Mechanical Engineer Level 2/3

Idaho Falls, IdahoEngineeringPosted Sep 24, 2026

$79,344–$162,732 a yearFull-Time

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About this job

Idaho National Laboratory seeks Mechanical Engineer to shape the future of energy and national innovation by designing and testing cutting-edge systems that push the boundaries of possibility through integration of transformative technologies. You'll apply engineering principles and techniques to pursue research opportunities associated with technology integration to develop new and cutting-edge solutions, develop and implement selected alternatives throughout the project lifecycle including systems integration, road mapping, and requirements verification, and develop and implement appropriate graded systems approaches to meet program and customer needs. Your responsibilities include identifying the full range of viable systems and decision-making alternatives to address challenges, developing systems models and decision-making tools to help customers make informed and defensible decisions, validating and overseeing analyses and development of briefing materials and reports, ensuring activities comply with DOE orders and regulations, and mentoring junior level staff.

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 every Friday off.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities

Apply Engineering principles and techniques to pursue research opportunities associated with the integration of technologies to advance technical capabilities and develop new, unique, cutting-edge solutions.
Develop, implement, and integrate the selected alternative throughout the project/system lifecycle. This includes systems and organizational integration, road mapping, requirements verification, and testing.
Develop and implement an appropriate graded systems approach and processes to meet program and customer needs. Must have working knowledge of software tools and/or the skills to build tools to accomplish systems engineering tasks.
Identify the full range of viable systems and decision-making alternatives to address the challenge or problem.
Develop systems models and decision-making tools to help the customer make informed, efficient, effective, and defensible decisions relative to the problem or challenge being addressed.
Validate and oversee the analyses and development of briefing materials, reports, and other documentation. Participate in the preparation of program materials presented to customers and in responding to their questions and requests for information.
Ensure that all activities are conducted in compliance with DOE orders; Federal, State, and Local regulations; WFO's requirements; and established BEA policies, specifically all ES&H and ethical policies and procedures.
Mentor junior level staff.

Required

Level 2: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other related technical discipline plus 2 years relevant experience, or Advanced Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or other related degree with 0 years relevant experience or a closely related field from a program accredited by ABET.
Level 3: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or other related technical discipline plus 5 years relevant experience, or Advanced Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or other related degree with 2 years relevant experience or a closely related field from a program accredited by ABET.
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.

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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 Engineer to work on our Reactor Project Engineering team. Our team works a 4x10 schedule located out of our Materials and Fuels Complex with every Friday off.

The pay range for this position is: Level 2 ($79,344 - $162,732) / Level 3 ($95,256 - $195,288). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
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.
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.
INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.

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