U.S. ITER Project Director

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Prescription Drug Plan

401(k) Retirement Plan

Generous Vacation and Holidays

Job summary

Fusion Energy Base is looking for a Project Director to lead the U.S. ITER Project based at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This role requires managing a multi-laboratory collaboration for the international ITER fusion facility, ensuring that project goals are met in alignment with the Department of Energy.

The ideal candidate will have significant experience in scientific management, a relevant advanced degree, and exceptional communication skills, as well as the ability to work with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Qualifications

• At least 15 years of scientific/technical management experience.
• Proven, successful management of large, complex scientific/technical projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead execution of the U.S. ITER Project including R&D and procurement.
• Ensure project progress according to technical, cost, and schedule requirements.
• Act as the primary U.S. representative to the ITER Organization.

Skills

Exceptional communication skills

Scientific/technical management experience

Project management

Ability to travel internationally

Education

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

Job description

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Project Director for the U.S. ITER Project. U.S. ITER is a multi-laboratory collaboration (ORNL, PPPL, and SRNL) within the DOE Office of Science, supporting the construction of the international ITER fusion facility—a partnership among seven member nations: China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United States. U.S. ITER is responsible for delivering twelve critical hardware systems to ITER. The project is roughly 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead 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.
• Ensure 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.
• Act 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.
• Interface with and provide timely information to the Department of Energy, advisory committees, partner laboratories, and the scientific community.
• Interface with other stakeholders as necessary to communicate the value and importance of ITER and the U.S. ITER Project.
• Build, develop, and sustain an integrated U.S. ITER team with experienced project management and technical staff, effectively integrating partners.
• 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 the goals of the U.S. ITER Project and support ITER.
• Engage 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 RealID‑compliant form of identification will be required. 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) Order473.1A, which requires a favorable post‑employment background investigation. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier1 background check investigation, including a declaration of illegal drug activities within the last year. For foreign national candidates who have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, a Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination is required; thereafter, a PIV credential is required.

Benefits

• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.