Gas Testing Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

8d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Gas Testing Engineer who will focus on the development, analysis, and interpretation of gas testing experiments to support isotope enrichment science. This position resides in the Gas Testing & Simulation Group in the Centrifuge Science Section, Enrichment Science and Engineering Division, Isotope Engineering and Science Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This group leads the application of machine and cascade theory to develop, execute, and interpret testing evolutions for discovery, performance evaluation, and optimization of enrichment systems. As part of our team, you will provide research and development (R&D) support to strategically advance science and technology of prototype enrichment devices for processing both uranium-bearing and stable isotope process gases.

Requirements

A BS degree in Chemical/Nuclear/Mechanical/Electrical/Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline and 4 years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
A solid understanding of fundamentals of chemical process unit operations with emphasis on separations and chemical reaction science is essential, is familiarity with and understanding of chemical engineering thermodynamics.
Demonstrated experience working in cross-disciplined teams.
Demonstrated experience in process flow diagrams and equipment design.
The ability to clearly communicate, both verbally and in writing, to sponsoring agencies, other engineers and researchers, technicians, and craftsmen.
The ability to work flexible hours and travel when required.

Nice To Haves

An MS or PhD degree in Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
Active DOE Q clearance.
Active Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Experience in process design, including the following: System requirements generation. Chemical design requirements, calculations, and detailed design associated with processes or systems. Design principles and calculations associated with pipe sizing for specific gas flows and vacuum. Vacuum system design.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Responsibilities

Characterize isotope enrichment centrifuges and related processes. Characterization involves assessments for optimal processing parameters, developing and analyzing approaches to mitigate chemical and physical impediments to processes, and implementing material and design goals.
Develop, write, and execute complex test plans involving significant data collection and interpretation, assessment of results, and incorporation of steps for continuous improvement of processes and communication of activities to senior research staff and management.
Work collaboratively with coworkers and management, as well as independently, to fully document work performed in the forms of technical reports and presentations and to participate in the development of research proposals.
Produce thorough, peer-reviewed scientific reports describing methods, materials, and conclusions based on experimental data analysis.
Interface with principal investigators, managers, engineers, fabricators, modelers, and operations personnel.
Post-process data in a manner to ensure its utility for various model validation efforts.
Understand and contribute to detailed formal design and instrumentation drawings, analysis plans, and fabrication plans in coordination with stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with Environment, Safety and Health (ES&H) and QA requirements.
Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.