ORNL Mechanical Testing Laboratory Technology Associate
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy, environment, and security.
The Nuclear Structural Materials (NSM) Group of the Materials Science and Technology Division is seeking a candidate to support the NSM group testing activities at the Fracture Mechanics Laboratory (FML), the Irradiation Materials Examination and Testing (IMET) facilities, and the Low Activation Materials Design and Analysis Laboratory (LAMDA). The NSM group at ORNL performs modeling, testing, and examination of the irradiation effect on the performance of materials for various nuclear applications. This position will involve mechanical and other testing activities at FML, IMET, and LAMDA facilities. Primary testing functions include tensile, fracture toughness, hardness, high temperature and vacuum testing, etc. The candidate will design and implement mechanical test capabilities, improve test instrument operations, and assist with irradiation experiments such as specimen preparation. The individual will be expected to stay current with latest testing techniques and methods for in-cell testing and have a keen interest to improve quality and efficiency of testing.
Major Duties/Responsibilities
• Assist research staff in obtaining mechanical property data, such as Charpy impact, tensile, fracture toughness, fatigue crack growth, etc. in both a regular laboratory and hot cell lab.
• Design test fixtures for daily laboratory and hot cell testing.
• As part of a team, develop new testing technique and participate in the new equipment procurement and setup process.
• Work in low activation radioactive environment for sample preparation and testing (the radiation level is closely monitored and controlled within DOE and ORNL administrative limit).
• Complete special projects such as the installation and setup of new equipment inside a hot cell environment.
• Maintain test equipment to ensure good working order.
• Train students, postdocs, and visitors for using testing equipment.
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements.
The candidate should have or is pursuing a bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree in nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, or other related fields.
Preferred Skills
• Experience as a laboratory testing technician.
• Experiences for mechanical testing equipment such as hardness tester, test frame, load/displacement/temperature control equipment, etc.
• Experience with MS Word, Excel, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and LabView software.
• Demonstrated planning, time management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work with other group members and peer technicians.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, can-do attitude, and ability to adapt to new situations.
Living in East Tennessee: While the opportunity to work at ORNL is an amazing experience in itself, it’s easy to overlook everything else East Tennessee has to offer if you haven’t had the opportunity to spend time here. From spending your weekends downtown at Knoxville’s farmers market, the Rhythm n’ Blooms Music Festival, or the Dogwood Arts Festival, to some of the best hiking, kayaking, and camping in the U.S., East Tennessee has something to offer everyone.
The ORNL Laboratory Technology Associate Program is administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities through its contract with DOE to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE).
ORAU is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability); visit the ORAU website for required employment notices.
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