Process Engineer - Metal Cycle Operations

Consolidated Nuclear Security; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Consolidated Nuclear Security is seeking a Process Engineer for metal cycle operations at Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge. You will act as the technical SME for manufacturing and metal processing, driving continuous improvement through SPC and data analytics while guiding production teams and implementing process improvements.

The role requires interfacing with cross-functional teams to ensure processes meet specifications, safety, and quality requirements, with experience in

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited BS in Engineering/Physical Science from US/Canada/Mexico recognized programs
• MS or PhD in Engineering/Physical Science acceptable
• GPA requirements per degree: BS 3.0/4.0; MS 3.3; PhD 3.5
• DOE O 426.2 experience requirements may be required

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine technical basis for processes and changes
• Explain how changes affect form, fit, or function of Y-12 products
• Participate in training of production personnel
• Maintain technical content in SOPs and process descriptions
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications and safety basis requirements
• Provide technical oversight during start-up and Readiness testing

Skills

Statistical process control

Data analytics

Communication skills

Education

BS in Engineering/Physical Science (ABET-accredited)

MS in Engineering/Physical Science

PhD in Engineering/Physical Science

Tools

Ansys

LS-Dyna

SAP

Python

C++

Job description

Career Opportunities: Process Engineer - Metal Cycle Operations (20171)

Requisition ID20171-Posted08/26/2026-Engineering- Level of Experience (3) -Travel - 30% or less- Job Location Options (1)

What You'll Do

The candidate selected will serve as a Process Engineer (PE), acting as the technical subject matter expert for metal cycle operations/processes. Operations include both traditional and modern processes for manufacturing, machining, melting, alloying, forming, welding, rolling, and heat-treating various materials and metals. Process Engineers are responsible for driving continuous improvement by utilizing statistical process control and data analytics to optimize process performance. Process Engineers interface directly with production teams to provide daily technical guidance, troubleshoot process-related issues, and direct the implementation of improvements to enhance process efficiencyand quality.

Key functions of this position include:

• Developing and refining the technical basis for processes and process changes.
• Effectively communicating how changes can affect form, fit, or function of Y-12 manufactured product(s).
• Participating and advising in production personnel technical and product trainings.
• Maintaining technical content in work control documents such as standard operating procedures, process descriptions and/or product specifications.
• Ensuring weapon operation processes comply with customer specifications and requirements, including Design Agency requirements and safety basis requirements.
• Providing technical oversight during process start-up and Readiness testing.

What You Can Expect

• Meaningful work and unique opportunities to support missions vital to national and global security
• Top-notch, dedicated colleagues
• Generous pay and benefits with a stable organization
• Career advancement and professional development programs
• Work-life balance fostered through flexible work options and wellness initiatives
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering/Physical Science [Chemistry, Physics, or related] from an Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited program in the United States or designated equivalents from Canada or Mexico, the Washington Accord, or the list of substantially equivalent as documented by ABET. OR MS in Engineering/Physical science. OR PhD in Engineering/Physical science.
• There is a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement up to 4 years post-graduation at time of offer and confirmed by transcript. Beyond four years from graduation, engineering experience will supersede GPA as a requirement for hire.
  • 3.0/4.0 minimum cumulative GPA for Bachelor's degree
  • 3.3 minimum cumulative GPA for Master's degree
  • 3.5 miminum cumulative GPA for Ph.D.
• In addition, the applicant must meet the requirements of DOE O 426.2 (i.e., Baccalaureate in engineering or related science, 2 years job-related and at least 1-year nuclear experience, or a DOE O 426.2 alternative). DOE 426.2 experience requirements can be satisfied following employment. In the interim, newly hired personnel will not be assigned duties that could impact the safety basis of nuclear facilities. (Ref. DOE O 426.2)

Preferred Job Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Material Science/Metallurgical Engineering) with manufacturing experience of at least 5 years.
• Professional knowledge of material science/metallurgical principles, theories, and practices.
• Experience in one or more of the following: 3D modelling (e.g., Ansys, LS-Dyna), heat-treating, hydroforming, rolling, deep drawing, swaging, welding, and/or casting processes.
• Experience with SAP manufacturing and enterprise resource planning software.
• Experience with staple computer programming languages (e.g., Python, C++, etc.)
• Able to interpret mechanical drawings and dimensional inspection results per GD&T/ASME Y14.5.
• Knowledge of statistical process control, data analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., LEAN, six sigma).
• Demonstrate the ability to handle complex assignments and to have good oral and written communication skills.
• Willing to work in a production environment and be able to interact and communicate clearly with hourly employees as well as technical personnel and management.

Why Y-12?

You get #morethanajob. We encourage employees to achieve a healthy personal balance among home, work and the community. One of the ways we embrace work-life balance is by offering flexible work arrangements that provide alternatives to the traditional workweek, while still meeting business needs. Top talent and personal commitment mean more to our success than any other factors, so we reward our people with the kinds of benefits that make a positive difference in the quality of their lives. Benefits such as: medical plan, prescription drug plan, vision plan, dental plan, employer matched 401(k) savings plan, disability coverage, education reimbursement and many more. Want to stay healthy and fit but hate the cost of a gym membership? Take advantage of one of our onsite workout facilities and eat healthy in our onsite cafeterias. Much more than a workplace, at Y-12, you can build a career that lasts a lifetime.

Notes

The minimum education and experience for the lowest career level in the job posting range are listed under Minimum Job Requirements. Successful candidates hired into a higher career level than the minimum in the range must meet the requirements listed in the job leveling charts for the career level into which they are being hired.

If a range of Career Levels is posted, i.e., Senior Associate to Senior Specialist, internal applicants already in one of the Career Levels would come across at their current Career Level. Internal applicants currently in a lower level Career Level would move to the lowest posted Career Level.

Requires a Q clearance; however all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of their current clearance status. The ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance is required.

This position may require entry into the Material Access Areas (MAA) and participation in the Human Reliability Program (10 C.F.R. Part 712), which requires successful competition of a DOE counterintelligence evaluation and may include a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination.

This position may be categorized as a “designated position” identified by 10 C.F.R. Part 709, requiring successful completion of a DOE counterintelligence evaluation that may include a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination.

CNS is a drug-free workplace. Candidates accepting a job offer will be required to pass a pre-placement physical, drug screening and background investigation. As an employee, you may be required to receive and maintain a security clearance from the United States Department of Energy in order to meet eligibility requirements for access to sensitive information or matter. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for security clearance applicants. All employees are subject to being randomly selected for drug testing without advance notification.

CNS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, disability or veteran status.