UT-ORII R&D Associate - Electric Motor Design Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UT-ORII R&D Associate - Electric Motor Design Researcher

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Location: Knoxville, TN, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering / Science & Research (Electric Motor Design)

Date Posted: May 29, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years (Post-PhD)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead cutting-edge research and development for advanced rare-earth-free electric motor topologies, focusing on sustainable and high-performance solutions for hybrid-electric transportation systems.

• Drive innovation in electric motor design by leveraging expertise in electromagnetic, thermal, and mechanical analysis and simulation.

• Foster collaborative research initiatives through the UT-ORII (University of Tennessee – Oak Ridge Innovation Institute) partnership, engaging with University of Tennessee faculty and mentoring students.

• Contribute to the expansion of R&D efforts in electric motor research, seeking opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration within Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

• Develop and present research findings to sponsors, peer reviewers, and at national/international technical forums, contributing to scientific publications and reports.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a hybrid of individual research contribution and leadership, with a strong emphasis on the development of novel, sustainable technologies. The UT-ORII fellowship signifies a joint appointment and collaborative research engagement with the University of Tennessee, including student mentorship. This is not a typical corporate operations role but rather a research-focused position within a national laboratory setting, requiring deep technical expertise in electrical engineering and motor design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Independently and collaboratively develop innovative electric motor concepts, aiming to meet specific performance targets for power density, efficiency, and reduced critical mineral dependence.

• Conduct comprehensive analysis, simulation, design, and evaluation of electric motor topologies using advanced modeling and simulation software (e.g., MagNet, Motor CAD, ANSYS, COMSOL).

• Oversee the transition of designs from concept through prototype build and rigorous testing phases.

• Maintain a strong understanding of motor drive circuitry and control algorithms relevant to hybrid propulsion systems.

• Actively collaborate with UT faculty, ORNL researchers, and industry partners within the UT-ORII framework to advance research objectives.

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students involved in the UT-ORII Convergent Research Initiative (CRI).

• Lead and manage technical projects, expanding R&D in electric motor research and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration within ORNL.

• Prepare and deliver compelling presentations of research results to sponsors, scientific communities, and at technical conferences (e.g., IEEE, SAE).

• Engage with industry and government sponsors to identify and secure new research funding opportunities.

• Develop high-quality research proposals to solicit and sustain work in the electrical motor and traction drive research program.

• Author and publish original research findings in technical reports, peer-reviewed journals, and professional society publications.

• Uphold ORNL's core values (Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, Service) and promote a respectful, inclusive workplace.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities extend beyond pure technical design to include leadership, project management, proposal development, and mentorship, reflecting the R&D Associate level at a national laboratory. The emphasis on collaboration with academia and industry, as well as student mentorship, is a key differentiator.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of post-Ph.D. experience in electric motor design and research.

• Demonstrated experience in designing various electric motor types, including but not limited to BLDC, PMSM, AC, DC, and induction motors.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of electromagnetic theory, motor operating principles, and advanced electrical motor design methodologies.

• Proficiency in optimization techniques for electric motor design, focusing on efficiency, torque density, cost reduction, and critical material minimization.

• Expertise in using modeling and simulation software, including electromagnetic, structural, and thermal Finite Element Analysis (FEA) programs (e.g., MagNet, Motor CAD, ANSYS, COMSOL).

• Hands-on laboratory experience with electric motor testing and performance analysis.

• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary research environment, collaborating with teams in materials science, manufacturing, controls, and power electronics.

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals or presentations at significant technical meetings.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills for presenting research to diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of thermal management, structural considerations, and materials science relevant to electric motors for hybrid transportation.

• Familiarity with advanced manufacturing methods for electric machines, such as additive manufacturing and automated winding.

• Experience with AI/ML-assisted motor design optimization or data-driven modeling approaches.

• Expertise in reliability analysis, fault diagnostics, and lifetime prediction of electric machines for hybrid electric vehicles.

• Understanding of power electronics and control of AC drives for various motor topologies.

• Experience with grid, ground transportation, aerospace, or defense-related motor applications.

• Strong interpersonal skills conducive to team building and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Basic Qualifications" align with a senior researcher or associate level, requiring a Ph.D. and significant experience. The "Preferred Qualifications" highlight areas that would make a candidate stand out, particularly in emerging technologies like AI/ML optimization and advanced manufacturing. The emphasis on critical materials and sustainability is a core theme.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a portfolio demonstrating successful electric motor design projects from concept to prototype, highlighting innovative solutions and problem-solving approaches.

• Include detailed case studies of motor designs that have achieved specific performance targets (e.g., efficiency, power density, thermal performance).

• Present examples of simulation results, design iterations, and validation through prototype testing.

Process Documentation:

• Document the design process, including requirements definition, concept generation, detailed design, simulation, prototyping, and testing phases.

• Illustrate methodologies used for optimizing motor performance, such as efficiency mapping, thermal analysis, and structural integrity checks.

• Provide examples of how critical material reduction or sustainability considerations were integrated into the design process.

• Showcase experience with project management methodologies for R&D projects, including scope definition, milestone tracking, and resource allocation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement" in the traditional sense, the job description heavily implies the need to demonstrate practical experience and a systematic approach to electric motor design. Candidates should prepare to discuss past projects in detail, focusing on their technical contributions, problem-solving strategies, and the outcomes achieved.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Based on industry benchmarks for Ph.D. level R&D Associates at national laboratories in Knoxville, TN, with 5-10 years of post-Ph.D. experience in specialized engineering fields, a typical salary range would be approximately $110,000 - $150,000 per year. This estimate considers the specialized nature of the role, the advanced degree requirement, and the location.

Benefits:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees and their families, including:

• 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

Working Hours:

• Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• The role may offer some flexibility in work schedule, common in research environments, to accommodate project needs and individual productivity, but requires consistent availability for collaboration and project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles at national research institutions. The provided benefits list is extensive and typical for a large, government-contracted research organization.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Research & Development / National Laboratory / Energy / Transportation Technology

Company Size: Over 7,000 employees. This large size indicates a robust infrastructure, diverse expertise, and extensive resources, offering significant opportunities for collaboration and professional development within a structured environment.

Founded: 1943. With an 80-year legacy, ORNL has a deep history of scientific innovation and a culture geared towards solving complex national challenges.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Electric Drives Research (EDR) Group, supporting advanced electric motor technologies.

• Collaboration is a key aspect, involving cross-functional teams within ORNL (materials, manufacturing, controls, power electronics) and external partners (University of Tennessee faculty, industry).

Methodology:

• Data-driven research and development, focusing on advanced analysis, simulation, and experimental validation.

• Emphasis on innovation