Lead, AI-Enabled Innovation in Nuclear Instrumentation and Controls

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

42d

About The Position

The Modern Nuclear Instrumentation and Controls (MNIC) Group of the Advanced Reactor Engineering and Development (ARED) Section in the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division (NEFCD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks an accomplished and visionary Distinguished Research & Development Staff Member to lead the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with instrumentation and controls (I&C) for advanced nuclear systems. This position will play a central role in advancing ORNL's AI-enabled Labs of the Future strategic efforts - transforming nuclear energy research from observation-driven to autonomy-driven science. The successful candidate will establish ORNL as a national leader in AI-enabled I&C innovation, pioneering the development of autonomous, trustworthy, and cyber-secure control systems for next-generation reactors, fuel-cycle facilities, and nuclear science applications. Through this role, ORNL aims to accelerate the convergence of nuclear science with AI, modeling, sensing, and control technologies, advancing the laboratory's mission to create intelligent, self-driving testbeds and laboratories that enhance energy security, safety, and resilience. The successful candidate will establish and lead a new cross-domain research program that embeds AI and automation into nuclear systems science, positioning ORNL as the national leader in autonomous nuclear energy innovation - bridging digital twins, secure wireless instrumentation, and explainable trustworthy AI to enable smarter, safer, secure, and more resilient advanced reactors and fuel-cycle systems.

Requirements

PhD in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
A minimum of 12 years of relevant experience after Ph.D. (or 16 years with M.S., 20 years with B.S.) in nuclear I&C, AI/ML integration, or autonomous systems for complex engineering environments.
Demonstrated experience leading high-impact R&D teams and managing multi-sponsor projects to successful technical and programmatic outcomes.
Proven ability to secure external funding and lead cross-disciplinary research initiatives.
Q Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a 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.
Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Nice To Haves

Recognized national or international expertise in autonomous control, trustworthy AI, or secure wireless instrumentation for critical energy systems.
Experience with AI-driven digital twins, hardware-in-the-loop testbeds, and predictive maintenance frameworks for nuclear or other safety-critical domains.
Strong communication, mentoring, and team-building skills, with a proven record of collaboration across academia, industry, and government.
Demonstrated success in independent and original research, as reflected in a record of scholarly publications, patents, and thought leadership.
Commitment to maintaining a safe, positive, and inclusive work environment, and advancing ORNL's values of scientific integrity and excellence.

Responsibilities

Lead and grow a cutting-edge research program focused on integrating AI and autonomous control technologies with nuclear I&C systems, enabling predictive, adaptive, and semi-autonomous reactor operations.
Develop AI-powered digital twin frameworks that unify data acquisition, simulation, and control-forming the foundation of self-aware nuclear testbeds within ORNL's LOTF digital infrastructure.
Design and demonstrate connected-lab architectures for nuclear R&D by leveraging ORNL's state-of-the-art testbeds and capabilities in robotics, simulation, data analytics, and real-time sensing.
Drive collaboration across ORNL and external partners, including DOE-NE, DOE-SC, ARPA-E, USNRC, NASA, DOD, and the IAEA, to establish multi-sponsor programs in AI-enabled nuclear systems.
Advance trustworthy and explainable AI methodologies to ensure reliability, interpretability, and regulatory acceptance of autonomous control systems for advanced reactors.
Mentor and develop scientists, engineers, and postdocs, cultivating a multidisciplinary workforce skilled in AI, I&C, and nuclear energy integration.
Represent ORNL nationally and internationally, shaping standards, collaborations, and global initiatives related to AI and autonomy in nuclear applications.
Promote ORNL's core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service-fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace where innovation thrives.