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Applied Mechanical Engineer

Applied Mechanical Engineer

locationUnited States
PublishedPublished: 9/24/2025
Engineering
Full Time
$111,888 - $229,284

Description

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring an Applied Mechanical Engineer to work in our Isotope Production department. Our team works a 4x10 schedule located at the Materials and Fuels Complex.

The role entails coordinating isotope production and the transportation of radioactive materials. It also involves collaborating with stakeholders such as national laboratories and commercial vendors to ensure these materials are handled safely and efficiently.

You will apply engineering principles to solve mechanical problems related to the motion and dynamics of heat, gas, air, fluids, and solid materials. Design machines and systems to ensure safe, reliable, efficient, and predictable operations.

Responsibilities:

  • Decompose project goals into defined and controlled design requirements.
  • Use best practices in design methodologies to develop and validate designs.
  • Develop physics-based mathematical models of mechanical, chemical, and electrical systems.
  • Maintain familiarity with codes and standards applicable to the discipline.
  • Document designs to establish conformance with requirements and standards.
  • Establish testing, inspection, and quality requirements.
  • Ensure fabrication, construction, assembly, and procurement align with design specifications.
  • Develop and maintain systems/equipment, perform calculations, and evaluate design specifications.
  • Provide solutions to technical problems and recommendations for production improvements.
  • Support and lead new project development, including proposals and business plans.
  • Ensure design modifications meet technical baseline requirements and applicable codes.
  • Maintain configuration management of the technical baseline and assigned systems.
  • Ensure consistency in operational characteristics across documentation.
  • Mentor and train junior engineering staff.
  • Develop irradiation project requirements, evaluate designs, and support fabrication, inspection, assembly, and testing.
  • Serve as design engineer for fueled test train fabrication tasks.
  • Develop project-specific documentation and check drawings.
  • Contribute to regular progress reports for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Other duties as assigned.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles for technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Practical application of engineering science and technology.
  • Ability to apply general rules to specific problems.
  • Ability to combine information to form general rules or conclusions.
  • Effective listening and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to recognize when something is wrong or likely to go wrong.
Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • Level 3: Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and/or nuclear engineering or a directly related field from an ABET-accredited and 5+ years experience, Masters and 2+ years experience, PhD and 2+ years experience.
  • Level 4: Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and/or nuclear engineering or a directly related field from an ABET-accredited and 9+ years experience, Masters and 6+ years experience, PhD and 4+ years experience.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.


The ideal candidate will possess:

  • Advanced degree in mechanical engineering or a directly related field from an ABET-accredited institution.
  • Must have experience navigating relationships with mission partners.


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.

Job Information:

  • The pay range for this position is: Level 3 ($93,204 - $191,076)/ Level 4 ($111,888 - $229,284). 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.


Benefits and Relocation
Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts

  • 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match
  • Paid time off (personal leave)
  • Employee Education Program (tuition assistance)
  • Comprehensive Relocation Package
  • Benefit eligibility subject multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.


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 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.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.

Salary range

  • $111,888 - $229,284