF remains reliable, modern, and mission-ready.

** This position will be filled at either the R&D Engineer 2 or 3 level, depending on the skills of the selected candidate.  Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if the candidate is hired at the higher level.*
* ** R&D Engineer 2 ($106,400 - $176,000)*
* Research activities and responsibilities of the successful candidate will include the following:

+ Serve as technical lead for FSTF control and data acquisition systems, including architecture and configuration control.

+ Design, integrate, and upgrade instrumentation, automation, and DAQ platforms to improve reliability and data quality.

+ Lead troubleshooting of complex system-level issues across electrical, software, mechanical, and gas/vacuum subsystems.

+ Define technical requirements and oversee procurement, installation, qualification, and readiness of system upgrades.

+ Ensure alignment with facility infrastructure and safety requirements, including DSA compliance.

+ Maintain system documentation, schematics, and engineering standards.

+ Partner with scientists to translate research objectives into executable system designs.

+ Provide technical direction to technologists and support milestone execution.

** R&D Engineer 3 ($128,000 - $215,900)*
* In addition to what was outlined at the lower level, at this level the Engineer 3 position has the following expectations.

+ Define and maintain the long-term technical roadmap for FSTF control and automation capabilities.

+ Lead major modernization efforts from concept through deployment.

+ Serve as primary engineering interface with facility, safety, and operations organizations.

+ Mentor staff and lead small multidisciplinary teams.

+ Identify and implement improvements that enhance automation, reliability, and mission impact.

** What You Need*
* ** Minimum

Job Requirements:

*
* The ideal candidate will have a strong electrical, controls, or systems engineering background and demonstrated experience developing and sustaining complex experimental or industrial control systems.  Required

Skills and Experience:

+ Strong foundation in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline (e.g., Electrical & Computer Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Systems Engineering with controls focus).

+ Experience designing, integrating, and maintaining data acquisition and control systems.

+ Knowledge of sensors, signal conditioning, I/O systems, grounding, and fault response.

+

Experience with control and DAQ software (e.g., LabVIEW, PLCs, or similar platforms).

+ Understanding of automation concepts such as sequencing and fail-safe design.

+ Experience integrating electrical systems with mechanical, pressure, vacuum, or gas-handling subsystems.

+ Ability to troubleshoot complex, cross-disciplinary systems.

+ Experience producing engineering documentation and working in regulated or safety-critical environments.

+ Strong communication skills and ability to obtain and maintain DOE Q clearance and HRP certification.

** Additional

Job Requirements for Engineer 3:*
* In addition to the requirements outlined above, qualification at the higher level requires the candidate to serve as the technical authority and long-term owner of the FSTF control and data acquisition capability.  Additional Expectations Include:

+ Demonstrated leadership in modernization and lifecycle management of complex control and DAQ systems.

+ Experience defining system architecture, technical standards, and configuration management practices.

+ Proven ability to advance automation, reliability, and system performance.

+ Experience leading major upgrades and serving as technical interface with facility and safety organizations.

+ Experience mentoring staff and sustaining mission-critical systems.

** Education/Experience at lower level:
** Position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from an accredited institution and 4 years of related…