Research Associate Advanced Machining and Machine Tool Research Group
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that conducts science and technology research in energy, national security, computing, materials, neutron science, isotopes, and related fields.
About Oak Ridge National Laboratory
ORNL is the largest science and energy laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy. Managed by UT-Battelle for DOE, it operates research infrastructure and user facilities, conducts applied and fundamental research, and currently advances AI-enabled scientific discovery alongside its energy and national-security missions.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will conduct research in advanced machining and manufacturing systems. You will plan and execute CNC machining experiments, analyze manufacturing data and machine performance, contribute to publications and proposals, and support project planning, documentation, risk identification, and technical-progress communication.
Requirements
- PhD in mechanical, manufacturing, industrial, mechatronics, electrical, or controls engineering, or a related discipline; or an MS and at least 2 years of relevant experience
- Research experience in machining science, machine tool dynamics, error compensation and modeling, CNC system design, or machining process optimization
- Experience with CNC machine tools, machine controllers, G-code, CAM software, machining process planning, fixture design, and practical manufacturing workflows
- Qualification for access to export-controlled technology without an export control license
- Ability to obtain and maintain a federal PIV card or favorable Local Site Specific Only risk determination
Responsibilities
- Conduct independent and collaborative research in advanced machining and machine tool systems
- Develop, plan, and execute experimental research involving CNC machining and process optimization
- Analyze manufacturing problems using experimental data, statistical methods, and computational tools
- Contribute to research proposals, technical reports, publications, invention disclosures, presentations, and sponsor briefings
- Support scope definition, milestone planning, budget awareness, risk identification, documentation, and technical-progress communication
Benefits
- Medical plans
- Retirement plans
- Flexible work hours
- On-site fitness facilities
- Banking facilities
- Cafeteria facilities
- Prescription drug plan
- Dental plan
- Vision plan
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Contributory pension plan
- Life insurance
- Disability benefits
- 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
- Employee discounts