Cooling Systems Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Prescription Drug Plan

401(k) Retirement Plan

Flexible Spending Accounts

Wellness Programs

Educational Assistance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Cooling Systems Engineer to provide technical engineering oversight of cooling systems for the Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux Isotope Reactor. This role requires a BS in mechanical engineering and at least 5 years of relevant experience.

The ideal candidate will have experience in designing and operating industrial cooling systems, perform CFD analysis, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. ORNL offers competitive pay and several employee benefits including retirement plans, life insurance, and generous vacation policies.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in engineering.
• Experience with industrial water or cooling systems.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support on cooling system components review.
• Perform hydraulic and CFD analysis for system evaluation.
• Monitor cooling systems operations and support design changes.

Skills

Systems-level engineering support

Hydraulic and CFD analysis

Performance trend analysis

Knowledge of Affinity Laws

Designing industrial cooling systems

Education

BS in mechanical engineering or related field

Tools

AFT Fathom fluid dynamic software

Job description

Requisition Id16693

Overview

We are seeking a Cooling Systems Engineer to provide technical engineering oversight of cooling systems supporting the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). This position resides in the Cooling Systems Group in the Site Services Group, Research Accelerator Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Responsibilities

• Provide systems-level engineering support on piping specification, material selection, heat exchanger thermal sizing, and pump selection, translating decisions into clear direction for designers and technicians.
• Perform hydraulic and CFD analysis to evaluate system performance, support design changes, and guide equipment selection.
• Evaluate operational data from facility monitoring software to identify performance trends and recommend improvements.
• Review cooling system components—piping, pumps, water treatment—and provide engineering support for design changes per established procedures.
• Monitor cooling systems operations and direct qualified operators to adjust parameters to meet SNS production goals; elevate issues to the Group Leader or Senior Operator as needed.
• In this role you will be expected to be willing to learn new skills and train others.
• Support design change implementation and routine maintenance coordination, with occasional off‑hours or weekend coverage for 24/7 facilities.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• 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 in mechanical engineering or a related field and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing or operating industrial water or cooling systems, including pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and piping.
• Experience with AFT Fathom fluid dynamic software.
• Knowledge of Affinity Laws and their application to pump and fan system design.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

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

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! 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.

Benefits

• 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
• Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.