Overview PNNL's Earth System Science Division enables energy independence and national security through leadership in earth systems science, engineering, and decision analytics. Our work focuses on solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system. Our interdisciplinary scientists steward a breadth of efforts that encompass research on plants to groundwater science and coastal zones, to storm prediction. Our research focuses on understanding and mitigating operational risks at the interface of human and natural environments. This includes predicting the impacts of natural hazards and extreme climate events on Earth and human systems, along with the impacts of wildfire, flooding, sea level rise and storm surges. We focus on understanding and mitigating environmental contamination and increasing the resiliency, security and sustainability of water resources. We provide geointelligence through advanced sensing and data analytics to forecast complex system behaviors and operational performance to understand human-natural systems. This includes informed decision making and enhanced community resilience, advanced monitoring, and remote sensing of environmental systems for energy and national security. It also includes developing energy systems, including geothermal energy, sustainable oil and gas production, storage and utilization, along with carbon sequestration. Driven by a “science-to-solutions” philosophy, we provide scientific leadership and technology to enhance national security, mitigate natural hazards and optimize disaster response. In the critical areas of energy, environment, intelligence, and defense, we deliver insights and decision support through the development of tools and solutions. Responsibilities The Sensing, Measurement & Forecasting team within the Earth System Predictability & Resiliency Group of ESSD is seeking candidates to lead key tasks and support interdisciplinary projects including: 1) developing advanced sensing systems for earth system science and renewable energy. These next-generation sensors are not only fast, accurate, and versatile in terms of system performance but also lightweight, small, and soft. They can also be adapted for challenging environments such as deep subsurface and the Arctic environments. 2) studying the environmental impact of conventional hydropower and marine and hydrokinetic renewable energy systems by detecting and tracking fish or other animals in the river or ocean using underwater acoustic telemetry or by monitoring environmental parameters using unmanned platforms, such as remotely operated vehicles (ROV); 3) studying and mitigating the environmental impact of wind energy by detecting and tracking bats and birds using radio telemetry; 4) developing advanced energy-harvesting systems for small sensors/transmitters as well as remote sensing platforms. Job responsibilities include developing an autonomous remotely operated vehicle, integrating sensors, implementing an energy harvesting system, designing experiments, acquiring digital signals in laboratory and field settings, processing and analyzing data, generating intellectual properties, and writing high-impact papers. This candidate is expected to play a crucial role in our team, with a specific emphasis on hands-on field testing and troubleshooting of the developed ROV systems. We require that this individual dedicates a minimum of 10-20% of their working hours to field operations. This responsibility entails testing the system in field conditions to validate each component and ensure its optimal functionality. This hands-on approach is essential not only to validate the robustness and reliability of our mechanical designs but also to address any technical issues that may arise during deployment. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: Candidates must have received a Master’s degree within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university. Minimum overall GPA of 3.0 required. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university. Minimum overall GPA of 3.5. Candidates must have received a masters in ocean engineering, mechanical engineering, physical oceanography, or a related field. Experience in designing the frame, hull, and mechanical components of the ROV to withstand underwater pressure and environmental conditions. Experience with integrating sensors like sonar, cameras, depth sensors, and manipulator arms. Experience with programming embed electronics (e.g., Raspberry Pi, Arduino, etc.) Experience with ROV testing, both in controlled environments and real-world conditions (e.g., river or ocean). Experience with processing large datasets using a programming language (e.g., MATLAB, Python, etc.) Understanding of underwater propulsion mechanisms such as thrusters and propellers. Knowledge of materials suitable for underwater applications, including corrosion-resistant alloys and polymers. Knowledge in designing and integrating power sources, such as batteries, and managing power distribution for the vehicle. Knowledge of control electronics, sensors, and communication systems. Knowledge of the behavior of the ROV in underwater environments, including buoyancy, drag, and stability. Knowledge in control algorithms relevant to an ROV's movements and stability. Knowledge in feedback control systems to ensure precise maneuvering. Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment Must be comfortable working in the field, including on a research vessel. Additional Information Not Applicable. Testing Designated Position Not a Testing Designated Postion. 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 [email protected]. 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. HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement 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. 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