Development Engineer (Mechanical Engineer)

Y-12 National Security Complex; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, TN seeks a Development Engineer (Mechanical Engineer) at the senior level. The role emphasizes applying mechanical engineering to ceramics, polymers, and materials processing, with project leadership and technical reporting responsibilities.

The position requires ABET-accredited BS, MS, or PhD in engineering/physical science and relevant experience; GPA criteria apply for early career levels. Solidworks, ANSYS, and JMP experience are valued.

Qualifications

• This position requires a BS in engineering/physical science with ABET accreditation or equivalents and 2 years of relevant experience, or an MS or PhD.
• GPA requirements include up to 4 years post-graduation; higher degrees may supersede GPA.
• Strong background in mechanical engineering and related sciences is required.

Responsibilities

• Apply mechanical engineering principles to ceramics, polymers, and materials processing.
• Lead technical projects from inception to completion and present to plant personnel.
• Design, fabricate and test tooling and fixtures for complex experiments.
• Develop process improvements and test new technologies or materials.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Vacuum sciences

Material sciences

Design of experiments

FEA load calculations

Solidworks

ANSYS

JMP

Microsoft Suite

Automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/physical science

MS in Engineering/Physical science

PhD in Engineering/Physical science

Tools

Solidworks

ANSYS

JMP

Microsoft Suite

Job description

Location: Oak Ridge, TN

Job Title: Development Engineer (Mechanical Engineer)

Career Level From: Senior Associate

Career Level To:

Organization: Alternate Mtls Proc & Tech (51408155)

Job Specialty: Core Engineering

What You'll Do

This position requires the application of technical principles in the fields of mechanical engineering, vacuum sciences, material sciences; emerging technologies, theories, and concepts. Candidate must have the ability to interpret engineering requirements, write technical reports; implement advanced techniques for processing and characterizing ceramics, polymers, and other materials; gather, analyze and interpret test results; independently and accurately organize and track test data; perform duties as a project lead; coordinate and prepare technical aspects of technical projects from inception to completion including project reviews; and conduct formal presentations to plant personnel and other interested parties.

• Performs difficult and complex technical assignments involving ceramics, fluids, processing, process equipment, purification and/or material analysis. This can include process capability for new equipment; design of experiments; FEA load calculations; coordination with modeling team to test new variables.
• Participate in the development, research, and design of process improvements which may include new technologies or modification to existing technologies.
• Design, fabricate and test tooling and fixtures that can include steel, aluminum, graphite, ceramics, polymers, high-performance alloys, etc.
• Propose, design and execute solutions to complex problems in the field of mechanical engineering.

What You Can Expect

• Meaningful work and unique opportunities to support missions vital to national and global security
• Top-notch, dedicated colleagues
• Generous pay and benefits with a stable organization
• Career advancement and professional development programs
• Work-life balance fostered through flexible work options and wellness initiatives

Minimum Job Requirements

• 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 or designated equivalents from Canada or Mexico, the Washington Accord, or the list of substantially equivalent as documented by ABET AND 2 years of relevant experience. OR MS in Engineering /Physical science. OR PhD in Engineering /Physical science.
• There is a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement up to 4 years post-graduation at time of offer and confirmed by transcript. Beyond four years from graduation, engineering experience will supersede GPA as a requirement for hire.
• 3.0/4.0 minimum cumulative GPA for Bachelor degree
• 3.3 minimum cumulative GPA for Master degree
• 3.5 minimum cumulative GPA for PhD

Preferred Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering/physical science discipline with a minimum 7 years of relevant experience, OR Master’s Degree with a minimum 5 years of relevant experience OR a Ph.D. with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor's, Master’s, or PhD in mechanical engineering/physical science discipline.
• Experience with Solidworks, ANSYS, JMP, and Microsoft Suite.
• Ability to test new processes, materials and technologies including some automation.
• Experience implementing new technology, machines or materials.

Why Y-12?

You get #morethanajob. We encourage employees to achieve a healthy personal balance among home, work and the community. One of the ways we embrace work-life balance is by offering flexible work arrangements that provide alternatives to the traditional workweek, while still meeting business needs. Top talent and personal commitment mean more to our success than any other factors, so we reward our people with the kinds of benefits that make a positive difference in the quality of their lives. Benefits such as: medical plan, prescription drug plan, vision plan, dental plan, employer matched 401(k) savings plan, disability coverage, education reimbursement and many more. Want to stay healthy and fit but hate the cost of a gym membership? Take advantage of one of our onsite workout facilities and eat healthy in our onsite cafeterias. Much more than a workplace, at Y-12, you can build a career that lasts a lifetime.

Notes

The minimum education and experience for the lowest career level in the job posting range are listed under Minimum Job Requirements. Successful candidates hired into a higher career level than the minimum in the range must meet the requirements listed in the job leveling charts for the career level into which they are being hired.

If a range of Career Levels is posted, i.e., Senior Associate to Senior Specialist, internal applicants already in one of the Career Levels would come across at their current Career Level. Internal applicants currently in a lower level Career Level would move to the lowest posted Career Level.

Requires a Q clearance; however all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of their current clearance status. The ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance is required.

This position may require entry into the Material Access Areas (MAA) and participation in the Human Reliability Program (10 C.F.R. Part 712), which requires successful competition of a DOE counterintelligence evaluation and may include a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination.

This position may be categorized as a “designated position” identified by 10 C.F.R. Part 709, requiring successful completion of a DOE counterintelligence evaluation that may include a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination.

CNS is a drug-free workplace. Candidates accepting a job offer will be required to pass a pre-placement physical, drug screening and background investigation. As an employee, you may be required to receive and maintain a security clearance from the United States Department of Energy in order to meet eligibility requirements for access to sensitive information or matter. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for security clearance applicants. All employees are subject to being randomly selected for drug testing without advance notification.

CNS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, disability or veteran status.