Chief Engineer, Neutron Sciences Directorate

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Chief Engineer to strengthen and standardize engineering governance across SNS and HFIR operations with a focus on policies, procedures, and document control.

The CE will chair design/safety reviews, drive change-board activities, and work with stakeholders to improve reliability and efficiency. Leadership in asset management and training will be essential to success.

Qualifications

• BS in engineering with 12+ years in complex, high-consequence environments.
• Experience establishing/configuration management and engineering change control.
• Experience leading formal design/safety reviews and closing actions.
• Strong ability to influence and enforce standards with a graded approach.

Responsibilities

• Develop/refine and implement directorate-level engineering policies and procedures.
• Establish and operate standardized engineering change/configuration workflows using Windchill.
• Chair design and safety reviews and engineering change boards; close findings and actions.
• Lead communications and training for policy deployment; embed Safe Conduct of Research principles.
• Monitor process performance and drive continuous improvement and feedback.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Communication

Risk-informed decisions

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Advanced degree in engineering

Tools

Windchill

Creo

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Job description

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Chief Engineer, Neutron Sciences Directorate

The Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) is seeking a Chief Engineer (CE) to strengthen and standardize the directorate's Conduct of Engineering across Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) operations, including their neutron scattering instruments. The CE will lead the rollout of directorate-level engineering governance, including policies, procedures, configuration management, and document control. Under delegated authority, the CE will chair design and safety reviews and change boards, and will work with laboratory stakeholders to improve consistency, efficiency, and reliability. The selected candidate will train with the NScD Asset Management and Engineering Program Manager until that position is vacated.

• Develop/refine and implement directorate-level engineering policies and procedures (graded configuration management; engineering change control; design review standards; calculation package and drawing standards sufficient for universal workflows) to ensure the adequacy and quality of engineering processes and work products.
• Establish and operate standardized engineering change and configuration management workflows using the selected EIMS/PLM tools (e.g., Windchill) with digital signatures and metadata standards in coordination with Document Control and IT.
• Chair design/safety reviews and engineering change boards as delegated and ensure effective closure of findings and corrective actions.
• Maintain a concise NScD Engineering Handbook and template library, lead communications and training for policy deployment, and ensure Safe Conduct of Research principles are embedded.
• Monitor process performance (cycle time, CM coverage, corrective action closure); drive continuous improvement and transparent feedback/issue tracking.
• Serve as liaison to the ORNL NScD Asset Management and Engineering Program Manager/Code Official and represent NScD during reviews/assessments as assigned.
• Coordinate with the Proton Power Upgrade (PPU) and Second Target Station (STS) projects as a customer and future operator to ensure project deliverables meet NScD operational requirements (liaison role—no line authority over STS).
• Build and lead the NScD Engineering Council (discipline SMEs) to harmonize practices, standards, and tools across divisions.
• Support talent development and training; help standardize position descriptions and onboarding for engineers, designers, and technicians.
• Serve in a support capacity until the NScD Asset Management and Engineering Program Manager position is vacated.
• 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 BS degree in engineering related field with at least 12 years of progressive engineering experience in complex, high-consequence environments (e.g., accelerator facilities, nuclear, research laboratories, or comparable industrial systems), including multi-discipline design and integration.
• Demonstrated experience establishing or operating configuration management and engineering change control processes.
• Experience leading formal design/safety reviews and closing corrective actions.
• Experience leading through influence and enforcing standards with a graded, risk-informed approach.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in engineering or related field.
• Proven ability to implement and improve engineering processes across organizational boundaries with strong stakeholder engagement.
• Experience with DOE, SBMS/WSS, Safe Conduct of Research, and applicable industry codes/standards.
• Hands-on experience with PLM (e.g., Windchill) and engineering document control; familiarity with CAD/analysis tools (e.g., Creo, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, ANSYS).
• Strong change leadership, consensus building, and communication skills; track record of delivering improvements without compromising safety or configuration control.
• Exposure to asset management concepts and reliability practices is a plus.

Special Requirements:

• 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.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• 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.

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.

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.

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.