Materials Science Post-Bachelor's Engineer

What You Will Do

The MST-8 Materials Scattering Team is seeking a post-bachelor's engineer to support in situ microstructural characterization using neutron and synchrotron X-ray sources. The successful candidate will help develop experimental environments that contain, stimulate, and measure materials at beamline facilities. This role requires critical thinking, foundational engineering knowledge, effective collaboration, and a strong commitment to the Laboratory's safety and security culture. The engineer will report to the lead engineer and work closely with scientific staff and internal and external stakeholders.

Post-Bachelor's

Engineer

Tasks include but are not limited to:

• Design, analyze, and build experimental devices to defined requirements.
• Research, select, and implement instrumentation and data-acquisition systems.
• Collect and evaluate engineering data, including stress, strain, vacuum, electrical, and temperature measurements.

Test types include but are not limited to:

• Materials testing, aging, and compatibility studies.
• Thermal and high-temperature studies.
• Combined-environment studies involving thermal and mechanical stress or strain.

Experimental work requires close collaboration with engineers, scientists, and technicians from the Laboratory, the U.S. Department of Energy, and partner institutions.

Additional responsibilities include supporting the development of new testing technologies and facilities, implementing quality-assurance requirements, and providing clear, timely, and technically accurate direction to test-support technicians. Work may occur in controlled hazardous environments involving radiation-generating devices, radioactive materials, high explosives, or other hazardous materials.

Travel to national and international user facilities is expected for experiment execution, typically for 5-10 days several times per year.

Minimum

Job Requirements Post-Bachelor's Engineer Experimental Design and Project Execution

• Foundational knowledge of experimental engineering, including design, planning, preparation, execution, and documentation of results against requirements or specifications.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, adapt to changing priorities, and meet firm deadlines.
• Ability to complete technical assignments independently and collaboratively with engineers, scientists, and technicians.

Engineering Analysis and Technical Documentation

• Bachelor's-level coursework or hands-on experience using engineering software for modeling, analysis, or data evaluation. Relevant tools may include CAD/CAE applications, MATLAB, LabVIEW, Python, or comparable packages.
• Ability to prepare clear technical documentation and communicate analysis results accurately.

Communication and Eligibility

• Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with colleagues, technicians, stakeholders, and customers.
• Attendance at an accredited postsecondary institution.
• A cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.
• Completion of the qualifying bachelor's degree within three years of the anticipated hiring date.
• Applicants must not be enrolled in or accepted into a graduate program.
• This post-bachelor's appointment is limited to two years.

Clearance

• Ability to obtain a U.S. Department of Energy Q clearance, which generally requires U.S. citizenship.

A bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited institution is required. No graduate degree is required. Must have earned a Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (or international equivalent) within the last 3 years in an appropriate field, Must have graduated with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Desired

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, engineering physics, or a closely related field.
• Coursework or project experience in engineering design, dynamics, mechanics of materials, thermal analysis, experimental methods, or three-dimensional modeling.
• Experience with CAD and technical computing tools such as Solid Works and MATLAB.
• Hands-on experience designing, building, testing, or documenting an engineering system, including senior capstone work.
• Experience explaining technical concepts, leading small teams, maintaining records, or coordinating project documentation.
• Interest in materials testing, instrumentation, data acquisition, and work in controlled experimental environments.

Essential Job Functions (can perform with or without reasonable accommodation):
Sitting,…