Engineering Technical Assistant - Vehicle

Argonne National Laboratory - Lemont, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Lemont, IL

Gasoline Stations and Fuel Dealers

About the position

The Engineering Technical Assistant will support the Transportation Research Operations section at Argonne National Laboratory, focusing on vehicle laboratory and on-road testing. This role is crucial for advancing vehicle research, involving the design, setup, and operation of electrical and mechanical vehicle systems. The assistant will work with various vehicle types, including conventional, electrified, and automated vehicles, and will oversee the maintenance of essential test equipment while ensuring compliance with safety policies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and assist in the design and execution of R&D tests, both on-road and in dynamometer environments.
• Support vehicle research by designing, setting up, and maintaining test equipment.
• Perform electrical and mechanical modifications for custom vehicle experiments.
• Work with a range of vehicles, including gasoline, hybrid, and electric models, from light duty to heavy duty.
• Oversee vehicle communication protocols, ensuring seamless integration for testing purposes.
• Ensure compliance with Laboratory ES&H (Environment, Safety, and Health) policies.
• Operate and program data acquisition systems, and perform electrical design, repairs, and assembly.
• Work on high-voltage EV systems and provide technical guidance.
• May work non-standard schedules, including afternoons and weekends, to meet testing needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 2+ years of experience in a related field.
• Strong knowledge of vehicle performance and powertrain systems.
• Experience in setting up and modifying electrical and mechanical components for vehicle experiments.
• Familiarity with gasoline, hybrid, and electric vehicles.
• Proficiency in constructing experimental devices and installing/programming data acquisition equipment.
• Solid understanding of electrical engineering principles, wiring techniques, and electrical safety standards.
• Knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, including thermal effects on materials and vehicle components.
• Experience working with high-voltage electric vehicles.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with computers and office applications.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with vehicle communication systems, including troubleshooting and integration.
• Experience working with medium and heavy-duty (class 3-8) vehicles.
• Familiarity with chassis dynamometers and related instrumentation.
• Some experience with emissions testing equipment (maintenance and calibration is a plus but not required).

Benefits

• Full-time position with competitive salary
• Diverse and inclusive workplace
• Opportunities for professional development
• Support for ongoing education and skill development