UT-ORII R&D Associate - Advanced Construction Systems

Requisition Id16069

Overview:
We are seeking an early-career R&D Associate Staff Member to develop and demonstrate advanced manufacturing, robotics, and automation technologies for next-generation building construction. This position resides in the Manufacturing Robotics and Controls Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD), Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

This role will focus on the development and implementation of novel robotic construction workflows, human-machine collaboration strategies, and automated manufacturing platforms that transform how buildings are designed and constructed. The successful candidate will contribute to a UT-ORII Convergent Research Initiative (CRI) aimed at enabling affordable, resilient, high-productivity construction practices through advanced automation.

As an ORNL staff member aligned with UT-ORII, the selected candidate will also be appointed as a UT-ORII Fellow, working collaboratively with University of Tennessee faculty through joint research engagement and student mentorship.

ORNL is the largest U.S. Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security.

Position Summary:

You will:

• Develop and demonstrate robotic and automated systems for advanced building construction
• Create new manufacturing workflows that integrate robotics, automation, digital design, and advanced materials
• Investigate human-machine interaction strategies to augment skilled labor and improve productivity and safety
• Lead technical tasks within a UT-ORII Convergent Research Initiative focused on industrialized and automated construction
• Contribute to proposal development and help grow a nationally visible research portfolio in automated construction technologies

This is an RP2-level independent contributor position expected to solve technically complex problems with limited supervision and develop growing external visibility.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

You will:

• Conduct independent R&D in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing systems for building construction
• Design, prototype, and demonstrate new robotic construction processes (e.g., robotic assembly, automated fabrication, large-scale additive manufacturing, modular construction automation)
• Develop control strategies, perception systems, and digital workflows for construction-scale automation
• Advance human-robot collaboration methods in manufacturing and construction environments
• Integrate sensing, control, and manufacturing systems to enable repeatable, scalable construction practices
• Collaborate with UT faculty, ORNL researchers, and industry partners through UT-ORII
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students engaged in the CRI
• Prepare and present research results to DOE sponsors, industry, and academic audiences
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at leading conferences
• Contribute to proposal development and strategic research planning
• Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality requirements per ORNL SBMS
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service

Basic Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline
• A minimum of one year of postdoctoral experience or relevant industry experience in advanced manufacturing, robotics, or construction automation
• Demonstrated research experience in at least one of the following:
• Robotics and autonomous systems
• Construction automation or industrialized construction
• Advanced manufacturing systems
• Human-machine interaction in manufacturing environments
• Robotic process development and system integration
• Record of peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, patents, or equivalent technical contributions

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing robotic systems for large-scale or unstructured environments
• Experience in advanced building construction technologies (modular construction, prefabrication, additive construction, automated assembly)
• Knowledge of robotic control systems, perception systems, or digital twin frameworks
• Experience integrating sensing, controls, and manufacturing hardware
• Industry experience in automation, construction technology, or advanced manufacturing
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines
• Emerging leadership potential and interest in growing a research portfolio

Special Requirements:

• This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

About UT-ORII:

The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) is a strategic partnership between ORNL and the University of Tennessee focused on convergent research and talent development. The initiative develops interdisciplinary leaders in science, energy, and advanced technologies. UT-ORII Fellows engage in joint research, student mentorship, and collaborative program development that strengthens U.S. innovation leadership.

Benefits:

Other benefits include the following: 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, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov

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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.

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.