Mechanical Assembly Technician
Date: Dec 23, 2025
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 15740
Overview:
The Prototype Manufacturing Group is seeking applications for a Mechanical Assembly Technician position with experience in the areas of mechanical fabrication, assembly, and inspection processes to support multiple enrichment technology programs. The Prototype Manufacturing Group resides in the Enrichment Systems Fabrication and Demonstration Section, Enrichment Science & Engineering Division, Isotope Science & 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 enriched stable isotope production and applications. The division leverages an elite staff of scientists, engineers, and technicians with the 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. This position reports to the Prototype Manufacturing Group Leader.
As part of our team, you will work with other technicians, engineers, quality representatives, project managers, and other project staff to provide best-in-class manufactured components and assemblies to support project activities. This position requires strong understanding of precision manufacturing, mechanical fabrication and assembly techniques, interpretation of mechanical drawings and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing, mechanical testing, inspection and quality control techniques.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Fabrication, assembly and testing of a variety of components utilized in various enrichment technology systems.
- Assist in the development of associated procedures and process improvements.
- Participation in research and development activities associated with gas centrifuge technology.
- Assembly, disassembly, and troubleshooting of fabrication equipment.
- Executing tasks in accordance with procedures, work orders, manufacturing plans, quality & inspection plans.
- Utilizing engineering and/or shop drawings for parts to be fabricated.
- Working effectively in a collaborative environment to meet project milestones and deliverables.
- 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:
- An AS degree in a science or engineering discipline and a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience OR a High School Diploma and a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience. Comparable combinations of education and experience will be considered.
- Mechanical aptitude and experience in fabrication and assembly.
- Demonstration of manufacturing experience in an R&D and/or a production environment.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Proficiency with standard and advanced equipment, computer systems and software programs.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 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.
- Active DOE Q clearance.
- Experience related to programs or research involving isotope enrichment technologies.
- Experience working under a Quality Assurance Program (NQA-1, ISO9001, AS9100, or similar).Understanding and being able to apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ANSI Y14.5.
Special Requirements:
- Physical Requirements: Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
- Export control: 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.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:
- This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
- For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
- Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
- To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
- If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.
- Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.
About the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED):
Established in 2020, the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate is strengthening Oak Ridge National Laboratory's leadership in isotope production and enrichment technology innovation. ISED is guiding the Lab's pursuit of the fundamental science and technology that broadens the application of isotopes for energy, environmental, medical, and national security purposes. These efforts are made possible through the High Flux Isotope Reactor, the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center, ORNL's other nuclear facilities, and an assemblage of world-leading scientists and engineers. Please visit https://www.ornl.gov/directorate/isotopes for more information about ISED.
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.
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 certain positions.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
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.
Nearest Major Market: Knoxville