Machine Design Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

16h

About The Position

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Machine Design Engineer to support the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED) within the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate. The role provides technical leadership and creative design solutions to advance centrifuge machine design and support enrichment system development. The engineer reports to and works closely with the Machine Design Engineering Group Leader, delivering assignments and design outputs in accordance with established processes. The position works with ESED subject matter experts, project managers, WBS managers, principal investigators, engineers, technicians, and other stakeholders to execute project scope according to approved schedules, budgets, and technical milestones. The engineer supports gas centrifuge isotope separation design, progresses new designs through testing toward volume production, and delivers accurate, clear design documentation that supports downstream work. The position requires an active DOE Q Clearance. It is a Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) testing-designated position, requiring a pre-placement drug test and ongoing random drug testing. Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE clearance.

Requirements

Active DOE Q Clearance.
Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and at least 6 years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated machine design experience.
Experience with SolidWorks 3D CAD.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy clearance.
Ability to pass a pre-placement drug test and participate in ongoing random drug testing.

Nice To Haves

Relevant design experience with high-speed rotating machinery.
Certified SolidWorks Professional credential.
Experience with product data management systems and CAD database processes and workflows.
ASME Y14.5, geometric dimensioning, and tolerancing professional certification.
Successful execution of research and development or other large technology-based projects at ORNL or within the DOE complex.

Responsibilities

Support gas centrifuge isotope separation design in collaboration with analysis, fabrication, assembly, and testing personnel.
Design complex components and subassemblies for high-speed rotating equipment, applying machine design fundamentals and design-for-manufacturing principles.
Address design areas including motors, bearings, suspensions, composites, vibrations, and containment safety.
Progress new designs through testing toward eventual volume production.
Design containment boundary joints, including mechanical assembly interfaces, electrical feedthroughs, and weldments, in accordance with high- and ultra-high-vacuum system best practices.
Design precision fixtures and tooling for fabrication, inspection, testing, and assembly.
Create high-quality drawings and bills of materials using robust configuration management practices.
Use SolidWorks 3D CAD to create models and drawings in accordance with ASME Y14.5, and use SolidWorks PDM for configuration management.
Perform tolerance stack-up and error-budget calculations.
Support design reviews by preparing review documents, engaging stakeholders, and resolving review-panel comments satisfactorily.
Deliver design outputs within schedule and budget guidance, ensuring documentation is accurate, clear, and useful for downstream work.
Specify materials to national standards such as ASTM, MIL, SAE, and UNS, based on required properties and technology-specific vacuum and process-gas compatibility guidance.
Work with internal ORNL and external-supplier Manufacturing and Quality staff to incorporate non-conformances and manufacturing feedback into drawing revisions.
Align conduct and priorities with ORNL's core values and promote equal opportunity and a respectful workplace.