Research Engineer I - Mechanical

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is seeking a Research Engineer I - Mechanical in Golden, CO. This entry-level position involves supporting advanced engineering projects and experimentation in the Energy Systems Integration Facility. Candidates should have a technical background in mechanical systems, CAD skills, and strong teamwork abilities. The role offers a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional development and focuses on renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Posting TitleResearch Engineer I - Mechanical

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LocationCO - Golden

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Position TypeRegular

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Hours Per Week40

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Working at NRELThe National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

Join a team of world-class scientists, engineers, and visionaries dedicated to shaping the world's energy future through cutting-edge research and innovation. From our vision to our NREL community, we are unique in the research community.We are focused on impact. From our work in basic sciences to systems engineering, analysis, demonstration, and deployment, we are focused on solving market-relevant problems that result in advanced, secure, reliable, and affordable energy systems. We are trusted clean energy leaders, developing cost-saving solutions that make U.S. industries more competitive, and support job creation and economic growth across rural and urban communities.

At NREL, we offer a unique, mission-driven work environment with cutting-edge facilities and multidisciplinary research teams. NREL's environment offers strong partnerships with industry, academia, and other national laboratories, as well as professional development opportunities and a competitive benefits package for employees.

Learn about NREL's critical objectives: NREL's Mission and Vision.

Job Description

The Engineering Group at the NREL's Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF) seeks to fill an entry level mechanical and systems engineering position in the Research Operations Center.

The Engineering team at ESIF is composed of multi-disciplinary engineering professionals who design, operate, upgrade and maintain advanced, complex technical research capabilities that support research and development project work. ESIF engineering staff partner with research staff to carry out experimentation using laboratory assets and systems. ESIF engineers are responsible for the effective conduct of engineering to ensure safety and availability of advanced equipment and systems, which notably includes updated drawings, operational procedures, safety procedures, technical requirements, and maintenance plans. This position requires a performer willing and capable of undertaking various duties ranging from laboratory work to documentation, process and procurement tasks.

This position calls for an individual having relevant technical background that may include both academic and hands on experience with complex and hazardous mechanical, thermal and control systems. This position equally requires a person with proven capability to accomplish CAD drawing tasks, other computer tool use, procedural documentation, data organization and records handling. As such, a primary quality of a successful applicant for this position is a combination of proven teamworking skill and communication as well as ability to individually perform.

The laboratory environment is collaborative, technically rich, and offers many learning and networking opportunities. The ESIF Operations Center manages and stewards use of the ESIF in support of DOE's research mission to ensure a safe, operationally effective, technically advanced research facility. Employees with ESIF significantly contribute to the mission of advancing new and relevant energy technologies to support a healthy and prosperous nation and world.

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Basic QualificationsRelevant Bachelor's Degree . Limited use and application of engineering principles, theories and concepts. Good written and verbal communication skills. Ability to use various computer software programs.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications
• Ability to operate and install mechanical and electrical equipment involving hazards necessitating understanding and adherence to safety and operational procedures
• Skill in use of Computer Aided Drawing (CAD) tools to accurately represent laboratory systems and installations
• Perform physical work in laboratories including machining, fabrication, testing and commissioning of equipment
• Relevant technical background through formal school and study
• Hands-on experience with hardware and systems
• Strong organizational skills and task discipline
• Willingness to accept a variety of tasks, both technical and non-technical, to support group operations and business processes

Preferred Qualifications
• Understanding of research topics and industrial trends in hydrogen and energy storage technologies
• Experience with mechanical system maintenance
• Knowledge of basic automation and control methods relevant to mechanical systems
• Technical writing and procedural documentation experience
• Formal training in Code and safety
• Clearance: Preference for individuals with ability to obtain and maintain a DOE (L or Q) Security Clearance.
• Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. SeeDOE O 472.2A for additional information.
• Existing DOE Security Clearance

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Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)Job Profile: Researcher I / Annual Salary Range: $65,100 - $107,400

NREL takes into consideration a candidate's education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee's salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits SummaryBenefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.
• Based on eligibility rules

Badging RequirementNREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

Drug Free Workplace

NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodations

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