Design and Program Engineer

Requisition Id 16528 – The Engineering Management Division (EMD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is hiring a Design and Program Engineer to support design, configuration management, and the site-wide glovebox lifecycle safety and integrity program in a Research & Development environment.

About the role

The successful candidate will manage and implement ORNL’s glovebox lifecycle safety and integrity program, ensuring R&D systems are designed with engineering integrity and structured configuration management. Gloveboxes serve as engineering controls to protect workers from hazards and maintain controlled atmospheres for sensitive materials. This role supports R&D staff, operations personnel, facility management, and the Engineering Management System Owner (MSO) in compliant program implementation. Additional responsibilities include assisting with hazard-based subject areas requiring design components for system evaluation, operation, and training, as well as establishing engineering safety and code-based requirements for new construction.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation and development of the glovebox program.
• Provide expertise to R&D and operations staff for design, commissioning, operations, and maintenance of gloveboxes.
• Develop and maintain the glovebox subject area, incorporating user feedback, industry experience, and compliance with applicable codes and standards.
• Support R&D staff in developing system designs for evaluation, operator training, and configuration management.
• Assist operations and R&D staff in establishing baseline engineering code and standards requirements for design.
• Implement chemical, pressure, material handling, compressed gas, and system safety programs through the design process.
• Collaborate with the Engineering MSO, Point of Contact (POC), and Quality Representative to develop and implement an assurance and assessment strategy for the glovebox program and other assessments as requested.
• Collaborate with R&D and operations staff to understand planned work and associated glovebox and design needs.
• Work with Safety and Health professionals to define system performance criteria.
• Prepare specifications and perform designs.
• Coordinate with facilities management and support staff to provide and maintain systems.
• Support Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and program managers for related engineering programs: Engineering Design, Configuration Management, Fire Protection, Pressure System Safety, System Safety, and Welding/Burning/Hotwork.
• Adhere to Battelle Safe Conduct of Research Principles.
• Support the local quality representative in assessing and maintaining applicable subject area standards.
• Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL’s core values: Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Foster a respectful workplace to promote equal opportunity.

Requirements

• BS degree in an engineering-related field (mechanical preferred) from an ABET-accredited program with 5+ years of relevant experience, or MS in Engineering with 4+ years of relevant experience.
• Experience in a research environment, including field/facility experience with research systems and gloveboxes in evaluation, modification, design, troubleshooting, calculations, and commissioning.
• Strong oral communication and technical writing skills.
• Proficiency with common office computer software.
• Strong sense of customer service and ability to collaborate positively with ORNL staff across disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs.

Special Requirements

• A pre-hire physical will be required after offer due to various physical demands and working conditions.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance, including passing a pre-placement drug test and participating in an ongoing random drug testing program (Workplace Substance Abuse Program).
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an 80-year legacy of addressing national challenges. Our team of over 7,000 individuals values diverse perspectives and backgrounds, supporting our mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits programs.
• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan and Contributory Pension Plan.
• Life insurance and disability benefits.
• Generous vacation, holidays, and parental leave.
• Legal insurance with identity theft protection.
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
• Wellness programs and educational assistance.
• Relocation assistance and employee discounts.
• On-site amenities including fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities.
• Flexible work hours to support work-life balance.