Senior Mechanical Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans

Retirement plans

Flexible work hours

Relocation assistance

Educational Assistance

Wellness Programs

Life Insurance

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead design, analysis, and implementation of high-pressure sample environments for SNS and HFIR. You will bridge scientific requirements with engineering feasibility, ensuring peak performance and absolute safety in neutron scattering experiments.

Applicants should have extensive CAD/FEA experience, a strong materials background, and a record of leading complex projects in research or industry.

Qualifications

• BS in mechanical engineering with significant relevant experience, or higher degrees.
• Proven track record leading complex research or industrial projects.
• Experience with high-pressure systems and safety standards.
• Expertise in CAD/FEA software and advanced manufacturing methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and implementation of high-pressure vessels and related equipment.
• Perform FEA and analytical calculations to verify structural integrity.
• Ensure safety compliance and develop design packages meeting standards.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to address technical challenges.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

GD&T

Finite Element Analysis

Material properties knowledge

Project leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Abaqus

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer - High Pressure Sample Environment Group

We are seeking a versatile and innovative Senior Mechanical Engineer to join the High Pressure Sample Environment Group within the Sample Environment and Labs Section, Neutron Scattering Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

In this role, you will be a key driver in achieving our vision: “to be the global leader in high-pressure neutron science support through our commitment to providing an unparalleled user experience while enabling complex experiments with the highest standards of safety and reliability.” You will lead the design, analysis, and implementation of cutting-edge pressure vessels and specialized equipment used at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). You will bridge the gap between scientific requirements and physical reality, ensuring our systems are engineered for peak performance and absolute safety.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Project & Technical Leadership: Manage medium to large-scale technical projects and programs related to high-pressure sample environments. Plan and coordinate technical services and systems across organizational units, ensuring solutions align with directorate and lab-wide objectives.
• Design & Advanced Development: Direct the advanced mechanical design of high-pressure sample cells (e.g., hydrostatic pressure cells, diamond anvil cells, large-volume presses), gas-handling intensifiers, and specialized cryogenic/high-temperature interfaces using CAD software.
• Complex Structural Analysis: Oversee and perform rigorous Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and analytical calculations to verify the structural integrity of pressure-retaining components involving complex material behaviors (e.g., ceramics, high-strength alloys, and superalloys).
• Safety & Compliance Strategy: Serve as an authoritative subject matter expert and technical advisor for pressure safety. Shape internal standards and generate comprehensive technical documentation, including safety design packages to meet stringent laboratory and ASME standards.
• Cross-Functional & Client Liaison: Interact frequently with engineers, scientists, and technical staff to address complex technical issues. Present technical briefings to stakeholders and help guide group members.
• Innovation & Programmatic Oversight: Research and champion the implementation of new materials, advanced manufacturing techniques (e.g., additive manufacturing), and strategic equipment upgrades to push the boundaries of achievable pressures and temperatures in neutron scattering experiments.

Basic Qualifications:

• A BS degree in mechanical engineering or a related engineering field with at least 8 years of relevant experience; or an MS degree with at least 6 years of relevant of experience; or a relevant PhD with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated track record of leading and managing complex technical projects and programs in a research or industrial environment.
• Advanced proficiency in 3D CAD modeling (e.g., Creo or SolidWorks) and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
• Advanced expertise in structural analysis and FEA software (e.g., ANSYS, Abaqus).
• Deep understanding of material properties, mechanics of materials, and manufacturing processes, with the ability to navigate complex, multi-disciplinary engineering challenges where erroneous actions could result in significant resource expenditure and failure to reach group/division objectives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (PhD or MS) in mechanical engineering with a focus on high-pressure systems or structural mechanics.
• Proven experience designing and managing equipment for extreme environments (e.g., high pressures, high/low temperatures, vacuum systems, or high radiation environments).
• Comprehensive knowledge of pressure vessel codes and high-pressure piping standards.
• Extensive hands-on experience in an advanced R&D laboratory environment, including hydraulic systems, compressors, or gas-handling equipment.
• Familiarity with the neutronic properties of materials in scattering or nuclear environments.

Special Requirements:

• Physical Requirements: Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

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.

For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

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.

Benefits:

• Medical plans
• Retirement plans
• Flexible work hours
• 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
• 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.