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Senior Mechanical Test Engineer

Employer:	National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Job Location:	Boulder , CO
Cash Compensation:
Job Description:	Job/Research Summary Support experiments to test and characterize structural performance of full-scale wind turbines adn components. Work in collaboration with senior scientists and engineers on research, development and testing projects. Design and operate custom mechanical test systems including large oscillating machinery. Responsible for conducting tests on small and large wind turbines and components in accordance with international standards (IEC) following accredited protocol (A2LA). Understanding of integrated wind turbine mechanical systems and components including blades, rotors, bearings, hydraulics, towers, pitch and yaw drives. Job Duties 1. Apply state-of-the-art mechanical engineering skills, abilities, and techniques to support the design, construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and evaluation of equipment, facilities, and instrumentation specific to testing of full-scale wind turbines and wind turbine components, including blades and drivetrains. 2. Work within laboratories, test bays, and on turbines at elevated heights. Provide hands-on operation of associated specialized test gear and equipment (e.g. test apparatus, measurement instruments, shop tools, cranes, manlifts, etc.). Complete required training (e.g. hoisting & rigging, machine shop safety, electrical safety including compliance with “NFPA 70E Electrical Safety in the Workplace”, lock-out tag-out, fall protection, and hazardous materials safety). 3. Develop test plans and methodologies, design and oversee construction of specialized test fixtures. Coordinate development of safe operating procedures. Conduct engineering analyses to ensure safe movement, alignment, installation, and dismantling of heavy objects, test articles, and test apparatus. 4. Specify and install test sensors and transducers (e.g. strain gages, accelerometers). Operate test instruments, computers, and data acquisition systems. Process and analyze test data. Produce and publish test reports. Required Education and Experience Relevant Master's and 6 years experience or equivalent relevant education/experience. Additional Basic Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Demonstrated R&D knowledge and experience in engineering procedures and techniques. Very good interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills. Demonstrated expertise and innovation in mechanical design including use of design and analysis computer tools and techniques (e.g. AutoCad, Solid Works, Excel, Ansys, LabView). Demonstrated knowledge of principles involved in production of precision technical plans, drawings and models. Knowledge of safe use and maintenance of machines, equipment, and tools. Knowledge of materials and methods used in wind turbine structures and mechanical systems. Capable of directing R&D projects in support of NWTC priorities. Works under direction and in support of NWTC management. Capable of working to support of senior technical staff and in collaboration with scientists, engineers, and technicians. Preferred Qualifications Previous demonstrated experience working on mechanical components and systems specific to wind energy technology and testing including: • Installation and operation of wind turbines • Design and testing of wind turbine components including blades, rotor systems, drive trains, power conversion systems. • Design, specification and installation of instrumentation and data acquisition systems specific to wind energy technology testing. • Knowledge of certification guidelines with empasis on wind energy systems.
Company Description:	The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is the nation's primary laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development (R&D). NREL's mission and strategy are focused on advancing the U.S. Department of Energy's and our nation's energy goals. The laboratory's scientists and researchers support critical market objectives to accelerate research from scientific innovations to market-viable alternative energy solutions. At the core of this strategic direction are NREL's research and technology development areas. These areas span from understanding renewable resources for energy, to the conversion of these resources to renewable electricity and fuels, and ultimately to the use of renewable electricity and fuels in homes, commercial buildings, and vehicles. The laboratory thereby directly contributes to our nation's goal for finding new renewable ways to power our homes, businesses, and cars. R&D Expertise NREL's focused R&D capabilities are positioned to advance national energy goals by developing innovations to change the way we power our homes and businesses, and fuel our cars. Our R&D capabilities allow us to develop and advance renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies more effectively through the full R&D life-cycle—from basic scientific research through applied research and engineering; to testing, scale-up, and demonstration. NREL's R&D areas of expertise are: * Renewable electricity * Renewable fuels * Integrated energy system engineering and testing * Strategic energy analysis Technology Transfer A critical part of the Lab's mission is the transfer of NREL-developed technologies to renewable energy markets. NREL's Technology Transfer Office supports laboratory scientists and engineers in the successful and practical application of their expertise and the technologies they develop. NREL's world-class R&D staff and facilities are recognized and valued by industry, as demonstrated through hundreds of collaborative research projects and licensed technologies with public and private partners. NREL's innovative technologies have also been recognized with 42 R&D 100 awards. The engineering and science behind these technology transfer successes and awards demonstrates NREL's commitment to developing and applying innovative renewable energy solutions for the nation's secure and sustainable energy future.