Experiment Project Engineer

We are seeking an Experiment Project Engineer who will perform a diverse set of activities related to analysis, approval, and coordination of in-vessel and gamma irradiations at the Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR).  These will largely include experiments related to materials science and isotope production to support key ORNL objectives.  In this role, you will interact and collaborate with the experiment design and analysis team(s) associated with proposed samples, quality assurance specialists, support personnel, reactor operators, and ORNL transportation-related organizations.  

This position resides in the Experiments and R&D Programs Group in the Nuclear Safety and Experiment Analysis Section of Research reactors Division, part of the Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.    

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

SHIPPING AND TRANSPORTATION SUPPORT  

• Participate in a multitude of radioactive materials shipping activities, including evaluations of activity levels, isotopic content, adherence to cask limits, review of shipping authorization documents, and coordinating cask loading and unloading operations.  Will work closely with experienced HFIR Experiment and Fuel Transportation Subject Matter Expert. 

• Engage with HFIR fresh and irradiated fuel shipping activities, cask maintenance, and Safety Analysis Report for Packaging (SARP) maintenance and certification. 

EXPERIMENT COORDINATION 

• Work closely with experimenters and principal investigators to understand their irradiation needs and guide them in the process of preparing for and carrying out irradiation experiments. This includes providing feasibility evaluations of prospective in-vessel and gamma irradiation experiments with the responsibility and authority to guide experimenters to compliance with HFIR safety requirements. 

• Provide review of experimenter documentation addressing nuclear and experiment safety or programmatic concerns with in-core and gamma irradiation experiments, including evaluation through the Unreviewed Safety Question (USQ) process; ultimately providing final authorization for insertion of experiments into the reactor.  

• Provide consultation for experiment design, engineering and fabrication of isotope production program and materials science efforts. 

• Interact frequently with scientists and engineers of various disciplines both inside and outside ORNL. 

 
EXPERIMENT FACILITIES SUPPORT 

• Work with RRD Experiments and R&D staff, Systems Engineering, and other Nuclear Safety staff to evaluate the existing facilities’ performance and develop corrective maintenance solutions for operability issues as well as conceptualize new facilities or improvements to existing facilities that meet experimenter needs. 

• Participate in HFIR experiment facility health monitoring activities and reporting. 

• Work with HFIR Operations to prepare instructions for installing, adjusting, and removing experiments 

• Gain expertise using the EXSITE experiment planning, coordination, and resource platform. 

Basic Qualifications: 

• A BS degree in mechanical, nuclear, or aerospace or similar engineering field with at least five years of experience in a nuclear environment such as a nuclear power plant, research reactor or other nuclear facility. 

• Fundamental understanding of nuclear processes for isotope production, nuclear physics, and materials science. 

 Preferred Qualifications: 

• A relevant MS degree  

• Experience with experiments at a research reactor 

• Current Q or L Clearance 

• Significant experience with coordinating transportation of irradiated isotope and/or materials experiments on a DOE site 

• DOT hazardous material transportation certification or willingness to obtain 

• Ability to review and understand neutronics and/or thermal calculations for acceptance 

Special Requirements:  

• 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. 

• Certification for transport of hazardous materials will be required if not already possessed. 

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.  

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. 

This position is located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and requires onsite presence.  We offer a flexible work environment that supports both the organization and the employee.  A hybrid/onsite working arrangement may be available with this position, which provides flexibility to work periodically from your home, while reporting onsite to the Oak Ridge, Tennessee location on a weekly and regular basis. 

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. 

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