Senior​/Principal R&D Mechanical Engineer - Solar Thermal Systems, Onsite

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Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide

Extraordinary co-workers

Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world

Career advancement and enrichment opportunities

Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)

Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov

* These benefits vary by job classification.

What Your Job Will Be Like:

We are seeking an R&D Mechanical Engineer (job title: R&D S&E, Mechanical Engineering) to lead tasks related to modeling and experimental research on solar thermal systems, including system level mass and thermal transport phenomena. You will assist PIs initially and develop your own research interests combining a fundamental understanding of the physics of solar thermal systems to develop appropriate models and experimental validation processes.

Models may be developed for thermal energy transport, mass flow, thermal energy storage, collector and receiver design, industrial process integration, or other relevant components and systems as requested by industry collaborators or the Department of Energy. Experimental testing may be conducted to validate models at bench to demonstration scale.

This position will also involve meeting with customers to provide specialized component testing solutions. The successful candidate will work with a team of engineers and technologists to perform simulation and hardware validation testing with the appropriate platforms in the Integrated Solar and Thermal Energy Systems Department. Additional opportunities for thermodynamic cycle analysis, thermal-hydraulic and mechanical design, power/heat production for industrial applications, and technoeconomic analysis are possible and the use of AI and advanced digital engineering tools is expected.

Understanding and adherence to applicable Sandia National Laboratories ES&H requirements and guidelines will be important for this position.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

Use engineering principles to research, design, or develop structures, instruments, machines, processes, or systems; to construct or operate the same with cognizance of their design; or to forecast their behavior under specific operating conditions.

Prepare and analyze models and simulations of molten salt, sCO2, steam and or particle-based systems, concentrating solar power collectors or receivers, power plants, or hybrid energy systems.

Plan, conceive, conduct, and manage research and development projects for NSTTF's customers and sponsors.

Be self-motivated, detail-oriented, eager to advance concentrated solar thermal technologies, and interested in technical/functional details.

Manage task and project budgets, schedules, plans, and communications.

Present original research at conferences as well as in written publications.

Due to the nature of the work, the selected applicant must be able…