Mechanical Design Engineer

This position is with the Design Engineering Group in the Nonreactor Nuclear Facility Division (NNFD). The engineer will collaborate with project teams, discipline leads, and stakeholders to design and analyze mechanical systems for nuclear and radiological facilities, including hot cells, gloveboxes, shielded carriers, lift fixtures, pressure vessels, process piping, confinement ventilation systems, and tools for isotope research and production.

Responsibilities

• Define and record design requirements, connections, assumptions, and standards for each project.
• Check existing conditions through reviewing records, site visits, measurements, and inspections.
• Create calculations, analyses, specifications, and complete design documents using a graded approach; clearly document decisions.
• Coordinate with engineers, designers, and stakeholders on installation, testing, safety, and system interfaces.
• Ensure design packages explain all necessary inspections, tests, turnover steps, records, and updates for implementation.
• Resolve conflicts between requirements, design details, vendor information, and field conditions; escalate issues as needed.
• Support purchasing, fabrication, construction, and project completion by providing timely technical guidance and reviewed documents.
• Lead field checks, gather multidisciplinary input, plan tests, and correct issues to ensure technical quality.
• Design or improve structures, systems, and components in Hazard Category II & III nuclear facilities.
• Perform engineering analyses and prepare technical reports and calculations.
• Use CAD tools to share designs and support prototyping or simulation; provide drafting teams with necessary details for documentation.
• Write engineering specifications and review submissions from outside firms for technical quality and impact.
• Prepare studies and cost estimates to support future project planning.
• Work with the NNFD Design Authority and other technical authorities on standards, interpretations, and approvals.
• Troubleshoot system problems, identify root causes, and recommend solutions.
• Gather and organize project data throughout the design process; report technical progress to discipline leads and customers.
• Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL’s core values: Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace.

Requirements

• BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Minimum of eight years of experience in design engineering for custom equipment and mechanical systems.
• Strong knowledge of mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids, heat transfer, materials, and fabrication design.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (preferably Autodesk Inventor and SolidWorks).
• Experience with Product Data Management (PDM) systems for managing design data.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to follow through on assigned tasks.
• Ability to support multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively with engineers, designers, technicians, vendors, and facility personnel.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work independently with appropriate technical guidance.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Experience in a DOE nuclear laboratory, DOE nuclear facility, research facility, manufacturing environment, or other highly controlled technical environment.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 apps, especially Teams, SharePoint, Excel, Word, and Copilot.
• Knowledge of ASME Y14 standards, including ASME Y14.5, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Special Requirements

• A pre-hire physical will be required after offer due to various physical demands and working conditions.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge is required.
• A Real ID-compliant form of identification will be required for employment at ORNL.
• Must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation, including a declaration of illegal drug activities (including marijuana and cannabis derivatives) within the last year.

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.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts.
• Wellness programs and educational assistance.
• Relocation assistance (domestic and international available for certain positions).
• Employee discounts and on-site amenities (fitness, banking, cafeteria).

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team consists of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals. We aim to create an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is a top choice for employment. These principles support our mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges.