System Engineer - Steam Plant Systems

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

About The Position

The Utilities Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking an experienced engineer to serve as a System Engineer in the Steam Work Center, supporting the Mechanical Utilities Complex. The division operates and maintains industrial-type utility systems that provide reliable services for ORNL’s research mission. The Steam Work Center is responsible for steam production and distribution, compressed air production and distribution, and natural gas distribution. The Steam System Engineer is the resident engineering authority for operation and maintenance matters involving system generation and distribution equipment. The role provides technical input for daily operations and maintenance, and engineering recommendations for projects and system modifications. It requires regular interaction with operations and maintenance staff, subcontractors, customers, and ORNL management. The position also supports maintenance and configuration control, project engineering and management, safety and environmental compliance, energy conservation, training, and utility performance improvements. The role may include supervisory and work-planning duties.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university.
At least five years of experience in a utility or power plant environment, with working knowledge of day-to-day mechanical utility system operations.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy clearance.
Pass a pre-placement drug test and participate in ongoing random drug testing as a Workplace Substance Abuse Program-designated position.
Complete a pre-hire physical after an offer.

Nice To Haves

Active Professional Engineer license in the State of Tennessee.
Proven ability to develop positive customer relations and work in a union contract environment.
Supervisory or project management experience.
Knowledge of environmental and regulatory compliance requirements for industrial boilers and utility operations, including air emissions, boilers and pressure vessels, natural gas distribution, water treatment and chemistry programs, and applicable mechanical and environmental standards.
Experience with ASME pressure systems, piping systems, and applicable mechanical codes and standards.
Experience supporting or supervising 24/7 operations in a rotating shift environment.

Responsibilities

Establish requirements for maintenance, modifications, and utility outage activities to preserve safety and environmental controls and minimize service interruptions or customer impact.
Communicate frequently with customers, craft workers, and other utility staff.
Support predictive and preventive maintenance programs.
Integrate worker safety, health, and environmental protection into work planning and execution.
Represent the organization in developing solutions to technical problems involving utility systems or projects.
Provide guidance to junior professionals when needed.
Perform work planning and supervisory duties as necessary.
Support configuration control to ensure systems and equipment are operated and maintained effectively and efficiently.
Support proper authorization of work performed in or on mechanical utility facilities and systems by construction and service subcontractors.
Support development of energy conservation strategies and other performance improvements to reduce utility and facility-service costs.
Maintain record drawings, project documentation, and regulatory records.
Work independently to solve problems while complying with standards, procedures, and policies.
Provide engineering oversight for Mechanical Utilities Complex projects and manage small- to medium-sized projects within the Division.
Support development and implementation of the utilities training program.
Perform other duties as directed by the Mechanical Utilities Group Leader or Steam Work Center Team Lead.
Align work behaviors and interactions with ORNL’s values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service, and foster a respectful workplace and equal opportunity.