R&D Associate - Advanced Manufacturing and Characterization of Polymer Composites

Requisition Id15886

Overview:

We are seeking an R&D Associate who will lead and execute research focused on processing-structure-property relationships, advanced manufacturing scale-up, and experimental validation of high-performance polymer composite systems. This position resides in the Composites Innovation Group in the Manufacturing Science Division, Energy Science and Technology Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conduct independent and team-based research on processing-structure-property relationships to enable the integration of novel polymer composite materials into advanced manufacturing workflows
• Apply experimental expertise in composite conversion "Integrated" processes
• Develop and apply high-rate manufacturing processes for composites including injection molding (IM), compression molding (CM), thermoforming, and sheet molding compound (SMC)
• Lead and manage multifunctional materials research projects, including planning, execution, and delivery of technical milestones
• Design, develop, and execute experimental programs to support composite material processing, conversion, and performance validation
• Conduct research on high-rate manufacturing of polymer composites for industrially relevant applications
• Lead research in composite joining technologies, with emphasis on ultrasonic welding and advanced joining methods
• Support scale-up research from laboratory to pilot- and production-scale manufacturing environments
• Perform research on large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) processes for polymer and composite systems
• Apply overmolding techniques for composite structures, including hybrid and multi-material systems
• Utilize advanced characterization methods to evaluate multifunctional materials, including mechanical, thermal, and microstructural behavior
• Perform failure analysis and process-property correlation to guide material and process improvements
• Maintain high scientific productivity through collaboration, innovation, and research excellence
• Engage with senior scientists, academic partners, and industry collaborators, and prepare technical reports, publications, and invention disclosures
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• A PhD in materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, polymer science, aerospace engineering, or a related discipline.
• Two years of post-PhD research or equivalent industrial R&D experience in polymer composites or advanced manufacturing
• Proven ability to lead technical tasks and contribute to multidisciplinary research programs

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading experimental development, test planning, and validation strategies for composite manufacturing processes
• Experience with high-rate composite manufacturing and scale-up research
• Expertise in composite joining technologies, including ultrasonic welding
• Experience with injection molding, compression molding, thermoforming, SMC, and overmolding processes
• Experience with large-scale additive manufacturing of polymers and composites
• Background in multifunctional materials and advanced material characterization techniques
• Experience with failure analysis and process-property correlation
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, or patents
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL 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 mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

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.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

#LI-DNI

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.