MPEX Project Director

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Relocation assistance

Job summary

UT-Battelle, operator of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, seeks a highly experienced MPEX Project Director to oversee all aspects of the MPEX program. You will supervise procurement, integration, QA, and safety, collaborating with DOE and ORNL leadership to deliver critical fusion science initiatives.

Ideal candidates bring 10+ years of DOE project leadership, deep program management knowledge, and a proven record in guiding complex technical teams through reviews and advisory committees.

Qualifications

• BS degree and a minimum of 10 years of related experience.
• Knowledge of DOE project management guidelines.
• Minimum of 5 years managing DOE projects per order 413, especially DOE Office of Science projects.
• Experience leading project reviews and advisory committees.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of project execution, including procurement, device assembly & commissioning, quality assurance, and ES&H, in coordination with the Project Manager and staff.
• Establish clear expectations and communications with key project contributors and vendors.
• Assess emerging issues that could impact project performance and develop mitigation strategies.
• Lead the project team to earn high assessments in DOE/SC reviews and deliver Notable Outcomes.
• Foster a safe, compliant, and respectful workplace.

Skills

DOE project management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

DOE order 413

Project reviews

Education

BS degree in a related field

Job description

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.

Requisition Id 16563

Overview

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. The Material Plasma Exposure Experiment (MPEX) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to join our team as the MPEX Project Director. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a world-class facility that focuses on the study of plasma‑wall interactions for fusion energy devices. As the MPEX Project Director, you will play a crucial role in overseeing all aspects of project execution and ensuring its successful implementation. ORNL is the largest DOE science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. Our diverse capabilities span a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines, enabling the Laboratory to explore fundamental science challenges and to carry out the research needed to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of project execution, including procurement, device assembly & commissioning, quality assurance, and ES&H, in coordination with the Project Manager, Cost Account Managers, and Project Controls staff.
• Establish clear expectations and communications with key project contributors and vendors.
• Assess emerging issues that could impact project performance and develop strategies and solutions to mitigate and manage them.
• Work closely with project leaders and managers to ensure effective strategies are implemented and resources are aligned with project goals.
• Create and nurture a succession plan to guarantee a highly skilled project management, technical, and support staff.
• Manage relationships with the DOE Federal Project Director, Fusion Energy Sciences program manager, FES management, ORNL and project leadership, and project advisory boards, committees, and the scientific community.
• Foster strong teams through collaboration across ORNL and accessing external expertise when necessary.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance, as well as achieve ESH and QA goals.
• Serve as a member of project committees, including the Change Control Board and the Integrated Project Team.
• Lead the project team to earn high assessments in DOE/SC Office of Project Assessment reviews and complete annual Notable Outcome deliverables.
• Lead by example, promoting ORNL's "Research Code of Conduct" and fostering a respectful workplace.

Basic Qualifications

• BS degree and a minimum of 10 years of related experience.
• Knowledge of DOE project management guidelines.
• Minimum of 5 years managing DOE projects per order 413, especially DOE Office of Science projects.
• Experience leading project reviews and advisory committees.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven successful management of large, complex scientific/technical projects.
• Certification in project management (PMP).
• Proven ability to work productively with highly-skilled scientists, engineers, and project management professionals.
• Experience with alternate contracting vehicles and selection methods and processes.
• Experience with fusion science and technology.
• Experience working with the US fusion research community and the DOE Office of Science, Fusion Energy Science, management team.
• Distinguished record of achievement and recognition.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Q clearance.

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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

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.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with