We are seeking a highly skilled Engineering Technical Assistant-Electrical to join the Transportation Research Operations section of the Engineering Operation and Facilities team (EOF). This position supports Argonne National Laboratory’s Grid Integration Technology group, a leading provider of innovative solutions for sustainable energy management, specializing in electric vehicle charging infrastructure. We are committed to developing cutting-edge technologies that optimize energy usage and promote environmental sustainability. The EOF division partners to provide vital technical support to Argonne's Transportation and Power Systems (TAPS) research division. The selected candidate will be deployed, working at Argonne’s Smart Energy Plaza, supporting electrical and mechanical design and installations.

As an Electrical Technical Assistant, you will be responsible for designing, building, and maintaining experimental setups for both low-power electronic systems and high-voltage/high-power AC and DC systems. You will work closely with engineers and researchers to build and maintain research test equipment, project enclosures, building system wiring retrofit to accommodate new technologies, and developing functional test procedures to ensure all systems operate safely and effectively. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in advancing our research on EVs, mobility solutions, and grid-connected technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

Design, build, and maintain test equipment and experimental setups for low power electronics and high voltage/power AC and DC systems.

Design and set up EV charging solutions to deliver high voltage and high power safely and reliably.

Perform hands-on mechanical work using plastic, metal, electrical and wood as required by the project

Conduct independent assignments with limited direction.

Supervise and guide non-exempt technicians as needed.

Ensure compliance with safety policies and procedures, particularly regarding high-voltage systems.

Install, program, and operate data acquisition equipment.

Perform electrical repairs, design, and assembly of electrical equipment from scratch.

Work on high-voltage EV systems, adhering to safety protocols.

Communicate effectively in both written and oral formats, including technical documentation.

Position Requirements

Deep knowledge and experience in designing, building and testing electrical and mechanical systems

Knowledge of electrical codes for building and automotive industries

Proven ability to set up custom project experiments, including electrical and mechanical modifications.

Familiarity working with thick wire gauges (lower than 2 AWG) for high current and high-power applications

Knowledge of basic electrical engineering principles related to vehicle systems, including standard wiring techniques and electrical safety standards.

Understanding of basic mechanical engineering principles, including thermal effects on materials and components.

Familiarity with quality assurance procedures and safety guidelines.

Skills in installing, programming, and operating data acquisition equipment.

Extensive ability in electrical repairs, electrical design, and assembling electrical equipment from scratch.

Proficiency in developing technical documentation, including wiring diagrams, CAD drawings, and test procedures

Excellent communication skills, problem-solving skills and ability to work timely and effectively in a team environment.

Eagerness to participate in research teams and contribute to testing and development efforts.

Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

Ability to make our laboratory a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment where all can thrive.

Bachelors and 2+ years’ experience, or equivalent (Some occupations may require a graduate degree).

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Experience in working with high voltage battery systems (50 – 1000V DC) such as those in EVs

Basic programming skills in languages such as LabVIEW, C, C++, JavaScript, and Python.

Formal education in Electrical Engineering or a related field, typically an associate’s degree, or equivalent experience (high school diploma & 5+ years of relevant experience).

Job Family

Professional Technical (PT)

Job Profile

Facilities Engineering 2

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

As an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. In support of this commitment, Argonne encourages minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment. Argonne considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.  

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis.  Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements.  Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.