Sandia National Laboratories is searching for a Thermal Analyst for the Thermal and Fluids Processes Department for the Albuquerque, NM facility.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Security Clearance.

Department Description 

The Thermal and Fluids Processes Department at Sandia National Laboratories conducts a broad range of technical activities related to heat transfer, mass transfer, and fluid mechanics.  Our work spans fundamental research and development to engineering analysis of applied problems.  Our basic research activities focus on developing the scientific insights and physical models that will enhance our predictive simulation capabilities.  Our engineering analyses support a wide variety of projects in the areas of design, performance, and safety across varied areas of interest to Sandia.  Representative projects include assessing thermal response for weapons safety, modeling and controlling thermal environments for space applications, modeling the complex fluid flow and curing behavior associated with foaming processes, understanding fluid flows associated with manufacturing applications such as welding and brazing, and simulating complex reacting flows for energy applications.

Job Summary

An opening exists for a Thermal Analyst to join the Thermal and Fluids Processes Department at Sandia National Laboratories.  The successful candidate will join a multi-disciplinary team to provide numerical thermal modeling and analysis support for Sandia's weapons, space, and energy programs.  With time, the candidate will be expected to develop capability to provide modeling and analysis support for multiple applications in a fast-paced environment.  The candidate will also be expected to contribute to setting research directions for thermal analysis.  Experience in all aspects of numerical modeling is desired: solid modeling, meshing, and simulation software.  Candidates with demonstrated breadth beyond thermal analysis, including fluids and/or chemically reacting flows, will be given preference.

Applies integrated technical judgment which requires using the scientific method to recognize and formulate problems, to collect data through observation and experimentation, and to formulate and test hypotheses to anticipate, innovate, and deliver solutions to Sandia National Laboratories missions. Roots the work in the fundamentals of science and engineering while applying a deep understanding of engineering and scientific principles. Creates and applies scientific theories and laws and engineering methods used within scientific and engineering disciplines to develop or demonstrate new designs, concepts, materials, machines, products, processes, or systems. Uses physical and computational simulation, analysis, and evaluation as inherent activities of development. Plans, conducts, and manages Sandia's scientific programs from fundamental research through development and demonstration.

Researches issues in such areas as physical mechanics, fluid dynamics, hydraulics, thermodynamics, vibration, physical metallurgy, power engineering, kinematics, and heat transfer systems for metals, plastics, composite, and combination structures. Applies research to the design, development, analysis, and testing of mechanical and electromechanical systems, instruments, controls, engines, and machines. Analyzes the ability of systems to withstand stress imposed by conditions such as temperature, load, motion, and vibration and performs analysis of system operation to design requirements.

Required

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline, with experience in the finite element method (FEM).
• Experience and demonstrated skills in one or more of the following areas is required: coupled thermomechanical FEM analyses, Validation & Verification and Uncertainty Quantification (V&V/UQ) techniques applied to FEM analyses, thermal-fluids finite element software development.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in a team environment, as well as to make individual contributions.
• Candidates must have the ability to organize and prioritize work requirements while meeting customer deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Desired

• Experience using finite element analysis, solid modeling, and meshing software, such as Ansys, Fluent, Solidworks, Pro-E, and/or Patran.
• Ph.D. level candidates with strong academic credentials.

To learn more about this position and to apply online, please visit us at http://www.sandia.gov/careers/search-openings. html, click Advanced Search and reference Job Opening ID Number:  641287.

U.S. Citizenship Normally Required.  Equal Opportunity Employer.  M/F/D/V.