Senior Electric Motor Researcher

Overview

The Centrifuge Science (CS) Section within the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Senior Electric Motor Researcher for the Mechanical Systems Modeling (MSM) Group. The Senior Electric Motor Researcher will perform analysis on electric motors and motor drive systems for gas centrifuges and will guide experimental testing and validation of electric motors and electromagnetics.

ESED serves the nation in two critical areas: advancing enrichment technologies and exploring enriched stable isotope production and applications. The division leverages an elite staff of scientists and engineers with ORNL s world-leading capabilities to deliver groundbreaking advancements with applications from national security to life-saving medical treatments.

ESED is the national steward for research, development, and demonstration of centrifuge technology. The successful candidate will provide research and development (R&D) leadership to the group that strategically advances science and technology focused on gas testing of prototype enrichment devices for processing uranium-bearing and stable isotope compounds.

The Mechanical Systems Modeling Group applies first principles and empirical approaches to advance the physics and engineering understanding of enrichment devices using analytical methods and computational tools such as finite element analysis (FEA). The Senior Electric Motor Researcher will provide R&D leadership to the group/section/division in the area of FEA on electric motors and development, testing, and demonstration of motors and motor drives.

Major duties will include performing complex analysis in electromagnetics related to motors and electromagnetic assemblies compatible with enrichment devices and technologies. The candidate will develop and coordinate tests to determine mechanical and thermal properties for use in and to validate simulations. The candidate will provide direction in detailed formal designs, test plans, test data analytics, and fabrication plans in coordination with stakeholder personnel.

Additional duties include:

• Establish and conduct research within the field of electric motors and motor drives as it relates to centrifuge and enrichment technologies.
• Interact and collaborate with management and group/section/division members to define, execute, and report on relevant project elements.
• Actively collaborate with domain experts from U.S. government laboratories and academia involved in similar efforts.
• Significantly contribute to R&D, design, and experimental troubleshooting activities.
• Publish high-quality research results in peer-reviewed classified reports.
• Publish and present nonsensitive research in journals and conferences, if authorized by the sponsoring agency.

• PhD degree and 8 years relevant postgraduate experience or a MS degree with 12 years postgraduate experience in electrical engineering or closely related engineering or science discipline.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), strategic planning, organization, and decision-making skills.
• Experience testing motors, motor drives, and magnetic material.
• Experience designing fixtures and apparatuses for testing magnetics and motors.

• Active DOE Q clearance
• Demonstrated prior leadership experience.
• Experience with ANSYS Maxwell and related software.
• Experience with MATLAB, C++, or Python.
• At least 7 years  relevant experience with modeling of electric motors and electromagnetics.
• Experience in designing and fabricating electric motors.
• Knowledge of motor control techniques used in motor drive systems.
• Knowledge of motor drive modulation techniques and their impact on motor design.
• Knowledge of position feedback systems and their integration in electric machines.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance from the US Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a preplacement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

About the Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate (ISED):
Established in 2020, ISED strengthens ORNL s leadership in isotope production and enrichment technology innovation. ISED guides the laboratory s pursuit of fundamental science and technology that broadens the application of isotopes for energy, environmental, medical, and national security purposes. These efforts are supported by facilities including the High Flux Isotope Reactor and Radiochemical Engineering Development Center. For more information, visit the Isotopes directorate page: