Metrology/Precision Research Engineer

We have an opening for a Metrology/Precision Research Engineer to join our Precision Systems & Manufacturing Group. You will apply precision engineering and dimensional metrology principles to contribute to and/or lead projects ranging from novel research initiatives to stockpile stewardship support. These efforts include the planning and execution of strategies for the design, fabrication, and characterization of precision hardware; the design and development of novel dimensional metrology tools and techniques; and the quantification of measurement uncertainty in new and existing measurement technologies. You will collaborate with project managers, physicists, designers, engineers, and external vendors/collaborators to ensure design and metrology requirements are defined, interpreted and communicated accurately, and that metrology data is captured, processed, documented, disseminated, and retained in accordance with program needs. You will become familiar with the ongoing priorities of the programs being supported and help develop proposals for future technology development that advances program objectives. Projects may involve requirements that are beyond commercially available capabilities, and solutions may require modifying commercial tools or development of advanced tools, sensors, and fabrication methods. When available technology is inadequate to meet current or future program needs, forward-thinking problem solving will be essential to help shape future technology directions. This position is in the Materials Engineering Division (MED), within the Engineering Directorate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.

This position will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.

In this role, you will

Contribute to projects requiring precision engineering and metrology expertise in the selection, design, development, fabrication, implementation, analysis and qualification of unique precision hardware, metrology equipment, and characterization methods, including procedure development and uncertainty analysis.

Use standard precision engineering approaches and tools to design, fabricate, assemble, test, and analyze precision hardware and assemblies.

Use both commercial and custom dimensional metrology equipment to contribute to the development and qualification of metrology routines on complex precision assemblies, as well as the definition of new measurement parameters and acceptance criteria for new and existing components and assemblies.

Use optical techniques, such as interferometry, confocal microscopy, structured light scanning (SLS), and photogrammetry to characterize unique precision components.

Assist in processing, analyzing, and interpreting metrology data using standard statistical techniques, uncertainty analysis, and requirement verification techniques using Matlab, Python, or similar tools.

Use commercial software and/or contribute to the development of custom methods to process and analyze point cloud data, perform automated virtual measurements, process and store vendor inspection reports, and present metrology data in readily accessible formats for a wide range of users.

Generate and interpret specifications and mechanical drawings, and perform engineering calculations to support design, fabrication, assembly, and/or metrology operations.

Work independently under general direction and/or collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team on projects of limited complexity.

Present technical approaches, project plans, and documentation to peers and program managers.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.2 level

Solve moderately complex to complex technical issues related to precision design and metrology.

Utilize rigorous error budgets, kinematic (exact) constraint, and other precision engineering principles to qualify processes, provide quantified design and/or characterization enhancements as needed to meet program requirements, and oversee the fabrication and implementation of these designs.

Plan and execute on strategies to quantify the performance of new and existing metrology, characterization, and sensing technologies while working under limited direction.

Develop characterization techniques that enable requirements verification for components and assemblies using advanced metrology tools.

Develop and present research and development proposals.

Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Fundamental engineering knowledge related to the research, design, and analysis of precision hardware.

Fundamental knowledge of metrology principles and technologies, as well as …