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Senior Nuclear Mechanical Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
life insurance, parental leave, 401(k), retirement plan
United States, Tennessee, Oak Ridge
1 Bethel Valley Road (Show on map)
Jan 29, 2026

Requisition Id15812

Overview:

We are seekingaSeniorNuclear Mechanical Engineer to join the Systems Engineering (SE) Group within theResearch Reactors Division(RRD) at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL).Our groupis responsible fortheHigh Flux Isotope Reactor(HFIR) configuration management program. The SE Group also provides technical support to operations and maintenance and performs systems analysis. In this role, you will perform design engineering and support manufacturing and fabrication of reactor core components, fuel elements, controlrodsand plates, etc. You will also handlemaintainingoverall cognizance of assigned HFIR structures, systems, and components (SSCs) and provide systems engineering support for operations and maintenance.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Lead and independently execute engineering design efforts for new and upgraded HFIR structures, systems, and components.

  • Implements modificationsin accordance withRRD configuration control processes.

  • Perform andvalidatecomplex calculations; apply codes and standards; develop detailed design and material specifications.

  • Provide technical oversight for fabrication, assembly, and implementation of approved design changes.

  • Ensure technical accuracy and approve drawings, system documentation, and as-built records.

  • Lead troubleshooting efforts and develop technically sound work instructions for maintenance activities.

  • Provide field technical support and contribute to preventive andlead preventive and predictive maintenance planning efforts.

  • Lead operability assessments and evaluate performance data toidentifytrends, vulnerabilities, and risks.

  • Conductsystem walk-downs, evaluate system health, and helpidentifyspare-parts and planning needs.

  • Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

  • A BSdegreein mechanicalengineeringorrelated field,and at least8years ofrelatedexperience.

  • Experience with ASME piping codes and process piping system design.

  • Experience diagnosingmechanical equipment problems and developingformal work package instructions for performance and documentation of repairs.

  • A strong understanding of reading and interpreting mechanical design drawings.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience supporting engineering, maintenance, or project tasks in a technical environment.

  • Ability to read mechanical drawings and apply basic GD&T concepts.

  • Experience troubleshooting mechanical or HVAC systems.

  • Understanding of machining and fabrication practices, including welding/joining techniques, combined with a sound understanding of machine design.

  • Exposure to regulated, safety-focused environments (DOE, NRC, or similar).

Special Requirements:

  • Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will berequiredafter offer.

  • This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:
For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Benefits at ORNL:

We offercompetitive pay and benefits programs to attract andretainhardworkingpeople!The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits includethe 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, and Employee Discounts.Relocation Assistanceis available.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email:ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov

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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