Lead Chemical Engineer - Vacuum Systems

CT19; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

CT19 seeks a Senior Vacuum Systems Engineer to design and optimize advanced vacuum and gas handling systems for a first-of-a-kind enrichment facility in Oak Ridge, TN. You will work with laser tech, process engineering and nuclear operations to shape critical infrastructure.

The role requires 7+ years in vacuum system design, strong pump and gas dynamics knowledge, and proficiency with Aspen Plus/ChemCad; experience in regulated industries and P&ID development is essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering.
• 7+ years designing vacuum and gas handling systems.
• Strong vacuum pump, gas dynamics and performance knowledge.
• Experience with engineering simulation tools (Aspen Plus, ChemCad).
• Background in highly regulated industries such as nuclear or semiconductor.
• Solid understanding of P&IDs, instrumentation and equipment specs.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimise vacuum and gas handling systems, including chambers, piping, and process equipment.
• Select and specify vacuum pumps and trains based on performance and compatibility.
• Develop P&IDs, system specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Model gas flow, conductance, pressure profiles, and system performance using simulations.
• Design and integrate trapping, recovery, and contamination-control systems.
• Define materials of construction and corrosion mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate with vendors and cross-functional teams to deploy critical systems.
• Support installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and readiness activities.
• Ensure compliance with nuclear, safety, and engineering standards.

Skills

Mechanical Eng

Chemical Eng

Vacuum design

7+ yrs exp

Vacuum pumps

Aspen Plus

ChemCad

Regulated industries

P&ID knowledge

Cross-functional

Education

Mechanical or Chemical Engineering degree

Tools

Aspen Plus

ChemCad

Job description

Join an advanced technology programme developing next-generation laser-based uranium enrichment systems. This is a rare opportunity to work at the forefront of nuclear innovation, designing highly specialised vacuum and gas handling systems that enable one of the most sophisticated industrial processes in the world.

As a Senior Vacuum Systems Engineer, you will play a critical role in the design, deployment, and optimisation of complex vacuum architectures operating with corrosive, high-purity fluorinated gases. Working alongside experts in laser technology, process engineering, and nuclear operations, you will help shape the infrastructure underpinning a first-of-a-kind enrichment facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and optimise advanced vacuum and gas handling systems, including chambers, piping networks, and process equipment.
• Select and specify vacuum pumps and pumping trains based on performance, reliability, and chemical compatibility requirements.
• Develop P&IDs, system specifications, and engineering documentation.
• Model gas flow, conductance, pressure profiles, and system performance using engineering simulation tools.
• Design and integrate trapping, recovery, and contamination-control systems.
• Define materials of construction and corrosion mitigation strategies for challenging process environments.
• Work closely with vendors, suppliers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop and deploy critical systems.
• Support installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, testing, and operational readiness activities.
• Ensure compliance with nuclear, safety, and engineering standards throughout the project lifecycle.

What We're Looking For

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience designing vacuum systems, gas handling systems, or high-purity process equipment.
• Strong understanding of vacuum pump technologies, gas dynamics, conductance, and system performance.
• Experience using Aspen Plus, ChemCad, or similar engineering simulation tools.
• Background in highly regulated industries such as nuclear, semiconductor, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, or specialty chemicals.
• Strong knowledge of P&IDs, instrumentation, process design, and equipment specification.
• Ability to work effectively with suppliers, regulators, and cross-functional engineering teams.

Highly Desirable

• Experience with fluorinated gases, uranium processing, enrichment, or nuclear fuel cycle technologies.
• Knowledge of vacuum systems operating in corrosive or moisture-sensitive environments.
• Familiarity with UHV or semiconductor-grade vacuum systems.
• Experience with HAZOP, FMEA, or other safety-focused engineering methodologies.

Why Apply?

• Work on cutting-edge laser and nuclear technologies with global significance.
• Solve complex engineering challenges at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and advanced manufacturing.
• Join a highly technical team developing next-generation fuel cycle infrastructure.
• Play a key role in delivering a first-of-a-kind facility and technology platform.
• Be part of an organisation driving innovation in energy security and advanced industrial systems.

Location: Oak Ridge, TN

Relocation assistance available for exceptional candidates.