Senior Staff Technical Professional- Metallurgical Engineer, Wire Drawing

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site fitness facilities

Relocation assistance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Senior Staff Technical Professional in Metallurgical Engineering focused on wire drawing. The role advances capabilities to fabricate small- and intermediate-scale wire from aluminum, copper, steels, nickel-based, and refractory alloys.

The candidate will develop processing routes, correlate structures with performance, and publish results. The position requires strong hands-on lab work, ability to manage multiple tasks, and a commitment to ORNL safety

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering, materials science, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant metallurgical processing experience.
• Experience in wire fabrication and wire drawing of metallic materials.
• Experience with thermomechanical processing of metals (drawing, swaging, rolling, extrusion, heat treatment).
• Metallographic preparation and microstructure characterization using optical microscopy and SEM.
• Ability to interpret processing–microstructure–property relationships.
• Experience with alloy casting.

Responsibilities

• Develop state-of-the-art capabilities to fabricate small- and intermediate-scale wire from various metallic systems.
• Design, optimize, and document wire processing routes (feedstock prep, deformation processing, wire drawing, swaging, heat treatment).
• Correlate processing parameters with microstructural evolution and material properties using microscopy and mechanical testing.
• Support scalable manufacturing pathways for wire products across alloys.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Work in a fast-paced, team-based environment to deliver high-quality results for sponsors and stakeholders.
• Ensure all work complies with ORNL safety, quality, and conduct-of-research expectations.
• Align actions with ORNL core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Skills

Wire fabrication

Wire drawing

Thermomechanical processing

Metallographic preparation

Microstructure interpretation

Alloy casting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering or materials science

Tools

Optical microscopy

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

Job description

Senior Staff Technical Professional- Metallurgical Engineer, Wire Drawing

The Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD) within the Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Metallurgical Engineer to join the Materials Processing Group. This position will focus on the development, optimization, and application of metallurgical processing methods for a range of alloy systems, with particular emphasis on wire fabrication and wire drawing. The successful candidate will help establish and advance ORNL’s capabilities for producing small- and intermediate-scale wire products from materials such as aluminum, copper, steels, nickel-based alloys, and refractory metals. Responsibilities include process development, microstructural characterization, mechanical property evaluation, and correlation of processing conditions with material structure and performance.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and establish state-of-the-art capabilities to fabricate small- and intermediate-scale wire from a variety of metallic systems, including steels as well as aluminum, copper, nickel, and refractory based alloys
• Design, optimize, and document wire processing routes, including feedstock preparation, deformation processing, wire drawing, swaging, and heat treatment
• Correlate processing parameters with microstructural evolution and resulting material properties using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical testing
• Support development of scalable manufacturing pathways for wire products across multiple alloy systems
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications to communicate research results and program outcomes.
• Work effectively in a fast-paced, team-based environment to deliver high-quality results for sponsors and stakeholders
• Ensure all work is performed in accordance with ORNL safety, quality, and conduct-of-research expectations
• 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:

• A bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant industrial or applied R&D experience in metallurgical processing
• Demonstrated experience in wire fabrication and/or wire drawing of metallic materials
• Experience with thermomechanical processing of metals, such as drawing, swaging, rolling, extrusion, and heat treatment
• Experience with metallographic preparation and microstructural characterization using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy
• Experience interpreting processing-microstructure-property relationships in metallic materials
• Experience with casting of alloys

Preferred Qualifications:

• A minimum of 8 years of industrial experience with processes required for fabricating wire, including extrusion, swaging, wire drawing, heat treating, pickling, etc.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs
• Demonstrated ability to independently perform hands-on laboratory work and effectively direct technicians in the execution of experimental and materials processing tasks

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• 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.

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.

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.