Core Components Engineer - Entry Level
About The Position
The Core Components Engineer is an entry-level mechanical engineering role in the Core Components and Fabrication Group within the Research Reactors Division (RRD), Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The engineer supports the design, manufacturing, and fabrication of reactor core components for the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), maintains cognizance of assigned HFIR structures, systems, and components (SSCs), and provides engineering support for operations and maintenance. The role supports design engineering for new HFIR SSC installations and upgrades, including calculations and analyses that support design specifications and requirements in compliance with relevant codes and standards. It also supports fabrication, machining, and assembly of components and tooling; prepares material specifications and supports procurement; maintains drawings and as-built documentation; and contributes to work instructions, troubleshooting, operability assessments, equipment-performance analysis, and HFIR reliability evaluations. The engineer is expected to follow environmental, safety, health, and quality requirements and to align with ORNL’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service while fostering a respectful workplace. The role requires a pre-hire physical, eligibility for access to export-controlled technology without an export control license, and participation in the Workplace Substance Abuse Program, including pre-placement and ongoing random drug testing. Visa sponsorship is unavailable.
Requirements
- BS degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.
- Experience in mechanical or manufacturing engineering; internship or co-op experience may qualify.
- Must qualify for access to technology subject to export control requirements without an export control license.
- Must pass a pre-placement drug test and participate in the ongoing random drug testing program for WSAP-designated positions.
- A pre-hire physical is required after an offer.
Nice To Haves
- Understanding of ASME codes and standards, machining, fabrication practices, welding, and machine design.
- Ability to interpret mechanical design drawings, including GD&T principles (ASME Y14.5), and create formal work package instructions.
- Familiarity with CNC lathes, precision OD grinding, forging, welding, and heat treatment processes, ideally in a nuclear reactor environment.
- Familiarity with regulatory programs guiding the HFIR work environment, including DOE Orders and OSHA requirements.
Responsibilities
- Support design engineering for new installations and upgrades of HFIR SSCs, including calculations and analyses supporting design specifications and requirements, in compliance with applicable codes and standards.
- Support fabrication, machining, and assembly of reactor core components and related tooling in accordance with HFIR specifications.
- Prepare material specifications and provide technical support for material procurement.
- Prepare and maintain engineering drawings, specifications, and as-built documentation for assigned SSCs, and implement modifications through RRD configuration control processes.
- Write work package instructions, contribute to preventive and predictive maintenance work instructions, and provide technical support to craft supervisors and field crews.
- Troubleshoot system and component failures, perform operability assessments, and analyze equipment performance and maintenance data to support HFIR Reliability Program system health evaluations.
- Follow environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements to promote a safe working environment.
- Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL’s core values and promote equal opportunity through a respectful workplace.
Benefits
- Medical plan
- Retirement plans, including a 401(k) Retirement Plan and Contributory Pension Plan
- Flexible work hours
- On-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities
- Prescription Drug Plan
- Dental Plan
- Vision 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
- Employee Discounts
- Relocation Assistance for certain positions
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
