Mechanical Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Prescription Drug Plan

Dental Plan

Vision Plan

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Wellness Programs

Educational Assistance

Relocation Assistance

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, TN seeks an applied mechanical engineer for machine design and process engineering in a research environment. The role spans from detailed equipment design to small consulting tasks, emphasizing hands-on construction and engineering analysis.

The candidate will collaborate with the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division and other ORNL groups, performing design, fabrication, testing, and documentation while maintaining strong communication with sponsors and

Qualifications

• B.S. Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
• Experience with solid modeling and design software packages.
• Machining and fabrication shop experience desirable.
• Ability to work flexible hours and travel.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to engineering deliverables such as drawings, reports, specifications, and studies.
• Perform routine research and develop recommendations for equipment and/or materials selection.
• Hands-on construction of mission equipment.
• Prepare basic engineering calculations following standard methods.
• Interface with engineers, management, and sponsors on projects.

Skills

Solid modeling

Machine design

Fabrication experience

Tooling design

Travel flexibility

Education

B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Solid modeling software

Job description

Overview

The Advanced Engineering Technologies (AET) Group is seeking a dedicated applied mechanical engineer. This position will involve machine design and process engineering in a research and development atmosphere requiring both analytical and hands‑on activities. Projects range from new equipment detailed design and tooling, to small consulting tasks.

About the AET Group

AET resides within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division (NND) at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL). The NND is a division operating within the National Security Sciences Directorate at ORNL. NND staff contributes world class research, technology development, risk assessment, and systems analysis related to nonproliferation and counterproliferation. The division activities play a vital role in implementation of national policy issues that strive to ensure global nuclear security.

One of the major focus areas of the AET group is the development of advanced approaches to operation, characterization, and analysis of nuclear fuel cycle processes. The group specializes in the application of engineering principles supporting the characterization of processes and related materials. The AET group collaborates and works with staff from other groups within NND and ORNL to assure the full expertise of fuel cycle processes are applied to meet sponsor needs.

Technical Responsibilities

• Contribute to engineering deliverable development such as drawings, reports, specifications, and studies.
• Perform routine research and develop recommendations for equipment and/or materials selection.
• Hands‑on construction of mission equipment
• Prepare basic engineering calculations following standard methods and principles used in similar engineering analysis.
• Utilize and develop an understanding of industry codes and standard practices.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate, in collaboration with other principal investigators and project management at ORNL, will participate in the design, fabrication, assembly, and operation of dynamic test stands. In this position the candidate will be expected to effectively interact with various ORNL staff as well as internal and external sponsors. The candidate is expected to work in a team environment with co-workers and management as well as independently; to fully document work performed in the forms of technical reports, papers and presentations; and to participate in the development of research proposals. Excellent communication skills including verbal, presentation, and writing skills are required. The successful candidate will interface with principal investigators, management, engineers, fabricators, modelers and test campaign personnel.

Required Qualifications

• A B.S. Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Experience with solid modeling and design software packages
• Experience in the machine design, fabrication and or tooling design
• Machining and fabrication shop experience
• The ability to work flexible hours and travel is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• A B.S. Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 5 years (MS+3) of related experience
• Demonstrated experience in the design, fabrication, and operation of test stands and/or complex mechanical systems
• Demonstration of design and process team experience as well as experience in process development & control
• Manufacturing environment quality experience
• Experience in maintaining high levels of process documentation and quality assurance are desired
• TS/SCI Clearance

Special Requirements

• Q Clearance with SCI: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) 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. In addition, due the SCI, you may be also be subject to random polygraph testing.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefits

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
• Employee Discounts

Equal Opportunity and Diversity Statement

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.

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.