Senior Machine Design Engineer

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation package

Job summary

UT-Battelle's Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Machine Design Engineer to advance gas centrifuge isotope separation hardware. You will design high-speed rotating components, fixtures, and containment interfaces using SolidWorks, with rigorous tolerance analysis and documentation.

Join a fast-paced research environment at ORNL, working with manufacturing and quality teams to ensure designs meet schedule, budget, and safety requirements.

Qualifications

• BS degree in mechanical engineering, 12 years relevant experience, or MS degree with 10 years relevant experience.
• Demonstrated machine design experience.
• SolidWorks 3D CAD experience.
• Proven ability to function in a fast-paced research environment and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead design activities advancing gas centrifuge isotope separation hardware with cross-functional teams.
• Design complex components and subassemblies for high-speed rotating equipment using machine design fundamentals and DFx.
• Progress designs through testing toward volume production.
• Design containment boundary joints and vacuum system interfaces to best practices.
• Produce design outputs including calculations, drawings, BOMs, specs, and test plans.
• Perform tolerance stack-up and error budget analyses.
• Facilitate formal design reviews and manage documentation.

Skills

Machine design

SolidWorks

Fast-paced environment

Task prioritization

Education

BS in mechanical engineering

MS in mechanical engineering

Tools

SolidWorks CAD

PDM

Job description

Overview

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy (DOE) science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. The Enrichment Systems Engineering Section is seeking a Machine Design Engineer who will support the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED) within the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). ESED serves the nation in two critical areas: advancing enrichment technologies and exploring stable isotope production and applications. The division leverages an elite staff of scientists and engineers with the world-leading capabilities of ORNL to deliver groundbreaking advancements with a variety of applications, from national security to life-saving medical treatments. ESED is the national steward for the research, development, and demonstration of centrifuge technology innovations; advances electromagnetic isotope separations technology; and delivers stable isotopes for medical, industrial, and DOE mission-critical applications. The successful candidate will execute these important missions by teaming with ESED's line management, project managers, and staff to build on a rich history of accomplishments in enrichment science and engineering.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead activities that advance the state-of-the-art in gas centrifuge isotope separation (GCIS) design working closely with analysis, fabrication, assembly, and testing personnel.
• Design complex components and subassemblies for high-speed rotating equipment using machine design fundamentals and design for manufacturing. Focus areas include: motors, bearings, suspensions, composites, vibrations, and containment safety design.
• Progress new designs through various stages of testing toward eventual volume production.
• Design containment boundary joints (e.g., mechanical assembly interfaces, electrical feedthroughs, weldments, etc.) to high and ultra-high vacuum system best practices.
• Design precision specialized fixtures and tooling for fabrication, inspection, testing, and assembly.
• Produce a variety of design output documents including, but not limited to, systems requirements documents, calculations, drawings, bills of materials, specifications, inspection plans, assembly instructions, and test plans/procedures.
• Utilize SolidWorks 3D CAD to create models and drawings in accordance with ASME Y14.5. Utilize SolidWorks PDM for configuration management.
• Perform tolerance stack-up and error budget analysis calculations.
• Facilitate formal design reviews, by preparing review documents, organizing primary design contributors, and fielding review panel comments to satisfactory resolution.
• Deliver design outputs within communicated schedule and budget guidance, ensuring that documentation is accurate, clear, and supports downstream work activities.
• Specify materials conforming to national standards (e.g., ASTM, MIL, SAE, UNS, etc.) based on required material properties and technology-specific vacuum and process gas compatibility guides.
• Identify critical characteristics of components and define the corresponding inspection and acceptance criteria.
• Work with Manufacturing and Quality staff (both internal to ORNL and with external suppliers) to disposition non-conformances and respond to requests for waivers/deviations.
• 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

• Active DOE Q Clearance.
• BS degree in mechanical engineering, plus 12 years relevant experience, or
• MS degree in mechanical engineering, plus 10 years’ relevant experience.
• Demonstrated machine design experience.
• SolidWorks 3D CAD experience.
• Proven ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines and adapt to ever-changing needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant design experience with high-speed rotating machinery.
• Licensed NCEES Professional Engineer.
• Certified SolidWorks Professional.
• Experience with product data management systems and CAD database processes/workflows.
• ASME Y14.5, geometric dimensioning, and tolerancing professional certification.
• Experience in performing design scope on sensitive projects while maintaining excellent communication with the classification office, derivative classifiers, reviewing officials, and high-risk property management.
• Successful execution of research and development or other large technology-based projects at ORNL or within the DOE complex.

Special Requirements

• Q Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a 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.

Relocation:

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

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 Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and 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.

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.