Senior Vacuum Systems Engineer

CT19, incorporated; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CT19, incorporated seeks a Senior Vacuum Systems Engineer to own the design and development of advanced vacuum and gas handling systems central to our laser‑based uranium enrichment technology.

You will move from initial design and modelling through to installation, commissioning and real‑world operation, tackling corrosion, moisture‑sensitive gases, and demanding performance criteria.

Qualifications

• 7+ years designing vacuum systems for complex industrial, scientific or high-purity applications.
• Strong understanding of vacuum pump technologies, conductance, gas dynamics and system modelling.
• Experience with P&IDs, vacuum hardware, trapping systems and selecting equipment for demanding applications.

Responsibilities

• Own the design and development of advanced vacuum architectures and gas handling systems.
• Move from calculations and simulations to equipment selection, installation, commissioning and performance validation.
• Collaborate on cutting‑edge laser‑based isotope separation technology.

Skills

Vacuum system design

Pumping systems

Gas handling

Process modelling

ChemCad

Aspen Plus

Tools

ChemCad

Aspen Plus

Job description

What if your vacuum engineering expertise could help develop an entirely new approach to uranium enrichment?

We're working with an innovative nuclear technology company developing advanced laser‑based uranium enrichment technology, with the potential to play a significant role in strengthening the US nuclear fuel supply chain.

They're looking for a Senior Vacuum Systems Engineer to take ownership of the design and development of sophisticated vacuum and gas handling systems at the heart of their technology.

This is an opportunity to move beyond maintaining existing systems and help engineer something new, from initial design and modelling through to installation, commissioning and real‑world operation.

What makes this opportunity different?

• Own the engineering. Design and optimise advanced vacuum architectures, including pumping systems, chambers, piping and gas handling equipment.
• Solve genuinely complex challenges. Work with corrosive, moisture‑sensitive gases, including UF₆, where materials compatibility, pressure control and system performance are critical.
• Take designs into reality. Move beyond calculations and simulations to equipment selection, supplier engagement, installation, commissioning and performance validation.
• Work on cutting‑edge technology. Apply your expertise to laser‑based isotope separation, an emerging approach to nuclear fuel production.
• Have a real technical impact. Help establish the vacuum systems and engineering solutions that will underpin the company's future commercial technology.

What experience would make you a good fit?

You'll ideally bring 7+ years of experience designing vacuum systems for complex industrial, scientific or high‑purity applications.

You'll need a strong understanding of vacuum pump technologies, conductance, gas dynamics and system modelling, with experience using tools such as ChemCad, Aspen Plus or equivalent software.

Experience with P&IDs, vacuum hardware, trapping systems and selecting equipment for demanding applications will also be important.

A background in semiconductor manufacturing, UHV systems, chemical processing, nuclear technology or other advanced vacuum environments could be particularly relevant.

Direct UF₆ or uranium enrichment experience would be a significant advantage, but isn't essential. We're equally interested in engineers who can bring transferable vacuum expertise from other technically demanding industries.