Project Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan

Retirement plans

On-site facilities

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Laboratory Modernization Division (LMD) seeks a Project Engineer to lead multidisciplinary projects from concept through completion, overseeing facility design of a large-scale, high-security data center.

The successful candidate will coordinate cross-functional teams, vendors, and subcontractors, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery while meeting Federal and ORNL security requirements. Experience with DOE/DOD projects and strong communication is essential.

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree in Architecture, Engineering, or related field (e.g., Project Management/Construction Management).
• Minimum of 8 years of design and construction project management experience for large-scale, complex projects.
• Experience with Federal projects, regulations, and security requirements.
• Strong PM methodologies: risk management, cost estimation, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Proficiency in engineering software and industry standards; excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of architectural and engineering projects from conception to operations.
• Develop detailed project definitions, scopes of work, and methods of execution.
• Provide technical guidance across disciplines to ensure robust design solutions.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and government officials to meet security and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Federal standards and ORNL policies through all phases.
• Participate in stakeholder meetings to review progress and resolve issues.
• Review contractor proposals to align with scope and objectives.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies for successful outcomes.
• Promote best practices and continuous improvement across project processes.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by exemplifying core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder communication

Risk management

Scheduling

Cost estimation

Construction management

Education

BS/BA in Architecture, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Engineering software

Project management tools

Job description

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The Laboratory Modernization Division(LMD)at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Project Engineer to lead multidisciplinary projects from concept through completion. Responsible for overseeing facility design of a large-scale, high‑security data center. The ideal candidate will have a background in design execution and construction support for DOE and/or DOD facilities. The candidate will coordinate activities throughout all phases of the project’s lifecycle, ensuring timely, on-budget delivery while meeting stringent Federal and security requirements. This is a critical role requiring expertise in Supporting large projects with complex security protocols, working in a fast-paced environment, and interacting with multiple stakeholders. The ideal candidate must possess strong leadership and communications skills to coordinate cross-functional teams, vendors and subcontractors to foster collaboration and ensure effective project delivery. This position resides within the LMD in the Facilities & Operations (F&O) Directorate.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead the comprehensive planning, execution, and delivery of architectural and engineering projects from conception to transition to operations and ensuring projects meet their scope, schedule, and budget targets.
• Develop detailed project definitions, scopes of work, and methods of accomplishment.
• Leverage extensive architectural and engineering knowledge and experience to deliver expert technical guidance and support, ensuring robust design solutions and effective problem resolution throughout all project phases,
• Collaborate with multi-discipline teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, and government officials to ensure that security, technical, and regulatory requirements are met.
• Ensure project compliance with the latest Federal standards, regulations, security protocols and ORNL standards through all phases.
• Participate in periodic project and customer/stakeholder meetings to provide status updates, foster effective communication, review progress and performance, discuss issues, and facilitate problem resolution.
• Review contractor proposals (architectural, engineering, and/or construction) to ensure alignment with scope and objectives.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize project impacts and secure successful outcomes.
• Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance project processes and outcomes.
• 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/BA degree in Architecture, Engineering, or other relevant technical degree (such as Project Management/Construction Management).
• A minimum of 8 years experience in managing design and construction of large-scale, complex projects demonstrating a strong track record of successful project delivery.
• Proven experience with Federal projects with an understanding of regulations and security requirements.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies, including risk management, cost estimation, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Proficiency in engineering software, project management tools, and methodologies. Strong understanding of industry standards and regulations.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to think critically
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interface effectively with government stakeholders, internal teams, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to create, organize, and manage project documents from conception to completion including storing all closeout and as-built documentation to site database systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal procurement processes and compliance with FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation).
• Knowledge of Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 705 standards for the construction, accreditation, and maintenance of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs).

Special Requirements

• Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.
• Visa Sponsorship:Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.

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 AssistanceRelocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email:[e-mail] .

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.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

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.