Mechanical Test Engineer, Principal

Centrus Energy•Oak Ridge, TN

5d•$117,778 - $196,297•Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Mechanical Test Engineer serves as a senior technical leader responsible for driving the development, modernization, and expansion of centrifuge dynamic test stands at Centrus Energy’s Oak Ridge Technology & Manufacturing Center. This role plays a critical part in advancing national security–focused enrichment technologies by guiding high‑speed rotating machinery testing, directing multi‑stand rebuilds and upgrades, and leading cross‑functional engineering teams. The position requires obtaining and maintaining a DOE Q‑level security clearance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
8+ years of mechanical or dynamic testing experience involving rotating machinery, vibration analysis, or high‑speed mechanical systems.
Demonstrated leadership experience guiding teams, major projects, or significant engineering initiatives.
Ability to obtain and maintain Q‑level clearance.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Experience rebuilding or designing centrifuge dynamic test stands or high‑speed rotor test systems.
Experience with centrifuge design, testing, or manufacturing.
Knowledge of QL‑1 / QL‑2 quality assurance hardware and documentation.
Active Q‑level clearance.

Responsibilities

Lead the full lifecycle of redesigning, rebuilding, commissioning, and enhancing centrifuge dynamic test stands—overseeing everything from mechanical structures and rotating interfaces to safety systems, diagnostics, DAQ, and controls.
Drive the development of new test stands that support future phases of enrichment programs and establish long-term modernization strategies that improve capacity, reliability, and instrumentation across multiple test assets.
Guide high-speed testing and analysis of centrifuge rotors, suspensions, bearings, and subassemblies using both upgraded and newly developed stands.
Support advanced modal analysis, vibration diagnostics, shock characterization, stability mapping, and performance verification using a wide array of instrumentation such as laser vibrometry, strain gauges, accelerometers, and eddy-current sensors.
Collaborate with analytical teams to validate predictive models and ensure accuracy in centrifuge performance forecasts.
Plan, direct, and prioritize multi-project test activities, ensuring smooth execution in support of enrichment technology development.
Mentor engineers and technicians, provide direction to cross-disciplinary contributors, and represent the testing function during design reviews, readiness assessments, schedule integration meetings, and project reporting activities.
Work closely with design, manufacturing, operations, safety, procurement, and quality teams to ensure all testing outputs meet engineering requirements.
Support supplier coordination, process improvements, and oversight of engineering specifications, documentation, and test packages used in fabrication and DOE-regulated environments.
Ensure that all testing, rebuilds, and operations comply with DOE/NQA‑1 quality and safety requirements.
Uphold DOE Integrated Safety Management protocols, maintain strict adherence to industrial and radiological safety practices, and support all security clearance requirements, including background checks and ongoing compliance measures.