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Senior Electric Motor Researcher

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
401(k), relocation assistance
United States, Tennessee, Oak Ridge
1 Bethel Valley Road (Show on map)
Jun 03, 2025

Requisition Id14972

Overview:
The Centrifuge Science (CS) Section within the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Senior Electric Motor Researcher for the Mechanical Systems Modeling (MSM) Group. The Senior Electric Motor Researcher will perform analysis on electric motors and motor drive systems for gas centrifuges. In addition, the Senior Electric Motor Researcher will guide experimental testing and validation of electric motors and electromagnetics.

Purpose:

ESED serves the nation in two critical areas: advancing enrichment technologies and exploring enriched stable isotope production and applications. The division leverages an elite staff of scientists and engineers with the world-leading capabilities of ORNL to deliver groundbreaking advancements with a variety of applications, from national security to life-saving medical treatments.

ESED is the national steward for research, development, and demonstration of centrifuge technology. The successful candidate will provide research and development (R&D) leadership to the group that strategically advances science and technology focused on gas testing of prototype enrichment devices for processing uranium-bearing and stable isotope compounds.

The Mechanical Systems Modeling Group applies first principles and empirical approaches to advance the physics and engineering understanding of enrichment devices using analytical methods and computational tools such as finite element analysis (FEA).The Senior Electric Motor Researcher will provide research and development (R&D) leadership to the group/section/division in the area of FEA on electric motors and development, testing, and demonstration of motors and motor drives.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Major duties will be to perform complex analysis in the field of electromagnetics as it relates to motors and electromagnetic assemblies compatible with enrichment devices and technologies. The successful candidate will also be involved with developing and coordinating tests to determine mechanical and thermal properties for use in and to validate simulations. Finally, the candidate will be responsible for providing direction in detailed formal designs, test plans, test data analytics, and fabrication plans in coordination with stakeholder personnel. Additional duties include the following:

  • Establish and conduct research within the field of electric motors and motor drives as it relates to centrifuge and enrichment technologies.
  • Interact and collaborate with management and group/section/division members to define, execute, and report on relevant project elements.
  • Actively collaborate with the domain experts from U.S. government laboratories and academia involved in similar efforts.
  • Significantly contribute to R&D, design, and experimental troubleshooting activities.
  • Publish high-quality research results in peer-reviewed classified reports.
  • Publish and present nonsensitive research in journals and conferences, if authorized by the sponsoring agency.

Basic Qualifications:

  • PhD degree and 8 years relevant postgraduate experience or a MS degree with 12 years postgraduate experience in electrical engineering or closely related engineering or science discipline.
  • Excellent communication (verbal and written), strategic planning, organization, and decision-making skills.
  • Experience testing motors, motor drives, and magnetic material.
  • Experience designing fixtures and apparatuses for testing magnetics and motors.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active DOE Q clearance
  • Demonstrated prior leadership experience.
  • Experience with ANSYS Maxwell and related software.
  • Experience with MATLAB, C++, or Python.
  • At least 7 years' relevant experience with modeling of electric motors and electromagnetics.
  • Experience in designing and fabricating electric motors.
  • Knowledge of motor control techniques used in motor drive systems.
  • Knowledge of motor drive modulation techniques and their impact on motor design.
  • Knowledge of position feedback systems and their integration in electric machines.

Special Requirements:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance from the US Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a preplacement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

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About the Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate (ISED):
Established in 2020, ISED is strengthening ORNL's leadership in isotope production and enrichment technology innovation. ISED is guiding the laboratory's pursuit of the fundamental science and technology that broadens the application of isotopes for energy, environmental, medical, and national security purposes. These efforts are made possible through the High Flux Isotope Reactor, the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center, ORNL's other nuclear facilities, and an assemblage of world-leading scientists and engineers. Please visit https://www.ornl.gov/directorate/isotopes for more information about ISED.

Benefits at ORNL:
UT-Battelle offers a quality benefits package, including a matching 401(k), contributory pension plan, paid vacation, and medical/dental plan options. Onsite amenities include a credit union, medical clinic, cafeteria, and fitness facilities.

Relocation:
Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the "About" tab athttps://jobs.ornl.gov.

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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.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.

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