Oak Ridge National Laboratory · 23 hours ago
R&D Associate Staff
Knoxville, TN
Contract
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
1+ years expOak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking applicants for the position of Research and Development (R&D) Associate Staff to lead modeling, data analysis, and test method development for emerging vehicle technologies and advanced driver assistance systems. The role involves building energy consumption models, performing techno-economic analyses, and advancing vehicle-in-the-loop test capabilities.
EnergyChemical & MaterialsRenewable EnergyManufacturingAdvanced MaterialsClean EnergyEnergy ManagementNuclear
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Develop and validate longitudinal energy consumption models in Simulink for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles across gasoline, diesel, battery electric (BEV), and fuel cell electric (FCEV) powertrains
Create statistical frameworks to assess powertrain conversion feasibility for fleet vehicles based on duty cycle predictions, battery capacity, and vehicle constraints
Quantify charging/refueling infrastructure requirements (number, power level, and siting of dispensers) for fleet transitions, including depot and corridor scenarios
Design Python pipelines to aggregate and harmonize disparate datasets (e.g., energy prices, emissions factors, telematics/duty cycle data) and implement algorithms to optimally correlate data sources provided by sponsors
Conduct zip code or region-level energy pricing and well-to-wheel carbon emissions analyses for diesel, electric, and hydrogen truck operations
Build and enhance VIL test bench capabilities, including specifying, procuring, and integrating over-the-air radar stimulation hardware and mounting solutions
Develop methods for test run synchronization and create metrics/KPIs to characterize how well VIL testing represents closed-course ADAS testing
Lead vehicle selection and procurement for VIL testing; manage subcontracted closed-course test activities and vendor relationships
Document methodologies, code, and test procedures; author sponsor deliverables, technical reports, and peer-reviewed publications; present results to stakeholders (e.g., DOE, NHTSA)
Collaborate cross-functionally with domain experts in mobility systems, controls, and data science to ensure model fidelity, reproducibility, and actionable insights
Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success
Qualification
Required
Ph.D. or M.S. (with at least two years) in automotive engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, or related field with emphasis on vehicle systems, controls, or transportation energy
1–3 years of experience in transportation electrification modeling, techno-economic analysis, or ADAS test development
Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink and Python (data processing, statistical analysis, and scripting)
Experience building physics-based energy models for MD/HD vehicles and working knowledge of BEV and FCEV powertrain components and duty cycles
Demonstrated ability to design statistical frameworks and analyze large, disparate datasets, including energy pricing and emissions data
Hands-on experience with test bench development and sensor integration; familiarity with radar and over-the-air stimulation concepts
Strong written and verbal communication skills with a record of technical reporting and publications
Preferred
Experience delivering projects for federal sponsors (e.g., DOE Vehicle Technologies Office, NHTSA) or similar
Background in corridor or depot charging analysis, hydrogen corridor planning, and drayage or parcel delivery fleet operations
Familiarity with optimization tools (e.g., Gurobi) and control libraries (e.g., CasADi, MPCTools, ACADO); comfort with model predictive control concepts
Experience with dSPACE, VISSIM, or similar simulation/test platforms
Knowledge of energy modeling, grid energy pricing structures, and regional variability
Proven capability in vehicle procurement, vendor management, and subcontract test coordination
Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
Benefits
Prescription Drug Plan
Dental Plan
Vision Plan
401(k) Retirement Plan
Contributory Pension Plan
Life Insurance
Disability Benefits
Generous Vacation and Holidays
Parental Leave
Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
Employee Assistance Plan
Flexible Spending Accounts
Health Savings Accounts
Wellness Programs
Educational Assistance
Relocation Assistance
Employee Discounts
Company
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory holds a range of R&D assignments, from fundamental nuclear physics to applied R&D on advanced energy systems.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$9.8MKey Investors
US Department of Energy
2023-09-21Grant· $4.8M
2023-07-27Grant
2022-03-14Grant· $5M
Leadership Team
Arjun Shankar
Division Director, National Center for Computational Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Brett Ellis
Division Director - Research Computing Support
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