Process Development Engineer

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that are referred to as directorates within the Lab. Each directorate focuses on a specific area of scientific research or other functions, 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 the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a DOE 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, supporting the Department of Energy’s mission areas of modernizing the power grid, advancing renewable energy and efficiency technologies, and addressing complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management. The Energy Processes and Materials Division, part of this directorate, creates and delivers real‑world solutions that connect fundamental science to applications such as energy storage, advanced materials manufacturing, applied catalysis, advanced separations, biomass conversions, carbon capture and utilization, and hydrogen production and storage.

The Advanced Energy Systems group is seeking a Process Development Engineer to contribute to innovative solutions for national energy and security challenges. The role involves:

• Supporting advanced process development, particularly in isotopic separations and related chemical processing.
• Conducting hands‑on chemical syntheses and materials testing for novel chemical conversions and separation techniques.
• Collaborating with engineering teams to develop test plans that collect data demonstrating large‑scale viability.
• Providing technical contributions through problem‑solving, innovation, and creativity, including generating marketable or patentable ideas.
• Working independently to plan, execute, and deliver on project scope and deliverables within time and budget, while maintaining safety as a priority.
• Staying proactive in the research community and keeping skills aligned with the state of the art.
• Preparing and presenting technical reports.
• Delivering on assigned project tasks and meeting project deliverables on time and within budget.

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience
• MS/MA
• PhD

• 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 boxes.
• Experience with analytical techniques such as ultrasonics, mass spectrometry, X‑ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, etc.
• Chemistry experience, especially in radioisotope and stable isotope preparation and separations.
• Experience working with diverse government and industry teams on complex and/or high‑risk projects.
• Ability to contribute to competitive research proposals for government and private clients.
• Strong analytical skills and clear communication of research goals, parameters, objectives, and outcomes.
• Demonstrated excellence in technical writing, supported by peer‑reviewed publications and proposal experience.
• Well‑organized, self‑starter with strong attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as effective time‑management skills for balancing concurrent projects.

• Laboratory work includes assembly and operation of equipment in an industrial lab setting, involving radioactive, flammable, and/or toxic materials.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. A background investigation checks employment, education, financial, criminal history, and references to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified material in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Bac…