U.S. ITER Project Director

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

UT-Battelle's Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a Project Director for the U.S. ITER Project to provide strategic direction and overall management, ensuring technical, budget, and schedule objectives are met safely and compliantly.

The Director will serve as the U.S. representative to the ITER Organization, coordinate with domestic agencies, and lead an integrated team of scientists, engineers, and PM professionals to advance ITER goals and U.S. collaboration.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (master’s or Ph.D.) in a science or engineering discipline.
• At least 15 years of scientific/technical management experience.
• Proven, successful management of large, complex scientific/technical projects.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to convey technical concepts to a diverse audience of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work productively with highly skilled scientists, engineers, and project management professionals.
• Experience with alternative contracting vehicles and selection methods.
• Ability to travel internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of the U.S. ITER Project, including R&D, design, and procurement of in‑kind hardware.
• Ensure progress according to project technical, cost, and schedule requirements.
• Represent the U.S. ITER Project to the ITER Organization and coordinate with seven domestic agencies.
• Interface with DOE, advisory committees, partner laboratories, and the scientific community.
• Build and sustain an integrated U.S. ITER team with experienced project management and technical staff.
• Ensure safety, environmental compliance, and achievement of ESH and QA objectives.
• Proactively manage project risks to support sound decision‑making.
• Engage with the scientific and technical community and the private sector to further ITER goals.
• Engage with the U.S. fusion community and ORNL leadership to maximize ITER phase benefits.
• Participate as a member of ORNL’s leadership team overseeing S&T and operations.

Skills

Exceptional communication skills

Stakeholder management

International travel ability

Team leadership

Education

Master’s or Ph.D. in science/engineering

Job description

Overview

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Project Director for the U.S. ITER Project. U.S. ITER (www.usiter.org) is a multi-laboratory collaboration (ORNL, PPPL, and SRNL) within the DOE Office of Science. The project supports the construction of the international ITER fusion facility (www.iter.org), a partnership among seven members—China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United States—working together to build and operate this experimental device in southern France. U.S. ITER is responsible for delivering twelve critical hardware systems to the ITER facility. The project is approximately halfway complete, with final deliveries anticipated within the next decade.

The Director of the U.S. ITER Project serves as the executive leader for the U.S. contribution to ITER, providing strategic direction and overall management. This role ensures technical, budget, and schedule objectives are met safely and compliantly, and that the project is executed in alignment with DOE expectations. The Director reports to the ORNL Laboratory Director and is a member of the UT-Battelle Leadership Team.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Leads execution of the U.S. ITER Project, including R&D, design, and fabrication/procurement of in‑kind hardware, in compliance with DOE Orders governing project execution.


• Ensures progress according to project technical, cost, and schedule requirements toward U.S. project goals and alignment with the international ITER schedule, subject to available funding.


• Serves as the primary U.S. representative to the ITER Organization and as the U.S. expert on the ITER Executive Project Board, coordinating with the seven domestic agencies.


• Interfaces with and provides timely information to the Department of Energy, advisory committees, partner laboratories, and the scientific community. Interfaces with other stakeholders as necessary to communicate the value and importance of ITER and the U.S. ITER Project.


• Builds, develops, and sustains an integrated U.S. ITER team with experienced project management and technical staff, and effectively integrates partners.


• Ensures safety, environmental compliance, and achievement of ESH and QA objectives.


• Proactively manages project risks to support sound decision‑making.


• Engages with the scientific and technical community and the private sector to further the goals of the U.S. ITER Project and in support of ITER


• Interfaces with the U.S. fusion community and ORNL’s Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate to help ensure that the U.S. best capitalizes on the ITER research phase.


• Engages as a member of ORNL’s leadership team, sharing responsibility for simultaneous excellence in S&T, operations and community engagement

Basic Qualifications

• Advanced degree (master’s or Ph.D.) in a science or engineering discipline.


• At least 15 years of scientific/technical management experience.


• Proven, successful management of large, complex scientific/technical projects.


• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to convey technical concepts to a diverse audience of stakeholders.


• Demonstrated ability to work productively with highly skilled scientists, engineers, and project management professionals.


• Experience with alternative contracting vehicles and selection methods.


• Ability to travel internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with DOE projects executed under DOE Order 413, particularly within the Office of Science.


• Background in fusion science and technology.


• Established credibility and trust within the U.S. fusion research community.

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.

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.

• 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.