Sr. R&D Staff Engineer for Small Satellites with Security Clearance

Requisition Id 4714 Position Overview The National Security Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory leads scientific and technological breakthroughs to confront some of the nation's most difficult security challenges. We develop interdisciplinary applications needed for the security of our nation today and target our vision on how these challenges may manifest themselves in a decade or more. Our research and development focus on cybersecurity and cyber physical resiliency, data analytics, geospatial science and technology, nuclear nonproliferation, and high-performance computing for sensitive national security missions. We also enhance ORNL contributions to national security challenges by working closely with leading researchers at the lab in areas such as nuclear and chemical sciences and engineering, applied materials, advanced manufacturing, biosecurity, transportation, and computing. We are currently seeking qualified applicants for a Senior R&D Engineer in small satellite sensors and systems within our Geographic Data Science Section and Resilient Communications and Autonomous Systems Group. The position requires strong skills in applied research and development with understanding of satellites, space sensors and ground systems used for space assets. The position affords the unique opportunity to work with a talented interdisciplinary team of R&D professionals, build new programs to advance the trust, safety and security of Small Satellites toward true impact on critical national security missions. The Geographic Data Science Section develops sensor technologies, analytical methods and models that collect, integrate, analyze and derive value from spatiotemporal data. Within the Resilient Communications and Autonomous Systems Group, you will develop novel sensor and communications capabilities for deployment on small satellite systems that requires concept-to-launch experience. Major Duties and Responsibilities: * Understanding of satellites, space sensors and ground systems used for space assets.
* Build and grow R&D capabilities for sensors and systems with small satellite technologies.
* Initiate, lead and perform independent and impactful R&D on an ongoing basis as evidenced by, for example, innovative S&T artifacts delivered to sponsors, publications, successful proposals, technical presentations and technology demonstrations, professional community engagement, inventions/patents/copyrights, etc.
* Publish in top tier conferences and journals.
* Develop and implement plans to exploit new opportunities and/or expand existing research efforts.
* Provide relevant input to assist the R&D Group Lead and Section Head with staff development while providing direct and impactful guidance to staff on regular basis.
* Lead by example through exercising scientific integrity in proposing, performing, and communicating research.
* Lead by example to ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.
* Exemplify a commitment to excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and work cooperatively to leverage scientific capabilities across ORNL.
* Advance the reputation of the group members and standing of the group as a whole through establishing collaborations, professional society leadership and involvement, and organization of technical events at major conferences.
* Work in a highly collaborative environment with data scientists, machine learning scientists, remote sensing scientists, engineers, physicists and geographers to deliver systems from prototyping to production level. Basic Requirements: * Requires a Ph.D. with a minimum of 8 years relevant experience, a M.S. with a minimum of 12 years experiences, B.S. with 15 years of experience in science, engineering, or related fields
* Concept-to-launch experience with one or more satellite missions.
* Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated leadership ability and a strong commitment to a teaming environment. * Strong written and oral communication skills.
* Experience with program lifecycle stages including design, assembly, integration and test, or flight operations of imaging or camera hardware Preferred Qualifications: * Practical experience embedded software and hardware for sensor and small satellites.
* Competency in embedded Linux, Python and embedded C/C++ to advance design maturity and analyze system performance.
* Experience in the integration of systems and in component validation/qualification.
* Experience with aerospace environments (other than traditional, large prime contractors).
* Experience with sensor development and deployment.
* Publication track-record in top tier conferences and journals.
* Demonstrated track record in national and/or international engagements that seek to establish and grow trust, safety and security of small satellite systems for real world impact.
* Experience working for or collaborating with DOE National Laboratories, academic institutions, other research organizations and the private sector.
* Strong drive to learn new topics and skills, to develop innovative products for our customers, and build new programs to expand our capability.
* Foundational Knowledge of Machine Learning
* Experience with COTs small satellite components and hardware including RF transmitters, InGaAs Detector Arrays, Spectrometers and AI Ready Chips. Special Requirement: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. Senior R&D Staff at ORNL bring together a group of peers with the primary goals of pursuing global scientific leadership in their field and developing strategies to build a world class research capability. These position's report to a Group Leader and work closely with R&D Section Heads to implement the group's scientific vision; develop group members to enable their career advancement; establish capabilities that enable programs to excel at the forefront of science and technology; perform R&D to advance the field of knowledge and/or technology in one's respective specialty; sets, implements, and models standards for performance of work consistent with Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality (ESH&Q) requirements and business rules; and ensures a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard, and appreciated-a workplace that sets an example for the broader community. The National Security Sciences Directorate conducts research and development to confront some of the nation's most difficult security challenges and adversaries. Our directorate houses S&T leadership in cybersecurity and cyber-physical resiliency, data analytics, geospatial science and technology, nuclear nonproliferation, and high-performance computing for sensitive national security missions. We draw on the Laboratory's exceptional facilities and work closely with leading researchers in other areas at the lab such as nuclear and chemical sciences and engineering, applied materials, advanced manufacturing, biosecurity, transportation, and computing. Our multi-disciplinary research teams are passionate about discovery and innovation as we create science-based solutions to complex security threats that put public safety, national defense, energy infrastructure, and the economy at risk. Our commitment to diversity: As we strive to become the world's premier research institution in the sciences and technologies that underpin critical national security missions, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that highly values a diverse workforce. We recognize that a breadth of perspectives, insights, and experiences are necessary to drive the level of innovation and discovery that is mission critical to national security sciences. Our commitment extends beyond our workforce to the next generation of researchers with STEM education outreach that seeks to engage a diverse range of students. 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 . 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.