Mechanical Design Engineer

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

UT-Battelle's Design Engineering Group at ORNL is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to design and analyze mechanical systems for nuclear and radiological facilities, including hot cells, gloveboxes, and confinement systems.

The role requires a BS in Mechanical Engineering, 8+ years of experience in design engineering, and proficiency in 3D CAD tools (Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks) with PDM systems. Candidates should be self-motivated and able to work with cross-disciplinary teams at ORNL.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering from ABET-accredited program.
• Minimum eight years of design engineering experience on custom equipment.
• Proficient in 3D CAD (Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks) and PDM systems.
• Strong communication and ability to coordinate with teams.

Responsibilities

• Define design requirements and standards for each project.
• Review existing conditions via records, site visits, and measurements.
• Create calculations, analyses, specs, and design docs with clear decisions.
• Coordinate installation, testing, safety, and system interfaces.
• Lead field checks and plan tests to ensure technical quality.
• Prepare studies and cost estimates for future projects.
• Support procurement, fabrication, construction, and project completion.

Skills

Mechanics

Thermodynamics

Fluids

Heat transfer

Materials

Fabrication design

Communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

SolidWorks

PDM systems

Job description

Overview

The Design Engineering Group in the Nonreactor Nuclear Facility Division (NNFD) is hiring a Mechanical Design Engineer for its Mechanical Design Team. The engineer will work with project teams, discipline leads, and stakeholders to design and analyze mechanical systems for nuclear and radiological facilities. Projects include hot cells, gloveboxes, shielded carriers, lift fixtures, pressure vessels, process piping, confinement ventilation systems, and various tools for isotope research & production.

Requisition Id 16933

Level: TP04

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Define and record design requirements, connections, assumptions, and standards for each project.
• Check existing conditions through reviewing records, site visits, measurements, and inspections.
• Create calculations, analyses, specifications, and complete design documents; use a graded approach and clearly document decisions.
• Work with other engineers, designers, and stakeholders to coordinate installation, testing, safety, and system interfaces.
• Make sure design packages explain all necessary inspections, tests, turnover steps, records, and updates needed for implementation.
• Resolve conflicts between requirements, design details, vendor information, and field conditions, or raise issues for resolution.
• Help with purchasing, fabrication, construction, and project completion by providing timely technical guidance and reviewed documents.
• Lead field checks, gather input from different disciplines, plan tests, and correct issues to ensure technical quality.
• Work with support teams to design or improve structures, systems, and components in Hazard Category II & III nuclear facilities.
• Perform engineering analyses and prepare technical reports and calculations.
• Use CAD tools to share designs and support prototyping or simulation; give drafting teams all needed details for documentation.
• Write engineering specifications and review submissions from outside firms for technical quality and impact.
• Prepare studies and cost estimates to help plan future projects.
• Work with the NNFD Design Authority and other technical authorities on standards, interpretations, and approvals.
• Troubleshoot system problems, find root causes, and recommend solutions.
• Gather and organize project data throughout the design process; report technical progress to discipline leads and customers when needed.
• 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 from an ABET-accredited program.
• A minimum of eight years of experience in design engineering for custom equipment and mechanical systems.
• Strong knowledge of mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids, heat transfer, materials, and fabrication design.
• Skilled in 3D CAD software (preferably Autodesk Inventor and SolidWorks).
• Experience with Product Data Management (PDM) systems for managing design data.
• Detail oriented, organized, and able to follow through on assigned tasks.
• Ability to support multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with engineers, designers, technicians, vendors, and facility personnel.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work independently with appropriate technical guidance.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Experience working in a DOE nuclear laboratory, DOE nuclear facility, research facility, manufacturing environment, or other highly controlled technical environment.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 apps, especially Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Word, and Copilot.
• Knowledge of ASME Y14 standards, including ASME Y14.5, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Special Requirements

• Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

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.

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

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.

• 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

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

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.

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.