Process Engineering - Assembly and Disassembly Operations

Consolidated Nuclear Security; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Consolidated Nuclear Security is seeking a Process Engineer to act as SME for weapon operation processes at Y-12. You will ensure compliance with design and safety requirements and lead implementation of new or changed weapon processes.

Ideal candidates hold ABET-accredited engineering degrees (or MS/PhD in engineering or physical sciences) and meet GPA/experience criteria. The role involves up to 30% travel and a strong emphasis on safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering from ABET-accredited program in the US or equivalent
• MS or PhD in Engineering/Physical Science are acceptable
• GPA requirements apply for recent grads; experience may compensate

Responsibilities

• Act as SME on weapon operation processes ensuring reliability and integrity of stockpile
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications and safety basis requirements
• Lead startup plans, implement new weapon processes, and update procedures

Skills

SME

Process engineering

Documentation

Education

ABET-accredited Engineering degree

MS in Engineering / Physical Science

PhD in Engineering / Physical Science

Job description

Career Opportunities: Process Engineering - Assembly and Disassembly Operations (19730)

Requisition ID19730-Posted08/19/2026-Engineering- Level of Experience (3) -Travel - 30% or less- Job Location Options (1)

Location:Oak Ridge, TN
Job Title: Process Engineering - Assembly and Disassembly Operations
Career Level From: Associate

Career Level To: Specialist
Organization: Surveillance & Assem Process (50995945)
Job Specialty: Core Engineering

What You'll Do

Process Engineers functions as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) on weapon operation processes. They perform duties and tasks that are vital to ensuring the reliability and integrity of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile.

Process Engineers ensure weapon operation processes comply with customer specifications and requirements, including Design Agency requirements and safety basis requirements.

Process Engineers are responsible for achieving approval for readiness assessments on new processes, including supervision during the conduct of start-up plans and ensure tests are conducted as written. They develop, maintain, and lead implementation of new weapon processes and changes on existing weapon processes.

Process Engineers performs process studies and evaluations and lead efforts to resolve technical issues that may impact production, quality, efficiency, capability, and capacity. They participate and advise in training to operations personnel and maintain process description and work procedure documents.

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.

• 3.5 minimum cumulative GPA for PhD

In addition, the applicant must meet the requirements of DOE O 426.2A (i.e., Baccalaureate in engineering or related scientific major 2 years job-related, and 1-year nuclear experience; or a DOE O 426.2A alternative). DOE 426.2A 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 426.2A)

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 based on merit and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.