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Mechanical Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
life insurance, parental leave, 401(k), retirement plan, relocation assistance
United States, Tennessee, Oak Ridge
1 Bethel Valley Road (Show on map)
Apr 24, 2026

Requisition Id16317

Overview:

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer who will focus on managing the fabrication and procurement of large specialized equipment for nuclear materials processing. This position resides in the Radioisotope Infrastructure Development Group in the Radioisotope Production Engineering and Analysis Section, Radioisotope Science and Technology Division, Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our team, you will provide engineering support for the design, fabrication, procurement, installation, and commissioning of shielded hot cells, gloveboxes, mechanical and chemical processing equipment, and other specialty scientific systems. You will support projects for both new and existing projects and programs. The work is performed under exacting quality specifications including ASME NQA-1, and with the adherence to conduct of operations in nuclear facilities. This position requires good team dynamics, self-motivation, and efficiency to meet tight schedules. We are seeking a versatile team member with excellent attention to detail.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Develop engineering solutions, technical specifications, and statements of work for procurement of specialized nuclear equipment
  • Manage configuration and requirements management for fabrications
  • Lead interactions with internal and external fabrication and construction firms to ensure compliance with design requirements, codes, and standards
  • Evaluate and disposition deviation requests and nonconformance reports during fabrication, installation, and commissioning
  • Prepare and maintain as-built documentation, including engineering drawings, specifications, and system descriptions for assigned equipment
  • Perform testing, prototyping, and integration for nuclear equipment
  • Plan and manage procurement using project management principles
  • Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

  • BS degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline
  • A minimum of two years of experience in design, fabrication, construction, and/or commissioning of nuclear, research, or industrial equipment or facilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in an engineering discipline
  • Strong understanding of machining, fabrication processes, welding, and machine design
  • Ability to interpret mechanical design drawings, including GD&T principles (ASME Y14.5).
  • Experience with radiological hot cells or gloveboxes
  • Experience with large projects, especially as a technical or project lead
  • Experience in the design, integration, and testing of complex systems.
  • Familiarity with engineering codes and standards (e.g., ASME, AWS, AGS, DOE)
  • Familiarity with nuclear quality requirements such as ASME NQA-1
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Travel: This position may require domestic travel of approximately 15%.

Special Requirements:

  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

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.

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.

Relocation: Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

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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.

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