Core Components & Fabrication Engineer

Date: Jul 9, 2025

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 15090 

Overview:    

We are seeking a Core Components & Fabrication Engineer to join the Systems Engineering (SE) Group within the Research Reactors Division (RRD) at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL).  

 

ORNL is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. 

 

The Systems Engineering (SE) Group is responsible for the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) configuration management program. The SE Group also provides technical support to operations and maintenance and performs systems analysis. In this Mechanical Engineering role, you will perform design engineering and support manufacturing and fabrication of reactor core components. You will also be responsible for maintaining overall cognizance of assigned HFIR structures, systems, and components (SSCs), and provide system engineering support for operations and maintenance. 

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

  • Design engineering solutions for new installations and upgrades of HFIR structures, systems, and components (SSCs). 

  • Conduct calculations and analyses to support design specifications and requirements. 

  • Ensure compliance with relevant codes and standards, including ASTM, ASME, AWS, GD&T, QS9000, and ISO14001. 

  • Assist in developing the reactor core component replacement plan. 

  • Create design specifications and establish acceptance criteria for component upgrades. 

  • Prepare material specifications and provide technical support for material procurement. 

  • Lead the fabrication, machining, and assembly of reactor core components and related tooling in accordance with HFIR specifications. 

  • Implement modifications following RRD configuration control processes. 

  • Prepare and maintain as-built documentation, including engineering drawings, specifications, and system descriptions for assigned SSCs. 

  • Manage projects for the installation of mechanical design changes. 

  • Troubleshoot and analyze system and component failures, developing corrective actions as needed. 

  • Write work package instructions for documentation and task execution. 

  • Provide technical support to craft supervisors and field crews. 

  • Contribute to preventive and predictive maintenance work instructions. 

  • Perform operability assessments to evaluate equipment impacts on HFIR operations. 

  • Analyze and trend preventive and predictive maintenance data and equipment performance history. 

  • Conduct overall systems health evaluations in line with the HFIR Reliability Program, focusing on system health indicators and identifying equipment vulnerabilities. 

  • Follow environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements to promote a safe working environment. 

  • 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: 

  • A BS degree in an engineering related field. 

  • A minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical/manufacturing engineering. 

  • Experience in project management, leading maintenance tasks, procedure development, procurement of materials and equipment analysis. 

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Strong understanding of ASME codes and standards, along with machining, fabrication practices, welding, and machine design. 

  • Ability to diagnose mechanical equipment issues, create formal work package instructions, and interpret mechanical design drawings, including GD&T principles (ASME Y14.5). 

  • Experience with CNC lathes, precision OD grinding, forging, welding, and heat treatment processes in a nuclear reactor environment. 

  • Familiarity with regulatory programs guiding the HFIR work environment, including DOE Orders and OSHA requirements. 

 

Special Requirements: 

  • Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer. 

  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. 

 

Benefits at ORNL:  

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available for this position. 

 

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov  

 

 

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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.


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