Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Requisition 17306 · Level TP04 · Target Engineering Group, Target Development, Engineering & Operations Section, Neutron Technologies Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

About the role

We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer who will lead mechanical engineering design for Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) systems, with emphasis on remote handling, post-irradiation examination (PIE) support, activated component handling, and spent component disposal support. This position also provides remote handling technical support to operations personnel during maintenance outages. The SNS facility operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, year-round; occasional off-hours or weekend support may be required.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical engineering design for all phases of remote handling, from concept through final detailed design using Creo.
• Lead fabrication, commissioning, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance support for remote handling tools and systems.
• Plan and manage maintenance and component replacement activities, including estimates, schedules, and design, fabrication, and testing requirement documents.
• Lead process development and mockup testing of new tooling and equipment, including in preparation for major equipment repair and replacement, and guide junior staff on these efforts.
• Present at technical design reviews and advisory committees and resolve their recommendations.
• Comply with ORNL environment, safety, health, and quality (ESH&Q) program requirements and procedures.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace.

Requirements

• BS in mechanical engineering or related field and at least 8 years of relevant mechanical engineering design experience.
• Experience leading mechanical design and analysis for complex systems, including mechanics, materials, fluid dynamics, and stress analysis.
• Working knowledge of CAD solid modeling.
• Experience with hoisting and rigging equipment and material handling operations.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with PTC Creo CAD software.
• Experience with hot cell operations and/or other remote handling operations using remote machines, cameras, long handled tools, etc.
• Experience with radioactive environments and radioactive component disposal.

Special Requirements

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge. For employment at ORNL, a Real ID compliant form of identification is required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and DOE Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation, including a declaration of illegal drug activities (use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year, including marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which remain illegal under federal law regardless of state laws).

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Medical plans (Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan)
• Retirement plans (401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan)
• Life Insurance and Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Employee Discounts
• On-site amenities: fitness center, banking, cafeteria
• Flexible work hours
• Relocation Assistance available