Sample Environment Technician

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site fitness

Flexible work hours

Medical plans

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a Sample Environment Technician to support neutron scattering experiments at SNS and HFIR. You will work in the High Temperature Sample Environment Group with high-temperature furnaces, cryogenic and vacuum systems, and related equipment to create extreme sample environments.

The role involves assembling, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting specialized equipment, reading engineering drawings, and documenting changes.

Qualifications

• AS in engineering technology or related technical field with at least 5 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and modify specialized sample environment equipment including furnaces, cryogenic systems, vacuum systems, gas handling equipment, pressure systems, and magnets.
• Fabricate, assemble, and modify mechanical and electromechanical components, and perform equipment testing, calibration, and operational verification prior to experimental use.
• Support neutron scattering experiments by preparing equipment and assisting with installation, commissioning, setup, and teardown of systems, including after-hours or weekend coverage.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation; maintain records of maintenance, repairs, inspections, and configuration changes.
• Maintain inventories of spare parts, tools, and critical components; operate cranes and material handling equipment; maintain lab spaces per ESH&Q.
• Work with scientists, engineers, technicians, instrument teams, and facility users to ensure successful execution of neutron scattering experiments.

Skills

Mechanical maintenance

Electrical systems

Reading drawings

Troubleshooting

Crane operation

Education

AS in engineering technology or related field

Tools

Furnaces

Cryogenic systems

Vacuum systems

Job description

Requisition Id16864

Overview:

The Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Sample Environment Technician to join the High Temperature Sample Environment Group in support of neutron scattering experiments at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). In this role, you will provide hands-on technical support for specialized equipment - including high-temperature furnaces, cryogenic systems, vacuum systems, and other custom experimental apparatus - that creates extreme sample environments for neutron scattering research.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assemble, install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and modify specialized sample environment equipment - including furnaces, cryogenic systems, vacuum systems, gas handling equipment, pressure systems, and magnets - diagnosing mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, vacuum, pneumatic, and control system issues as needed.
• Fabricate, assemble, and modify mechanical and electromechanical components, and perform equipment testing, calibration, and operational verification prior to experimental use.
• Support neutron scattering experiments by preparing equipment and assisting with installation, commissioning, setup, and teardown of new and existing systems, including after-hours or weekend coverage as required.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation; maintain accurate records of maintenance, repairs, inspections, and configuration changes; recommend improvements to equipment reliability and safety.
• Maintain inventories of spare parts, tools, and critical replacement components; operate cranes and other approved material handling equipment as required; maintain lab and shop spaces in accordance with ESH&Q requirements.
• Work collaboratively with scientists, engineers, technicians, instrument teams, and facility users to ensure successful execution of neutron scattering experiments.
• 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:

• An AS in engineering technology, mechanical technology, electrical technology, industrial maintenance, instrumentation, mechatronics, or a related technical field, and a minimum of 5 years of relevant technical experience. An equivalent combination of education, military technical training, and relevant technical experience may be considered.
• Ability to perform moderately physical work, including climbing stairs, standing for extended periods, and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in radiological or controlled environments.
• Technical experience gained through military service (e.g., aircraft maintenance, nuclear propulsion, power generation, electronics, instrumentation, mechanical maintenance, or related technical specialties).

Special Requirements:

• Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

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.

About 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.

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 Assistance, and 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.