Mechanical Process Engineer

About the role

The Manufacturing Process Engineering Group within the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED) seeks applications for a Mechanical Process Engineer. The Enrichment Science and Engineering Division serves the nation in two critical areas: advancing enrichment technologies and exploring enriched stable isotope production and applications. The division leverages an elite staff of scientists and engineers with the world-leading capabilities of Oak Ridge National Laboratory to deliver groundbreaking advancements with a variety of applications, from national security to life-saving medical treatments. This position reports to the Manufacturing Process Engineering Group Leader.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Supporting the mechanical systems development and deployment of prototypes with process & quality control engineering of fabrication, assembly and inspection techniques.
• Interface with principal investigators, management, engineers, technicians, internal and external fabrication shops, and other individual stakeholder personnel.
• Designing fixtures and tooling to complete fabrication of test hardware with full and complete drawing package.
• Developing detailed schedules, work orders, manufacturing plans, quality & inspection plans, and inventory control of hardware.
• Providing manufacturability and general drawing reviews of designs to be fabricated.
• Developing or improving inspection, measurement, and manufacturing processes.
• Acting as the primary interface between project design and fabrication personnel.
• Acting as Technical Project Officer (TPO) to oversee all technical aspects of subcontracts for related component quality.
• Cooking response to vendor non-conformances or systematic failures so they can proactively address and resolve at the appropriate level.
• Understanding and applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ANSI Y14.5.
• Acting as the SME for their respective measuring, inspection or testing subject area.
• Preparing quality deliverables in accordance with project processes and procedures.
• Writing specifications and procedures to support inspection and testing.
• Aiding in the planning of inspections and tests, and interpreting data collected.
• Reviewing inspection and test setups and recommending instrumentation and measurement techniques.
• Performing inspections and setting quality assurance testing models for inspection and testing of materials, parts, and products to ensure adherence to established quality standards and design basis.
• Measuring output performance, analyzing issues with production quality, and recommending solutions.
• Proposing corrective actions to improve compliance with quality specifications.
• Maintaining records of results and preparing reports.

Basic Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 5 years of related manufacturing experience or a BS in another Engineering field and a minimum of 8 years related manufacturing experience.
• Demonstration of manufacturing experience in an R&D and/or a production environment.
• Mechatronic design/tooling design experience.
• A strong understanding of and application experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ANSI standard Y14.5.
• Experience with 3D modeling and design software packages.
• Prominent communication skills.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active DOE Q clearance.
• Specifically, machining and fabrication shop experience is highly desirable.
• Computer Aided Machining (CAM) package experience.
• Cooling Measuring Machine (CMM) experience (programming and operation).
• Electrical knowledge relating to manufacturing process automation.
• SOLIDWORKS Computer Aided Design (CAD) experience.

About the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED)

Established in 2020, the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate is strengthening Oak Ridge National Laboratory's leadership in isotope production and enrichment technology innovation. ISED is guiding the Lab's pursuit of the fundamental science and technology that broadens the application of isotopes for energy, environmental, medical, and national security purposes. These efforts are made possible through the High Flux Isotope Reactor, the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center, ORNL's other nuclear facilities, and an assemblage of world-leading scientists and engineers. Please visit https://www.ornl.gov/directorate/isotopes for more information about ISED.

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.

Special Requirements

• Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE Q clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.