Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Mechanical Testing Technician


Pay$25.72 / hour
LocationRichland/Washington
Employment typeFull-Time

This job is now closed

  • Job Description

      Req#: 8141
      Overview Our expert staff provide multi-disciplinary solutions to complex energy and environmental issues. Key capabilities include science (chemical and mechanical). We employ a systems perspective that includes, discovery technology development and scale-up as well as economic, regulatory, and market acceptance issues necessary for successful technology commercialization. EP&MD focuses on three mission contributions: Clean Fossil Energy, Electricity Infrastructure, & Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Responsibilities The Applied Materials and Manufacturing Group at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is seeking a skilled mechanical testing technician to contribute to the development of high performance materials and innovative solid-phase processing approaches. This position will support research in next generation lightweight vehicles, components for energy systems, and other areas where improvements in materials performance and energy efficiency are needed. Applicants will work with researchers to perform mechanical and other performance testing of specimens of formed or joined materials (metals, alloys, polymers, and composites). As they grow in skills and experience, applicants will eventually help design, assemble, modify, and troubleshoot testing equipment and develop new test procedures as needed. The position holder will: Perform and operate analytical mechanical testing equipment, primarily tensile and hardness testers. Once trained, routine tasks will be performed independently. Follow and adapt testing procedures as needed under the guidance of senior workers. Compile and organize analytical results, test methods, and procedures, maintaining proper documentation of results. Ensure testing equipment is maintained in a working, calibrated condition; troubleshoot and resolve equipment problems as needed, which may include reaching out to vendors occasionally. Work safely in laboratory spaces within a research setting. Exhibit a detailed and meticulous approach to experimental work, ensuring accuracy of results. Provide imaginative, thorough, and practical solutions to a wide range of testing problems. The position requires interaction on a daily basis with scientists, engineers, and others with a diversity of backgrounds. The successful candidate will exhibit a strong desire to understand the needs of others via proactively communicating and asking questions to ensure work is understood early and completed successfully. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma/GED and 2 years of relevant experience -OR- Technical Institute Graduate (TIG)/relevant AA degree or higher and 1 year of relevant experience Preferred Qualifications: HS diploma/GED and 4 years of relevant experience or Technical Institute Graduate (AA or higher) plus 2 years of experience Background knowledge of mechanical testing and experience working in a scientific lab space is preferred. Understanding of material science and mechanical engineering related to material properties and performance evaluation Strong data reporting, experimental, troubleshooting skills High attention to detail Experience with mechanical design software and reading/interpreting mechanical drawings. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment The staff member will work in research laboratories, which are inherently hazardous working environments. Exposure to mechanical hazards, chemicals, etc., are kept to a minimum and mitigated through the use of controls and the maintenance of a safety-conscious work environment. Additional Information Not Applicable. Testing Designated Position Not a Testing Designated Position. About PNNL 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. Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity 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. Drug Free Workplace 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. Mandatory Requirements 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. Rockstar Rewards 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. Click Here For Rockstar Rewards Minimum Salary USD $25.72/Hr. Maximum Salary USD $36.63/Hr.
      Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma/GED and 2 years of relevant experience -OR- Technical Institute Graduate (TIG)/relevant AA degree or higher and 1 year of relevant experience Preferred Qualifications: HS diploma/GED and 4 years of relevant experience or Technical Institute Graduate (AA or higher) plus 2 years of experience Background knowledge of mechanical testing and experience working in a scientific lab space is preferred. Understanding of material science and mechanical engineering related to material properties and performance evaluation Strong data reporting, experimental, troubleshooting skills High attention to detail Experience with mechanical design software and reading/interpreting mechanical drawings.
      The Applied Materials and Manufacturing Group at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is seeking a skilled mechanical testing technician to contribute to the development of high performance materials and innovative solid-phase processing approaches. This position will support research in next generation lightweight vehicles, components for energy systems, and other areas where improvements in materials performance and energy efficiency are needed. Applicants will work with researchers to perform mechanical and other performance testing of specimens of formed or joined materials (metals, alloys, polymers, and composites). As they grow in skills and experience, applicants will eventually help design, assemble, modify, and troubleshoot testing equipment and develop new test procedures as needed. The position holder will: Perform and operate analytical mechanical testing equipment, primarily tensile and hardness testers. Once trained, routine tasks will be performed independently. Follow and adapt testing procedures as needed under the guidance of senior workers. Compile and organize analytical results, test methods, and procedures, maintaining proper documentation of results. Ensure testing equipment is maintained in a working, calibrated condition; troubleshoot and resolve equipment problems as needed, which may include reaching out to vendors occasionally. Work safely in laboratory spaces within a research setting. Exhibit a detailed and meticulous approach to experimental work, ensuring accuracy of results. Provide imaginative, thorough, and practical solutions to a wide range of testing problems. The position requires interaction on a daily basis with scientists, engineers, and others with a diversity of backgrounds. The successful candidate will exhibit a strong desire to understand the needs of others via proactively communicating and asking questions to ensure work is understood early and completed successfully.
  • About the company

      Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is one of the United States Department of Energy national laboratories, managed by the Department of Energy's Office of Science.