Nuclear Fuel Machining Research Technician

At INL, Nuclear Fuel Machining Research Technician role in advancing groundbreaking nuclear research that powers our nation's energy grid and supports cutting-edge technologies like space exploration and cybersecurity. Your work directly contributes to INL's legacy of innovation, ensuring safe, efficient operations that drive the future of energy and national security. From processing unique nuclear materials to maintaining high-tech facilities, your hands-on expertise helps secure America's leadership in energy and defense. Join a team that's shaping the future of science and technology on a global scale.

This position is located at our Materials and Fuels Complex, which hosts the core of the U.S. nuclear research and development capabilities with a diverse array of facilities designed for remote work on highly irradiated fuels and materials. A new fuel idea can be designed, fabricated, tested, and analyzed at MFC to better understand the effects of irradiation. Many groups, such as universities, industry partners, other national laboratories, international research organizations, and other federal agencies are working at MFC. Our team works a 4x10 schedule with every Friday off.

This role is responsible for specialized machining functions on fresh fuel material in support of INL's fuel development activities. You will operate lathes, mills, EDMs, and other machining equipment in a radiological facility to machine uranium compounds, uranium-containing materials, and other fixturing and mockup activities in support of fuel development. You will also perform unique welding functions to encapsulate uranium for fuel development processes which may include joining unique materials such as zirconium, bronze, and other specialty metals. Some of these handling, machining, and welding functions will be performed within a glovebox or other containment structure.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

• Operate and perform maintenance on facility equipment and systems.
• Support research through operating mills, lathes, and other precision machining equipment facility utilities, operational support systems, gloveboxes, and testing equipment.
• Perform operations in accordance with approved procedures and DOE requirements.
• Complete and maintain qualifications in designated specialized areas of facility and process operations.
• Track, package, transfer, receive, and store fissionable materials; and handle and treat radioactive and hazardous material.
• Maintain accurate records of facility operations, equipment performance, production, treatment, and experimental data.
• Perform and develop technical procedures that range from standard to specialized.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Understanding of conduct of operations and practical knowledge of basic engineering theory.
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Knowledge of the tools and systems of the position.
• Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Required:

• Level 2: Graduation from high school or equivalent and 6+ years' experience or associates graduate with 2+ years.
• Level 3: Graduation from high school or equivalent and 8+ years, associates or graduate with 4+ years experience.
• Relevant experience working in an industrial or commercial environment where candidates can demonstrate a strong mechanical aptitude. For example working as a machinist, or within a production/manufacturing environment and/or other related skills with demonstrated strong hand-eye coordination, electrical, skilled trades, or scientific application.
• Experience operating CNC machining equipment to fabricate one-of-a-kind precision components
• Experience with GTAW welding of unique materials

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "L" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

• The required coursework will contain numerous exams to demonstrate technical content knowledge.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Associate's degree or ESTEC Grad or Nuclear Navy experience, Vocational Trade School and 4 years experience.

Job Information:

• The pay range for this position is Level 2 ($30.84/hr - $50.87/hr)/ Level 3 ($36.08/hr -$59.52/hr). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• TDP: This is a testing designated position; you will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and periodic drug testing throughout the term of your employment.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and may work in confined spaces. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to keyboard or type, handle materials, manipulate tools, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and operating a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.