Materials Research Automation Engineer – Materials Research Staff Member

We have an opening for a Materials Research Automation Engineer Staff Member to work in our Advanced Manufacturing & Materials Processing Section (AMMP). You will collaborate with a team of engineers and scientists to design build integrate test and maintain automation systems for the acceleration of materials discovery. Specifically you will leverage industry-proven concepts and industrial automation technologies including but not limited to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) human machine interfaces (HMIs) machine vision systems sensors actuators and various robot systems to build platforms capable of high-throughput ML-driven materials discovery. These positions are in the Materials Engineering Division (MED) within the Engineering Directorate.

In this role you will

• Work independently under general direction to solve problems of limited complexity using standard techniques and methodologies and fundamental knowledge and by adhering to defined practices and procedures.
• Design automation systems capable of high-throughput experimentation for materials discovery.
• Perform research and development of one or more of the following areas: Architected Responsive Materials Additive/Advanced Manufacturing High-throughput automaton Material Modeling and Microscale Material Testing alloy development.
• Organize analyze and present data from research including documenting methods assumptions results and insights in reports and presentations.
• Conduct research and analysis to address well defined problems.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with scientists internal and external to the Laboratory.
• Collaborate with others in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals while also contributing to the fulfillment of technical projects and organizational objectives.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed scientific or technical journals and present results at external conferences seminars and/or technical meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field with an emphasis/concentration in Mechatronics or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Fundamental knowledge and experience using architecting programming and commissioning complex PLC-based control systems for industrial applications.
• Experience and proficiency in programming and commissioning industrial robots (SCARA 6-axis articulated).
• Fundamental knowledge of Beckhoff PLC architecture programming motion control safety and product lines.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Python IEC 61131-3 (PLC) programming languages SPEL and UR Scripting.
• Experience programming and tuning closed-loop control systems such as PID.
• Experience using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software tools for the design and simulation of mechanical assemblies.
• Experience with one or more of the following areas: Responsive metamaterial design advanced additive manufacturing/3D printing systems (Nanoscribe BMF systems) multimaterial printing and alloy preparation and characterization.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and dynamic team environment utilizing experience and fundamental knowledge of experimental design techniques and execution.
• Sufficient organizational and verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present and explain technical information to a variety of audiences.

Qualifications We Desire

• Masters in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis/concentration in Mechatronics
• Experience with analytic and computational modeling and simulation and data analysis.
• Experience using rapid prototyping tools such as 3D printers laser cutters
• Experience with manual machining and fabrication processes such as milling turning welding etc.
• Experience with material characterization and mechanical testing such as: Tensile/compression testing DMA 3-point bend Rheometry NMR GPC SAXS/WAXS.
• Experience with progamming languages such as: LabVIEW MATLAB C/C.

Additional Information :

#LI-Onsite

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit  Clearance

  This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

  Pre-Employment Drug Test

  External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

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  Remote Work :

  No

  
  

  Employment Type :

  Full-time