Senior Staff Technical Professional- Metallurgical Engineer, Wire Drawing

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Materials Science and Technology Division within the Physical Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking a Metallurgical Engineer for its Materials Processing Group. The position focuses on developing, optimizing, and applying metallurgical processing methods across alloy systems, with particular emphasis on wire fabrication and wire drawing. The successful candidate will help establish and advance capabilities for producing small- and intermediate-scale wire products from materials including aluminum, copper, steels, nickel-based alloys, and refractory metals. The role involves process development, microstructural characterization, mechanical property evaluation, and correlating processing conditions with material structure and performance. It also supports the development of scalable manufacturing pathways for wire products. The employee will communicate research results through technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications, work collaboratively to deliver results for sponsors and stakeholders, and follow ORNL safety, quality, and conduct-of-research expectations. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field, at least eight years of relevant industrial or applied R&D experience in metallurgical processing, and demonstrated experience in wire fabrication or drawing of metallic materials. A Department of Energy clearance must be obtained and maintained. The position is designated for Workplace Substance Abuse Program testing, including pre-placement and ongoing random drug testing. Visa sponsorship is unavailable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field.
At least 8 years of relevant industrial or applied R&D experience in metallurgical processing.
Demonstrated experience in wire fabrication and/or wire drawing of metallic materials.
Experience with thermomechanical processing of metals, such as drawing, swaging, rolling, extrusion, and heat treatment.
Experience with metallographic preparation and microstructural characterization using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.
Experience interpreting processing–microstructure–property relationships in metallic materials.
Experience with casting of alloys.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy clearance.
Pass a pre-placement drug test and participate in an ongoing random drug testing program.

Nice To Haves

At least 8 years of industrial experience with wire fabrication processes, including extrusion, swaging, wire drawing, heat treating, and pickling.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Ability to work independently and contribute creatively to collaborative teams across the laboratory.
Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs in a fast-paced research environment.
Demonstrated ability to perform hands-on laboratory work independently and effectively direct technicians performing experimental and materials processing tasks.

Responsibilities

Develop and establish capabilities to fabricate small- and intermediate-scale wire from steels, aluminum, copper, nickel, and refractory-based alloys.
Design, optimize, and document wire processing routes, including feedstock preparation, deformation processing, wire drawing, swaging, and heat treatment.
Correlate processing parameters with microstructural evolution and material properties using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical testing.
Support development of scalable manufacturing pathways for wire products across multiple alloy systems.
Prepare technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications communicating research results and program outcomes.
Work effectively in a fast-paced, team-based environment to deliver results for sponsors and stakeholders.
Perform work in accordance with ORNL safety, quality, and conduct-of-research expectations.
Align work with ORNL’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service, and promote an equitable, respectful workplace.