Machine Design Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

On-site amenities

Medical and retirement plans

Flexible work hours

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Machine Design Engineer to support the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate. You will design components for gas centrifuge systems, create complex assemblies, and deliver drawings and BOMs using SolidWorks and PDM within approved schedules.

The role requires a BS in mechanical engineering, 3+ years of experience, and DOE Q clearance. Preferred candidates will have experience with high-speed rotating machinery and ASME Y14.5 GD&T.

Qualifications

• BS degree in mechanical engineering and 3+ years relevant experience.
• SolidWorks 3D CAD experience.
• Active DOE Q Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design complex components and subassemblies for high-speed rotating equipment using machine design fundamentals.
• Progress new designs through testing toward volume production.
• Deliver high-quality drawings and bills of materials utilizing configuration management.
• Utilize SolidWorks 3D CAD to create models and drawings per ASME Y14.5.
• Support design reviews and document findings.

Skills

Mechanical design

High-speed rotating machinery

SolidWorks

DOE clearance

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks 3D CAD

PDM systems

CAD database workflows

ASME Y14.5

Job description

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Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy (DOE) science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. The Enrichment Systems Engineering Section is seeking a Machine Design Engineer who will support the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED) within the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). ESED serves the nation in two critical areas: advancing enrichment technologies and exploring stable isotope production and applications.

The division leverages an elite staff of scientists and engineers with the world-leading capabilities of ORNL to deliver groundbreaking advancements with a variety of applications, from national security to life-saving medical treatments. ESED is the national steward for the research, development, and demonstration of centrifuge technology innovations; advances electromagnetic isotope separations technology; and delivers stable isotopes for medical, industrial, and DOE mission‑critical applications. The successful candidate will execute these important missions by teaming with ESED’s line management, project managers, and staff to build on a rich history of accomplishments in enrichment science and engineering.

As part of our team, you will provide technical leadership and creative design solutions that strategically advance centrifuge machine design and support enrichment system development. The Machine Design Engineer reports to and works closely with the Machine Design Engineering Group Leader to deliver task assignments and design outputs while following established design processes. This position works closely with other ESED subject matter experts, project managers, and WBS managers to execute discrete project scope according to approved schedules, budgets, and technical milestones. Additional interfaces will be with principal investigators, engineers, technicians, and other individual stakeholder personnel.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Support activities that advance the state-of-the-art in gas centrifuge isotope separation (GCIS) design working closely with analysis, fabrication, assembly, and testing personnel.
• Design complex components and subassemblies for high-speed rotating equipment using machine design fundamentals and design for manufacturing. Focus areas include: motors, bearings, suspensions, composites, vibrations, and containment safety design.
• Progress new designs through various stages of testing toward eventual volume production.
• Design containment boundary joints (e.g., mechanical assembly interfaces, electrical feedthroughs, weldments, etc.) to high and ultra-high vacuum system best practices.
• Design precision specialized fixtures and tooling for fabrication, inspection, testing, and assembly.
• Deliver high-quality drawings and bills of materials utilizing robust configuration management practices.
• Utilize SolidWorks 3D CAD to create models and drawings in accordance with ASME Y14.5. Utilize SolidWorks PDM for configuration management.
• Perform tolerance stack-up and error budget analysis calculations.
• Support design reviews, by preparing review documents, engaging stakeholders, and fielding review panel comments to satisfactory resolution.
• Deliver design outputs within communicated schedule and budget guidance, ensuring that documentation is accurate, clear, and supports downstream work activities.
• Specify materials conforming to national standards (e.g., ASTM, MIL, SAE, UNS, etc.) based on required material properties and technology-specific vacuum and process gas compatibility guides.
• Work with Manufacturing and Quality staff (both internal to ORNL and with external suppliers) to incorporate non-conformances and manufacturing feedback into drawing revisions.
• 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

• BS degree in mechanical engineering and 3+ years relevant experience.
• SolidWorks 3D CAD experience.
• Active DOE Q Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant design experience with high-speed rotating machinery.
• Certified SolidWorks Professional.
• Experience with product data management systems and CAD database processes/workflows.
• ASME Y14.5, geometric dimensioning, and tolerancing professional certification.
• Successful execution of research and development or other large technology-based projects at ORNL or within the DOE complex.

Special Requirements

• Q or L 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.

• 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
• Employee Discounts

Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: [e-mail].

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.