Process Systems Engineer

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance is available

401(k) Retirement Plan

Health Savings Accounts

Wellness Programs

Educational Assistance

Employee Discounts

Job summary

UT-Battelle seeks a Process Systems Engineer to design and support process systems and utility networks for ORNL's Target Engineering Group. You will oversee design bases, coordinate with Operations, and drive reliability improvements for complex cooling and ventilation networks.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years of design experience and a strong background in thermodynamics, fluids, and radiation-environment systems. This role requires US work authorization and badge eligibility.

Qualifications

• BS in chemical, nuclear or mechanical engineering.
• 5+ years of relevant engineering design experience after degree.
• Experience with process cooling and ventilation systems.
• Thermodynamics, fluids, heat transfer, materials, controls and mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Support fabrication, commissioning, operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of water and gas utility systems.
• Maintain design basis documents (P&IDs, PFDs, drawings) and act as design authority.
• Work with Operations to ensure reliable system operation.
• Prepare technical reports and present design reviews.

Skills

Process cooling

Ventilation systems

Thermodynamics

Fluids

Heat transfer

Materials

Controls

Mechanics

Education

BS in chemical engineering

BS in nuclear engineering

BS in mechanical engineering

MS in chemical engineering

MS in nuclear engineering

Tools

ASME Boiler & Vessel Code

ASME B31 Piping Codes

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Process Systems Engineer to provide process design and system engineering support to develop, design, implement and provide operations support for a variety of process systems supported by the Target Development Engineering and Operations Section. This position resides in the Target Engineering Group in the Neutron Technologies Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Our group is responsible for activities supporting both new designs (e.g, Proton Power Upgrade Project, Heavy Water Recombination) and modifications to existing technical component utility systems which support neutron production and neutron beam instrument systems. This position reports to the Target Engineering Group Leader in the Target Development, Engineering and Operations Section.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Support fabrication, commissioning, operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of the unique complex water and gas utility systems.
• Maintain the process design basis documents for the system (e.g., P&IDs, PFDs, mechanical drawings, calculations, operating procedures, applicable parts of the documented hazard and accident analyses, vendor submittals) and act as the design authority for assigned systems.
• Work with Operations and Maintenance staff to ensure reliable operations of all Target Systems.
• Support the Reliability Program by providing system and component information to the Reliability Engineer as required (e.g. system health reports, critical spares, etc.).
• Specify and procure system spare components and ensure integration into the asset management program.
• Produce accurate and concise technical reports and represent SNS at conferences and/or workshops as appropriate.
• Prepare presentations for and respond to recommendations from technical design reviews and advisory committees.
• Evaluate system performance, identify operational trends and support corrections to off-normal operations and accurately communicate technical status and performance to ORNL management.
• Act as the Technical Approver (TA) for procurement of new, replacement or upgraded system equipment.
• Ensure consistency between the design basis and requirements, the system documentation and the physical configuration.
• Develop and approve design changes to systems per NTD procedures.
• Develop and maintain long‑term plans for system maintenance and upgrades.
• Enhance the technical/professional skills of others through active mentoring and training.
• Comply with ORNL environment, safety, health, radiation control, and quality program requirements.
• 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

• BS in chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering or closely related field
• Five or more years of relevant engineering design experience after degree
• Demonstrated experience working with process cooling and ventilation systems
• Demonstrated experience with thermodynamics, fluids, heat transfer, materials, systems controls and mechanics

Preferred Qualifications

• MS in chemical engineering, nuclear engineering or mechanical engineering
• Familiarity with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and ASME B31 Pressure Piping Codes
• Experience designing systems for operation in radiological environments
• Experience with reactor &/or non‑reactor nuclear facilities design, construction, test and checkout and operations
• Experience with activated systems, high purity water cooling systems, inert gas handling and distribution systems, and off‑gas treatment system is also desirable

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

Benefits At ORNL

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on‑site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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
• Employee Discounts
• Relocation Assistance is available

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.

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.