Senior Project Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

About The Position

The Senior Project Engineer designs, deploys, and improves instruments for the neutron science community at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). The position is in the Instrument Project Engineering Group within the Neutron Technologies Engineering Section, Neutron Technologies Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate. The role involves designing, procuring, and overseeing installation and commissioning of new instruments and upgrades to existing instruments, including one-of-a-kind and first-of-a-kind components and systems. Instrument components may include vacuum or pressure vessels, equipment positioning devices, personnel safety systems, neutron and biological shielding, and optical components. The engineer contributes within their technical specialty and coordinates multidisciplinary experts to execute projects. The work requires a strong engineering foundation, communication skills, and the ability to assemble, direct, and collaborate with technical specialists. The position supports ORNL’s mission and core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service, and promotes equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace. A pre-hire physical is required after an offer. The role requires access to and work in industrial facility environments, including climbing stairs, navigating uneven surfaces, and crawling into tight areas. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, civil engineering, engineering science, or a related field.
A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.
Experience in Computer Aided Design (CAD).
Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary technical teams and managing and executing complex, structured technical projects.
Ability to access and work in industrial facility environments, including climbing stairs, navigating uneven surfaces, and crawling into tight areas.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering, civil engineering, engineering science, or a related discipline.
Experience with neutron scattering instruments or other large-scale scientific user facilities.
Experience with Creo/Windchill design and data management software.
Experience with industry codes and standards, such as ASME BPVC, ASCE 7, and ASME Y14.5.
Certification or formal training in project management, such as PMP certification.
Experience mentoring early-career engineers or providing technical oversight on multidisciplinary project teams.

Responsibilities

Lead engineering design and analysis of complex mechanical systems from concept through detailed design, fabrication, installation, and commissioning for new instrument developments and major upgrades at SNS and HFIR.
Define project objectives and technical requirements, develop project execution plans, and manage projects to scope, schedule, and budget; produce and follow cost and schedule estimates.
Oversee procurement, fabrication, and installation of components and systems; plan and supervise validation testing.
Direct work planning and hazard evaluation activities, serving as the responsible engineer of record for assigned scope.
Provide technical direction to designers, engineers, and other technical staff; lead multidisciplinary activities and review deliverables for compliance with engineering standards and customer requirements.
Ensure designs and installations meet industry, DOE, and ORNL codes and standards for functionality, quality, health, and safety.
Participate in R&D, prototyping, and testing of proposed new equipment.
Produce technical reports and design documentation, prepare presentations for design reviews and advisory committees, and communicate technical status and performance to ORNL management.
Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL’s core values and promote equal opportunity through a respectful workplace.