Project Engineer

ORNL’s Laboratory Modernization Division (LMD) is seeking a Project Engineer to lead multidisciplinary projects from concept through completion, with a focus on the facility design of a large-scale, high-security data center.

About the role

The ideal candidate will have a background in design execution and construction support for DOE and/or DOD facilities. This role requires coordinating activities throughout all project lifecycle phases to ensure timely, on-budget delivery while meeting stringent Federal and security requirements. The position demands expertise in supporting large projects with complex security protocols, working in a fast-paced environment, and interacting with multiple stakeholders. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential to coordinate cross-functional teams, vendors, and subcontractors.

Responsibilities

• Lead the comprehensive planning, execution, and delivery of architectural and engineering projects from conception to transition to operations, ensuring projects meet scope, schedule, and budget targets.
• Develop detailed project definitions, scopes of work, and methods of accomplishment.
• Leverage extensive architectural and engineering knowledge to deliver expert technical guidance and support, ensuring robust design solutions and effective problem resolution throughout all project phases.
• Collaborate with multi-discipline teams, including architects, engineers, contractors, and government officials, to ensure security, technical, and regulatory requirements are met.
• Ensure project compliance with Federal standards, regulations, security protocols, and ORNL standards through all phases.
• Participate in periodic project and customer/stakeholder meetings to provide status updates, foster effective communication, review progress and performance, discuss issues, and facilitate problem resolution.
• Review contractor proposals (architectural, engineering, and/or construction) to ensure alignment with scope and objectives.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize project impacts and secure successful outcomes.
• Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance project processes and outcomes.
• Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace.

Requirements

• BS/BA degree in Architecture, Engineering, or other relevant technical degree (such as Project Management/Construction Management).
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in managing design and construction of large-scale, complex projects with a strong track record of successful project delivery.
• Proven experience with Federal projects, including understanding of regulations and security requirements.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies, including risk management, cost estimation, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Proficiency in engineering software, project management tools, and methodologies.
• Strong understanding of industry standards and regulations.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to think critically.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interface effectively with government stakeholders, internal teams, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to create, organize, and manage project documents from conception to completion, including storing all closeout and as-built documentation in site database systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of federal procurement processes and compliance with FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation).
• Knowledge of Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 705 standards for the construction, accreditation, and maintenance of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs).

Special Requirements

• A pre-hire physical will be required after offer due to various physical requirements and working conditions.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy.
• This position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position, requiring a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.
• Due to the SCI clearance, random polygraph testing may also be required.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• 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
• On-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities
• Flexible work hours

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. ORNL aims to create an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are valued, supporting our mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges.