Cognizant System Engineer, Level IV

Akima, LLC; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Akima Infrastructure Services (AIS) seeks engineering and technical support personnel for DOE projects at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, TN, and the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, TX. Positions are on AIS payroll with day-to-day direction from Y-12 staff.

Qualified applicants must be U.S. citizens, 18+, and able to meet pre-employment requirements including drug screens and background checks to satisfy DOE clearance standards.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen, 18+, able to obtain DOE Q clearance.
• Pre-employment drug screen may be required.
• Pre-placement medical examinations may be required.
• Clearance from DOE may be required (WSAP designation possible).

Responsibilities

• Cognizant System Engineer/Technical Authority for assigned systems and plant operability.
• Coordinate with Configuration Management for the system(s).
• Prepare configuration control/design change packages.
• Evaluate impact of proposed changes on safety bases.
• Perform troubleshooting and system improvements.
• Collaborate with related disciplines to resolve issues.
• Conduct system walkdowns, calibrations, and turnover activities.

Skills

System engineering

Configuration management

Troubleshooting

Cross‑disciplinary collaboration

Education

B.S. in Engineering/Physical Science (ABET‑accredited)

Job description

Akima Infrastructure Services, LLC (AIS), is actively seeking Engineering, Professional, Technical, and administrative support personnel as part of our staff augmentation team supporting the Department of Energy at the Y‑12 National Security Complex located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and the Pantex Plant located in Amarillo, Texas.

Successful candidates will be employees of AIS, a premier government contractor charged with employing highly motivated and well-qualified personnel who can advance Y-12's core mission to ensure a safe, secure, and reliable U.S. nuclear deterrent, which is essential to national security. Though employed by AIS, the employee will take day-to-day direction and assignments from Y-12 staff employed directly by the security complex. Pay, benefits, Human Resources, and Employment Management functions are provided by AIS.

Qualified applicants must be a US citizen, at least 18 years of age, and able to meet pre-employment requirements including any required physicals, drug screen, and/or background investigation to satisfy clearance requirements from the Department of Energy.

Responsibilities

Cognizant System Engineer/Technical Authority for assigned systems:

• Coordinates configuration management activities, assesses system health and performance, and provides overall technical responsibility for plant system operability and maintenance activities.
• Works in conjunction with the Configuration Management program for the assigned system(s).
• Prepares configuration control/design change packages for tasks.
• Evaluates the impact of proposed changes and/or modifications to approved safety authorization bases for facilities.
• Performs troubleshooting and improvement activities.
• Applies the systems and equipment expertise needed to resolve technical system and equipment issues in cooperation with other related disciplines.
• Other responsibilities include system walkdowns, calibration & equipment test/inspection determinations, spare parts evaluations, & system turnover to owner support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering/Physical Science (Chemistry, Physics, or related) from an Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited program in the United States and 2 or more years of relevant experience.
• Ability to obtain/maintain a DOE Q clearance.
• Pre-employment Drug Screen - external applicants selected for this position are required to successfully complete a post-offer, pre-employment drug test.
• Medical Exam(s) - Job related pre-placement medical examinations may be required for this position.
• This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. If determined as such, this position would be identified as a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require participation in an ongoing random drug testing program in addition to the pre-employment drug screen.

This position is contingent upon contract award and funding. Applicants selected may be offered but cannot begin work until funding has been confirmed.

Job ID 2026-25382

Work Type On-Site

Company Description

Work Where it Matters

Akima Infrastructure Services (AIS), an Akima company, is not just another staffing contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.

For our shareholders

At AIS, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.

For our shareholders

APS provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.

For our government customers

AIS supports vital missions with the most in-demand and specialized skill sets in the world.

As an AIS employee

you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.