Non-Destructive Evaluation - Physicist 3

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is seeking a scientist/engineer to support research and development projects aimed at advancing non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technologies and methodologies for material characterization (microstructure and other physical properties), component inspection (defect detection), and structural health monitoring. The successful candidate will work with senior scientists and play a key role in testing, evaluating, and developing advanced NDE methods to extend advanced NDE methodologies and technologies into national security mission areas to support nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear weapon modernization; energy and environment mission areas for critical infrastructure life extension; and advanced/additive manufacturing sectors for process monitoring and part qualification. Examples of projects include confirmatory research (testing, modeling) of industrial NDE methods and technologies that are used for nuclear power plant vessel and piping inspections; working with industry partners to test, model, and develop advanced signal/data analysis for emerging NDE methods engineered to inspect inaccessible high-level nuclear waste tanks and piping; and working with data scientists to train and validate data-driven/physics-constrained machine learning models to detect and characterize flaws in waste tanks and natural gas pipelines. Candidates that work at the nexus of NDE and emerging data science approaches (e.g., machine learning, deep learning, etc.) are preferred.

The successful candidate will provide technical contributions in a complex, time-sensitive, and safety-conscious laboratory working environment. This will include supporting the development of research projects with multi-disciplinary teams of electrical engineers, physicists, mechanical engineers, chemists, materials scientists, data scientists, and statisticians. Of particular interest is a candidate who has the motivation to work on complex technical projects for demanding clients and possess a proven ability to think innovatively and apply technical capabilities to nontraditional challenges.  It is expected that the candidate will assist in advancing PNNL’s research efforts on novel inspection, characterization, and evaluation methods and systems. The candidate will be provided opportunities to prepare written materials for scientific and technical products such as formal reports, presentations, and patents. The candidate will also have the opportunity to publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences. Additional performance expectations include leading the development of proposals, concept papers, and supporting business development efforts.

Conducts research and development activities using the theories and principles of physics. Investigates the structure and behavior of matter, the generation of energy, and the interaction between matter and energy. Scales of investigation range from sub-atomic particles to complex, large-scale systems. Specific research areas range from the structure and properties of matter; optical, acoustic and electromagnetic system design; nuclear, particle, electromagnetic and acoustic phenomena; and the properties of matter under interrogation or impingement from all these forms of energy. Physicists may design, model, prototype, construct, and operate measurement and/or detection systems. Physicists also develop and advance detection technology and detector systems deployed internationally and domestically. Physicists may design, model, prototype, construct, and operate radiation measurement and/or detection systems. Physicist routinely engage in complex, data-intensive analysis.

• Strong understanding of standard NDE technology operation, signal and data analysis, and their applications (e.g., conventional and phased-array ultrasonic testing and eddy current testing)
• Understanding of advanced and emerging NDE technology
• Testing and developing standard and advanced NDE techniques (conventional, phased array, and guided wave ultrasonics; eddy current; radiography; magnetic flux leakage; and dielectric spectroscopy)
• Planning, setting up, and executing safe and effective laboratory experiments involving material samples/coupons, individual mock or de-commissioned industrial components, and field-deployable NDE technology or advanced laboratory equipment
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively on diverse, interdisciplinary teams
• Effective communication skills to include verbal presentations and technical writing with a demonstrated ability to draft archival papers, proposals, and reports
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to effectively work with little oversight and without prescribed work procedures
• Developing test plans, test instructions, and equipment operating procedures
• Understanding of materials science, specifically related to fracture mechanics, microstructural characterization, and metallurgy
• Understanding of prognostics and predictive health monitoring

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 5 years of relevant work experience -OR-
• MS/MA and 3 years of relevant work experience -OR-
• PhD with 1 year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD in physics, materials science, electrical engineering, metallurgy, or mechanical engineering
• Experience with ultrasonic guided wave techniques
• Experience with magnetic flux leakage inspection techniques
• Competency and/or familiarity with physical modeling, simulation and data analysis tools (e.g. CIVA, MATLAB, Ultravision, Ansys Mechanical)
• Experience applying NDE methods to a variety of materials from metals, weld regions, and composites
• Experience in ultrasonic probe and advanced sensor design
• Experience with machine learning tools and methodologies

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

Requirements: 

* U.S. Citizenship

* Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.

*Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the candidate selected is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).

Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy until non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months can be demonstrated.

This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
 

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.  If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. 

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential.  To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation.  This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year.  This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.

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