Mechanical Design Engineer

Idaho National Laboratory seeks Mechanical Engineers to shape the future of national security by pioneering solutions for motion, heat, and fluid dynamics that secure America's energy infrastructure while advancing critical technologies. You'll decompose project goals into defined design requirements, use best practices in design methodologies to develop and validate designs, use physics-based mathematical models of mechanical, and document designs to establish conformance with requirements and standards. Your responsibilities include establishing testing and quality requirements, ensuring fabrication and procurement align with design specifications, and equipment while performing calculations, providing solutions to technical problems and recommendations for improvements, and supporting new project development including proposals and business plans. You'll mentor junior engineering staff.

Essential Job Functions:

• Design mechanical systems for infrastructure projects, including piping, HVAC, and utility systems.

• Develop detailed designs, calculations, and specifications for hoisting and rigging systems, lifting devices, and material handling equipment.

• Perform structural and mechanical analyses to ensure systems meet operational, safety, and compliance requirements.

• Plan and design mechanical infrastructure systems to support operations activities.

• Collaborate with civil, structural, and electrical engineers to integrate mechanical systems into broader infrastructure projects.

• Support modernization and upgrades to existing infrastructure systems.

• Design production and research equipment by following a structured design process, including defining and documenting functional requirements, to ensure effective support for fabrication, testing, and deployment.

• Develop detailed mechanical drawings, schematics, and 3D models for custom mechanical components.

• Prepare fabrication-ready drawings, including dimensions, tolerances, material specifications, and assembly instructions.

• Review and redline existing drawings to reflect modifications, upgrades, or as-built conditions.

• Support the inspection, testing, and validation of mechanical systems and components based on design requirements.

• Design and analyze hoisting and rigging equipment- lifting devices, while ensuring compliance with ASME, ANSI, OSHA, and other applicable standards.

• Support the design, inspection, and maintenance of below-the-hook lifting devices, including beams, spreaders, and specialized attachments, as part of broader hoisting/rigging efforts.

• Provide technical expertise for lifting plans, load path analyses, and critical lift operations.

• Ensure all designs and operations comply with INL safety standards, federal regulations, and industry best practices.

• Participate in safety reviews, risk assessments, and incident investigations.

• Maintain detailed engineering documentation, including design records, inspection reports, and technical specifications.

• Provide field engineering support during installation, testing, and commissioning of mechanical systems and equipment.

• Collaborate with project managers, contractors, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects on time and within budget.

• Conduct inspections and troubleshoot issues with mechanical systems, proposing effective solutions as needed.

• Continuous Improvement:
• Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance testing efficiency and accuracy.
• Provide feedback to design and manufacturing teams for product improvement.

Required:

Level 3

• Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering or a directly related field from an ABET-accredited institution plus 5 years of relevant experience commensurate with the level.
• Masters degree in mechanical engineering or a directly related field from an ABET-accredited institution plus 2 years of relevant experience commensurate with the level.

Level 4

• Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering or a directly related field from an ABET-accredited institution plus 9 years of relevant experience commensurate with the level.
• Masters degree in mechanical engineering or a directly related field from an ABET-accredited institution plus 6 years of relevant experience commensurate with the level.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance ("Q" or higher).
• This role requires strong technical skills in mechanical engineering, including design, modeling, and problem-solving.
• Effective communication and the ability to mentor junior staff are also essential.
• Familiarity with applicable codes, standards, and safety requirements is crucial.

• Experience in mechanical design, with a focus on infrastructure systems and/or hoisting/rigging equipment.

• Proficiency in engineering design tools (e.g., Ansys, Creo, or Inventor) and analysis software for structural or mechanical systems.

• Strong knowledge of applicable codes and standards, including ASME, ANSI, OSHA, and DOE regulations.

• Demonstrated ability to design and analyze mechanical systems and lifting devices for industrial applications.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Advanced degree in mechanical engineering or a directly related field from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, and work in an office and field/laboratory environment. 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 driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds without 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.

Job Information:

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Mechanical Design Engineer to work on our Design Engineering team. Our team works a 4x10 schedule located out of our SMC facility with.

• The pay range for this position is:

  Level 3 ($95,256-195,288

  ) / Level 4 ($114,360-$234,336).

  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.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject to multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

At this time, BEA will not sponsor any H1-B visas obtained outside of the United States of America (U.S.A.), including consular visas.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission:

Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision:

Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements:

To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation:

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information:

When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.