Mechanical Engineer Level 3/4

Idaho National Laboratory seeks Mechanical Engineer to shape the future of energy and national innovation by designing and testing cutting-edge systems that push the boundaries of possibility through integration of transformative technologies. You will participate in the design, development, testing, and verification of complex electrical, mechanical and/or software systems and components by providing a rigorous systems engineering approach. You will analyze engineering plans and projects to establish operational objectives, high level functions and detailed requirement decomposition. Assist in the analysis of proposals and related technical data to evaluate design alternatives using a systems engineering approach. Utilize digital engineering tools — including requirements management, model-based systems engineering (MBSE), and AI-assisted design review platforms, to carry out the role of systems engineer.  Identify opportunities for integration of technologies and techniques to advance technical capabilities and develop new, unique cutting-edge solutions. Work may encompass a wide range of sophisticated (cross-discipline) engineering problem resolutions, including support across multiple concurrent reactor/facility projects. 

This position is located at our Materials and Fuels Complex, which hosts the core of the U.S. nuclear research and development capabilities with a diverse array of facilities designed for remote work on highly irradiated fuels and materials. A new fuel idea can be designed, fabricated, tested, and analyzed at MFC to better understand the effects of irradiation. Many groups, such as universities, industry partners, other national laboratories, international research organizations, and other federal agencies are working at MFC. Our team works a 4x10 schedule every Friday off.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities: (Knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for this position.) 

• Apply Systems Engineering principles and techniques to support and carry out the engineering design process, including requirements development, decomposition, verification, and traceability across the full project/system lifecycle. 
• Develop, implement, and integrate systems engineering principles throughout the project/system lifecycle. This includes systems and organizational integration, road mapping, and testing. 
• Use digital engineering tools —such as Asset Suites to implement systems engineering on all assigned projects. 
• Create, revise, and manage configuration baselines for System Design Descriptions (SDDs), Functional and Operational Requirements (F&OR), Concepts of Operations (ConOps), and Code of Record (COR) documents, ensuring numbering, callouts, figures, tables, cross-references are correct and complete. 
• Reconcile discrepancies between requirements management databases, document control systems (e.g., EDMS), and source documents; maintain synchronization and traceability across artifacts. 
• Develop and apply custom macros, scripts, and database tools (e.g., Access-based requirements databases) to automate document generation, formatting, difference reporting, and requirements management tasks. 
• Develop and apply AI-assisted digital engineering workflows (e.g., using Microsoft 365 Copilot, Claude, and ChatGPT) to perform completeness checks, automated design reviews, and comparison of requirements against design output binders; evaluate and recommend AI tools for design review processes. 
• Support the development of concepts of operations to identify high-level functions and detailed requirements for a wide range of projects. 
• Develop and implement appropriate graded systems engineering approaches and processes to meet program and customer needs.  
• Draft, edit, and maintain technical specifications, requirements documents, and safety-basis documentation (e.g., PDSA/DSA inputs), ensuring alignment with DOE Orders, NE Standards, ANS standards, and other applicable codes and regulations. 
• Create and interpret system architecture artifacts, including interface definitions, digital thread documentation, and 3D models (e.g., Creo or Revit) to communicate system design and boundaries. 
• Author or co-author engineering specifications and serve as document owner responsible for change requests, comment resolution, and release readiness. 
• Develop control system concepts, instrumentation and P&ID diagrams, and related technical design artifacts in support of system design efforts. 
• Identify the full range of viable systems and decision-making alternatives to address engineering challenges and problems. 
• Develop systems models and decision-making tools to help customers make informed, efficient, effective, and defensible decisions relative to the problem or challenge being addressed. 
• Support and mentor colleagues in technical writing and professional development. 
• Ensure that all activities are conducted in compliance with DOE orders and Federal, State, and Local regulations. 
• Coordinate and provide technical guidance across multiple engineering disciplines, including instrumentation & controls, networking, mechanical, safety engineering, and document control.
• Mentor junior level staff, including guidance on tool usage, documentation practices, and systems engineering methodology. 
• Other duties as assigned by the department manager or lead engineer. 

 Minimum Requirements:

• Level 3: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other related technical discipline plus 5 years relevant experience, or Advanced Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or other related degree with 2 years relevant experience or a closely related field from a program accredited by ABET.

• Level 4: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other related technical discipline plus 9 years relevant experience, or Advanced Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or other related degree with 6+ years relevant experience or a closely related field from a program accredited by ABET.

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "L" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exposure to CAD modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, CREO) with the ability to apply it in a design environment.
• Foundational understanding of mechanical system design, machine design, robotics, and related control systems developed through applied university projects and early career experiences.
• Familiarity with fabrication, construction, and assembly processes and an understanding of how they connect to engineering design requirements.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations and apply analytical thinking to evaluate mechanical systems and design specifications.
• Experience contributing to engineering projects across multiple phases, such as design, analysis, fabrication, or testing, gained through academic or early career opportunities.

 Job Information:  

• The pay range for this position is: Level 3 ($95,256 - $195,288)/ Level 4 ($114,360 - $234,336). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials. 
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the 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.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to 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 at [email protected] to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.