Talent Bridge - Mechanical Engineer

Position Summary
Design systems for motion, heat, and fluid dynamics that redefine reliability and performance in nuclear facilities, experimental setups, and mission-critical infrastructure supporting the nation’s energy and technological advancement.

Essential Job Functions

Decompose project goals into defined and controlled design requirements.

Use best practices in design methodologies to develop and validate designs.

Develop physics‑based mathematical models of mechanical, chemical, and electrical systems.

Maintain familiarity with codes and standards applicable to the discipline.

Document designs to establish conformance with requirements and standards.

Establish testing, inspection, and quality requirements.

Ensure fabrication, construction, assembly, and procurement align with design specifications.

Develop and maintain systems/equipment, perform calculations, and evaluate design specifications.

Provide solutions to technical problems and recommendations for production improvements.

Monitor and evaluate plant systems, recommend maintenance and repair standards, and identify vendor data and spare parts.

Support and lead new project development, including proposals and business plans.

Ensure design modifications meet technical baseline requirements and applicable codes.

Maintain configuration management of the technical baseline and assigned systems.

Ensure consistency in operational characteristics across documentation.

Develop experiment requirements, perform designs, and support fabrication, inspection, assembly, and testing.

Lead the design and development of experimental setups and support post‑irradiation examination (PIE) of irradiated test fuel.

Serve as design engineer for fueled test train fabrication tasks.

Develop project‑specific documentation and check drawings.

Talent Bridge Program Benefits

Mentored environment providing post‑degree work experience.

Opportunities for professional development and training.

Accelerated knowledge transfer from retiring staff to early career individuals.

Required Qualifications

Level 1: Recent graduate (within the past 12 months) with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a directly related field from a program accredited by ABET.

Level 2: Recent graduate (within the past 12 months) with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a directly related field from a program accredited by ABET.

Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance (“L” or higher).

Strong technical skills in mechanical engineering, including design, modeling, and problem‑solving. Familiarity with applicable codes, standards, and safety requirements is crucial.

Physical Requirements
Stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. Handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. Operate job‑related equipment and drive a vehicle. Lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance. Required visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform essential functions and interact with the public. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Benefits and Relocation

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts.

401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self‑contribute access (postdoctoral positions).

Paid time off (personal leave).

Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions).

Comprehensive Relocation Package.

Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

Pay Range
Level 1: $83,964 – $90,948. Level 2: $100,188 – $108,528.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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