Group Leader - Reactor Fuel and Fabrication

Requisition Id 14267 

Overview:    

The Research Reactors Division at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks to hire a Group Leader for the Reactor Fuel and Fabrication Group in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) Systems Engineering, Design, and Fabrication Section. 

The Systems Engineering, Design, and Fabrication Section within the Research Reactors Division is responsible for the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) configuration management program.  The Reactor Fuel and Fabrication engineering group provides engineering support and oversight for reactor fuel fabrication.   This position also provides technical support to operations, maintenance, and performs system analysis.  In this role you will function as a front-line supervisor for engineers who perform design engineering in support of modifications and fabrication for reactor fuel and fabrications at HFIR.  You will also supervise engineers who conduct technical support for maintenance activities and conduct performance analysis of reactor systems.  The Lead also performs engineering roles for assigned systems.  This position will function as a cognizant system engineer for the assigned HFIR plant systems in the HFIR System Engineering Program in accordance with DOE O 420.1 for the hazard category 1 nuclear facility and shall be qualified as a HFIR System Engineer in the RRD Training Program. 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

LEAD DUTIES: 

• Plan and manage engineering activities for assigned areas of responsibility. 

• Provides leadership, direction, and support to engineering staff including work distribution and prioritization. 

• Performs mid-year and annual personnel assessment, evaluation, and development for engineering staff. 

• Make recommendations to HFIR management regarding technical issues. 

• Provide formal and informal fuel fabrication status updates to HFIR management. 

• Provide input to HFIR management for planning and implementation of fiscal year budget and schedule.  

• Provide input to HFIR 3-Year planning activities and updates. 

• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success. 

CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT: 

• Prepares engineering designs for new installations and for replacement and upgrade of reactor structures, systems, and components (SSCs). 

• Performs calculations and interpretations of industry code to support design development. 

• Applies relevant codes and standards, such as DOE Orders, ASTM, ASME, AWS, ANSI (including Nuclear Standards), GD&T, etc. 

• Task leads field installation and testing of engineering design changes. 

• Provides project management for installation of mechanical design changes. 

• Review design specifications to define and determine acceptance criteria for material upgrades. 

• Prepares material specifications, initiates, and provides technical support in procurement of nuclear safety-related materials. 

• Implements modifications in accordance with RRD’s nuclear configuration control processes. 

• Prepares and maintains as-built documentation for assigned HFIR SSCs, including engineering drawings, specifications, system descriptions, relevant databases, and labeling. 

MAINTENANCE SUPPORT: 

• Troubleshoots and analyzes system and component failures and develops corrective actions. 

• Provides written work package directions to perform and document work. 

• Provides field work technical direction to craft supervisors and craft. 

• Develops and implements preventive maintenance work instructions. 

OPERATIONS SUPPORT: 

• Performs operability or equipment degradation assessments to determine equipment impact on HFIR operation. 

• Assists in the investigation of reportable occurrences or operating events and in the preparation of associated reports and root cause determinations. 

SYSTEM ANALYSIS: 

• Analyzes and trends results of preventive and predictive maintenance data. 

• Analyzes equipment performance history. 

• Ensures compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements. 

• Performs overall systems health evaluation in accordance with RRD’s Systems Engineering and Reliability Programs, which involves the following: 

• System Health Indicators. 

• Identification of new and status of existing equipment/component vulnerabilities. 

• HFIR 3-Year Planning Activities. 

• Identification of Spare Parts deficiencies and single point vulnerabilities. 

• Walk-Downs to Assess System Configuration and Material Condition. 

• Evaluation of surveillance test results. 

• Assessment of open Modifications, Deviations and Corrective Work Packages. 

FUEL FABRICATION ENGINEERING:

• Manage and work with a team of engineers to manage Fuel Supplier’s fabrication of up to 8 high quality element assemblies per year.

• Provide technical support and engineering oversight for a variety of cutting processes on equipment of varying ages.

• Evaluate existing machining processes for potential improvements to quality and productivity. 

• Review Operating Procedures for accuracy and opportunities for improvement. 

• Visit Fuel Fabricator facility to support fabrication challenges and verify proper processing methods. 

• Support activities to improve supplier quality through implementation of a Corrective Action Plan. 

• Provide technical support for qualification of new equipment. 

• Provide engineering support to evaluate and disposition machining non-conformities produced by the supplier. 

Basic Qualifications: 

• A BS degree in in engineering or related field and a minimum of 10 years of experience in mechanical or manufacturing engineering. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. 

• Must possess strong oral and written communication skills, demonstrate good interpersonal skills, and work well as a team member. 

• Requires ability to diagnose mechanical equipment/component problems and develop formal work package instructions for performance and documentation of repairs. 

• A strong understanding of reading and interpreting mechanical design drawings. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• At least 2 years of experience at the HFIR site. 

• Experience with design and maintenance activities in a nuclear reactor operating environment. 

• Experience with design of reactor fuel and mechanical components. 

• Knowledge of applicable codes and standards, such as ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, ASME B31 piping codes, ASTM, AWS, ASME Y14.5M Dimensioning and Tolerancing, and ASME NQA-1 Nuclear Quality Assurance. 

• Experience with the regulatory programs which define the HFIR work environment, including DOE Orders pertaining to conduct of operation and maintenance, OSHA requirements, and ASME standards would be a plus. 

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

Special Requirements:  

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

• This position also requires Radiological Worker II and potentially Confined Space training. Some work may be done in Radiological Areas and in confined spaces. 

• 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. 

• This position is subject to adverse weather conditions and is subject to emergency call back for after-hours work.  

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. 

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.

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.