Process Development Engineer

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system;

and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management. The Energy Processes and Materials Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, creates and delivers real world solutions that support the Department of Energy’s goals for national energy security. We deliver new technologies that connect fundamental science to applications in areas such as energy storage, advanced materials manufacturing, applied catalysis, advanced separations, biomass conversions, carbon capture and utilization, and hydrogen production and storage.

We employ a systems perspective that includes discovery, technology development, and scale-up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization.

The Advanced Energy Systems group at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking a Process Development Engineer to contribute to the creation and demonstration of innovative solutions to problems of national significance in energy, and national security. The group has a long history of developing new processing solutions for the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Department of Defense and industrial clients.

The ideal candidate is a well-organized, self-starter with strong attention to detail, particularly in the design and operation of high-hazard systems. The position responsibilities include the following:

• Supports the team in the areas of advanced process development; specifically in separations and chemical processing related to isotopic separations.
• Building a strong technical reputation both inside and outside PNNL through publications, participation in national and international conferences, and other contributions.
• Conducts hands‑on chemical syntheses and materials testing for novel chemical conversions and/or separation techniques.
• Works with broader engineering teams to develop test plans that ensure collection of the necessary data to demonstrate large‑scale viability.
• Provides technical contributions through problem‑solving, innovation, and creativity, including the generation of ideas that are marketable and/or patentable.
• Able to work independently, including planning and executing work scope, completing deliverables on time and within budget, while maintaining safety as a priority.
• Proactive in the research community, stays knowledgeable of research advancements in science and industry, and maintains skills consistent with the state of the art.
• Prepares and presents technical reports.
• Delivers on assigned project tasks and meets project deliverables on time and within budget.

Minimum Qualifications: BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience
-OR-MS/MA
-OR-PhD

Preferred Qualifications: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering or equivalent. Already holds a U.S. security clearance.

• Extensive knowledge of the nuclear fuel cycle – front and back ends.
• Hands on experience working in radiological areas – fume hoods, benchtops, and glove…