Polymer Composite Material Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition Id 16573 

Overview:

We are seeking a Technical Professional Staff member who will focus on manufacturing processes and testing for advanced polymer composites. The successful candidate will be expected to execute research and development tasks at ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility including, but not limited to: operating polymer composite manufacturing systems such as extrusion, compression molding, large area thermoplastic extrusion additive manufacturing systems, infusion and thermoforming processes designing test and demonstration articles, preparing and analyzing material samples; analyzing samples; and preparing reports of the results of such analyses. The staff will be expected to collaborate amongst groups focusing on basic and applied research in various fields related to the current projects. This position resides in the Composites Innovation Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD), Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, the candidate will execute tasks necessary to advancement the science of manufacturing with emphasis on polymer composites manufacturing processes. Experience in polymer composite materials processing and testing is critical for this position. You will be expected to simultaneously execute multiple projects, contribute to lab set-up, operations, maintenance of equipment, interact with ORNL staff, industry, and academic partners.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Execute tasks for projects in the area of high-rate composite manufacturing
• Characterize polymer composites feedstock materials
• Prepare polymeric and composite materials and intermediates
• Execute tasks for projects in the area of post process of composite structures
• Execute tasks for projects in the area of additive manufacturing and processing of advanced thermoplastic composites
• Execute tasks for projects in the area of design and manufacturing optimization for additive manufacturing
• Contribute to lab set-up and operations
• Work with others to maintain a high level of scientific productivity
• Interact regularly with senior scientists, program managers, group members, and industrial partners, and prepare and present periodic reports documenting research and development
• Present and report research results and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health and quality program requirements
• Ensure compliance with ORNL operation excellence
• Maintain strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A BS in manufacturing, mechanical engineering or a related discipline
• Experience with advanced polymer manufacturing processes
• Experience with continuous & discontinuous composite material systems
• Experience with different polymer characterization and testing methods
• Experience with computer aided design (CAD) software and concepts

Preferred Qualifications:

• An excellent record of productive and creative technical solutions
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to communicate in English to an international scientific audience
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative and frequently interacting teams of researchers
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Special Requirements:

Please submit two letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to

Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:

• Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
• View Profile
• Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. 

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.