Applications Engineer for Advanced Manufacturing
Date: Jul 29, 2026
Location: Hardin Valley, TN, US, 37932
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 16862
Overview:
We are seeking a Sensor Application Engineer who will focus on design and installation and assist with the development (hardware and software), of sensor systems for advanced manufacturing systems. They will maintain sensor calibration and quality across a variety of machines and support the development of state-of-the-art sensor technologies and their usage in advanced machine learning algorithms. This position resides in the Manufacturing Systems Analytics (MSA) Group in the Manufacturing Science Division (MSD), Energy Science and Technology Directorate (ESTD), at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Design and install image-based and other sensing systems
- Develop data acquisition software for sensing systems
- Maintain and upgrade existing imaging and sensing systems
- Develop new sensing techniques and technologies
- Calibrate sensors and ensure data integrity for use in machine learning algorithms
- Support R&D projects for the MSA Group and across the MDF
- Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.
Basic Qualifications:
- BS in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, computer engineering, computer science, or closely related field with at least four years of relevant experience.
- Programming experience, preferably in Python.
- Strong desire to learn new skills and the ability to learn independently.
- Excellent verbal communication skills.
- Desire and ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.
- At least three of the following:
- Mechanical design experience using 3D CAD software
- Experience with sensor instrumentation, particularly cameras and optics
- Experience with microcontrollers and/or robotics
- Experience with computer vision techniques
- Experience with software development for real-time data acquisition
- Knowledge and/or experience of metal additive manufacturing processes
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, computer engineering, computer science, or a closely related discipline.
- Working knowledge of machine learning and deep learning models, including their application within manufacturing environments
- Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
- Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
Special Requirements:
- Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
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Export control, no clearance: This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.
About ORNL:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.
Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.
Nearest Major Market: Knoxville