Gas Testing Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Flexible hours

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Gas Testing Engineer to drive development, analysis, and interpretation of gas testing experiments supporting isotope enrichment science. This role lies in the Gas Testing & Simulation Group within the Centrifuge Science Section, Isotope Engineering and Science Directorate.

You will design and execute comprehensive test plans, collect and analyze data, and report findings to senior staff.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemical/Nuclear/Mechanical/Electrical/Aerospace Engineering with at least 4 years of relevant experience.
• Strong fundamentals in chemical process unit operations, separations, and chemical reaction science.
• Experience working in cross-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to prepare and interpret complex test plans and document results.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Characterize isotope enrichment centrifuges and related processes for optimal parameters.
• Develop and execute complex test plans with data collection and interpretation.
• Document work in technical reports and presentations; help develop research proposals.
• Produce peer‑reviewed reports describing methods and conclusions from data.
• Collaborate with PI, engineers, technicians, and operations staff.
• Post-process data to support model validation efforts.
• Contribute to design and fabrication plans with stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with ES&H and QA requirements.
• Support ORNL mission by upholding core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical/Nuclear/Mechanical/Electrical/Aerospace Engineering

MS or PhD in Chemical Engineering or related discipline

Job description

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We are seeking a Gas Testing Engineer who will focus on the development, analysis, and interpretation of gas testing experiments to support isotope enrichment science. This position resides in the Gas Testing & Simulation Group in the Centrifuge Science Section, Enrichment Science and Engineering Division, Isotope Engineering and Science Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This group leads the application of machine and cascade theory to develop, execute, and interpret testing evolutions for discovery, performance evaluation, and optimization of enrichment systems. As part of our team, you will provide research and development (R&D) support to strategically advance science and technology of prototype enrichment devices for processing both uranium-bearing and stable isotope process gases.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Characterize isotope enrichment centrifuges and related processes. Characterization involves assessments for optimal processing parameters, developing and analyzing approaches to mitigate chemical and physical impediments to processes, and implementing material and design goals.
• Develop, write, and execute complex test plans involving significant data collection and interpretation, assessment of results, and incorporation of steps for continuous improvement of processes and communication of activities to senior research staff and management.
• Work collaboratively with coworkers and management, as well as independently, to fully document work performed in the forms of technical reports and presentations and to participate in the development of research proposals.
• Produce thorough, peer-reviewed scientific reports describing methods, materials, and conclusions based on experimental data analysis.
• Interface with principal investigators, managers, engineers, fabricators, modelers, and operations personnel.
• Post-process data in a manner to ensure its utility for various model validation efforts.
• Understand and contribute to detailed formal design and instrumentation drawings, analysis plans, and fabrication plans in coordination with stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with Environment, Safety and Health (ES&H) and QA 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 degree in Chemical/Nuclear/Mechanical/Electrical/Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline and 4 years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• A solid understanding of fundamentals of chemical process unit operations with emphasis on separations and chemical reaction science is essential, as is familiarity with and understanding of chemical engineering thermodynamics.
• Demonstrated experience working in cross-disciplined teams.
• Demonstrated experience in process flow diagrams and equipment design.
• The ability to clearly communicate, both verbally and in writing, to sponsoring agencies, other engineers and researchers, technicians, and craftsmen.
• The ability to work flexible hours and travel when required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• An MS or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Active DOE Q clearance.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience in process design, including the following:
• Chemical design requirements, calculations, and detailed design associated with processes or systems.
• Design principles and calculations associated with pipe sizing for specific gas flows and vacuum.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Q Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

Relocation:

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions.

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.

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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.