Nuclear Systems Performance and Integration Group Lead

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Educational Assistance

Health Savings Accounts

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a proven technical leader to head the Nuclear Systems Performance and Integration (NSPI) Group within the NSE Division. You will guide a 10–12 person team, shaping a diversified R&D portfolio to advance nuclear energy performance, modernization, and integration with energy systems.

You will lead strategic efforts across reactor hydraulics, plant performance, advanced reactors, and AI-enabled modeling, while mentoring staff and upholding ORNL values of

Qualifications

• PhD with at least 6 years (or MS 12; BS 15) of relevant experience.
• Proven leadership of R&D teams.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary research team to improve performance, reliability, safety, and economics of the existing nuclear reactor fleet and future technologies.
• Provide strategic and technical leadership across reactor hydraulics, plant performance, and integrated energy systems.
• Develop and supervise modeling tools and projects, including digital twins and data analytics, to support engineering decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

BS/MS/PhD in mathematics, computational science, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering or related

Tools

CTF

VERA

SAM

TRACE

TRANSFORM

CFD

Job description

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking an accomplished and visionary technical leader to serve as the Group Leader for the Nuclear Systems Performance and Integration (NSPI) Group. This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead and shape a multidisciplinary research team focused on improving the performance of the existing nuclear reactor fleet, advancing next‑generation reactor technologies, and enabling the integration of nuclear energy with broader energy and industrial systems.

This position resides within the Nuclear Science and Engineering Division of the Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate.

The NSPI Group brings together complementary capabilities in reactor thermal hydraulics, plant systems analysis, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), multiphysics modeling, digital twins, and integrated energy‑system simulation. The group advances predictive modeling and engineering analysis capabilities that translate fundamental science and computational innovations into practical solutions for nuclear power generation, plant modernization, operational flexibility, and energy‑system integration.

The successful candidate will lead a team of approximately 10–12 research and technical staff, establish a compelling research vision, develop and execute a diversified R&D portfolio, and foster a collaborative and high‑performing research environment.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead research initiatives aimed at improving the performance, reliability, safety, flexibility, and economic competitiveness of the existing nuclear reactor fleet, including power uprates, operating‑margin assessments, fuel‑cycle optimization, and plant modernization.
• Provide strategic and technical leadership for a multidisciplinary R&D portfolio spanning reactor thermal hydraulics, nuclear plant performance, advanced reactor systems, computational multiphysics, digital twins, and integrated energy systems.
• Advance the development, validation, and application of engineering modeling and simulation tools, including CTF, VERA, SAM, TRACE, TRANSFORM, CFD, and related computational methods.
• Promote integration of digital twins, operational data analytics, artificial intelligence/machine learning, reduced‑order models, and uncertainty quantification to enhance predictive capabilities and operational decision‑making.
• Develop and execute a sustainable, strategically aligned research portfolio that leverages the group's core technical strengths while pursuing emerging mission opportunities.
• Establish clear performance expectations, provide constructive feedback, conduct employee performance evaluations, and support individual career development.
• Serve as the immediate supervisor for staff members in the group. Hire staff as 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:

• A BS, MS, or PhD. degree in mathematics, computational science, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering or a related discipline.
• A PhD. with a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience, a MS with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience, or a BS with 15 years of relevant experience.
• Qualified candidates should have demonstrated experience in leading R&D teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self‑starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast‑paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

• References may be requested.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

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.

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

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.

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.