Industrial Engineer

Date: Nov 18, 2025

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 15613 

 

Overview:

We are seeking an Industrial Engineer who will focus on our Operations processes, documentation, and continuous improvement activities with the rapidly growing field of stable isotope enrichment. This position resides in the Plasma Enrichment Deployment and Engineering Group in the Plasma Enrichment Science and Engineering Section, Enrichment Science and Engineering Division, Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

 

The Enrichment Science and Engineering Division serves the nation in two critical areas: advancing enrichment technologies and exploring stable isotope production and applications. The division uses an elite staff of scientists, engineers, and technicians with world-leading capabilities of Oak Ridge National Laboratory to deliver groundbreaking advancements with a variety of applications, from national security to life-saving medical treatments. ESED is the national steward for the research, development, and demonstration of enrichment technologies. ORNL is a recognized leader in centrifuge and electromagnetic enrichment technology. We are the stewards and dispensary of the nation’s stable isotope inventory and have a legacy dating to the late 1940s. This division integrates the full enrichment process from chemical synthesis of feed materials through fabrication of the custom physical forms needed to support the user communities.

 

You will work closely with a focused group of scientists, technicians, and engineers on ambitious, fast paced technical projects in support of the DOE Isotope Program. This has been a quickly expanding program at ORNL and offers significant opportunities for professional growth. The team demonstrates a collective excitement for the important work being accomplished and values creative solutions to developing technology and processes to solve the latest challenges. Successful development and deployment of isotope separation technologies requires an acute attention to detail and continued consideration of personnel and equipment safety.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Lead and assist in the deployment of new process flows, improve existing process flows, and the documentation associated including implementing them in support of multiple shifts of operation as enrichment technologies transition from R&D prototypes to deployed 24/7 operating systems. This includes but is not limited to:
    • Process Flow and Value Stream/Standardize Method Development
    • Procedures/Operating Instruction
    • Continuous improvement and issue tracking
    • Process and equipment configuration control
    • Development of value stream maps and future state visions to optimize the entire enrichment process
  • Support the implementation and adaptation of existing ISO9001 quality program to include new stable isotope enrichment activities.
  • Develop and implement operations models for both small- and large-scale isotope production facilities by studying product requirements, researching, designing, modifying, and testing methods and equipment.
  • Participate on project teams (currently executing an anticipated > $300M in work scope with great potential for additional future projects).
  • Provide decision-making information and advise line management on budget, staffing, and facility needs to establish and maintain safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations.
  • Review production schedules and estimate future requirements.
  • Improve manufacturing efficiency by analyzing and planning workflow, space requirements, and equipment layout.
  • Collaborate with engineers, scientists, designers and technicians from across ORNL.
  • Prepare reports for both internal and external presentation by collecting and analyzing data and determining trends.
  • Ensure compliance with environment, safety, security, health and quality program requirements.
  • 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 degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Process, Nuclear or Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated experience implementing and maintaining various programs in an industrial environment.
  • Demonstrated experience leading diverse teams to accomplish project goals and program mission.
  • Demonstrated experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • 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.
  • Ensure compliance with environments, safety, health, and quality program requirements.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 5 years of experience in an engineer support role for an industrial or manufacturing environment.
  • Experience with Materials Management.
  • Experience with the ISO 9001 Quality Standard or similar Quality Management standard.
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.

 

Special Requirements:

  • Q clearance: 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.

 

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.

 

Relocation:

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

 

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.


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