Mechanical Automation Engineer

Date: Mar 12, 2026

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 16099 

 

Overview:  

We are seeking a Mechanical Automation Engineer who will focus on implement advancements in design, testing, and commissioning of equipment and infrastructure for nuclear materials handling, with special emphasis on manufacturing science and automation technology.  This position resides in the Radioisotope Infrastructure Development Group in the Radioisotope Production Engineering and Analysis Section, Radioisotope Science and Technology Division, Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

 

You will be working with scientists, engineers, and technicians to design equipment to support a large range of technical areas. Including, chemical processing, radiation detection, specialty scientific equipment, and mechanical fabrication with nuclear materials. You will support new and existing equipment and programs. The work is performed under exacting quality specifications and with the adherence to conduct of operations in nuclear facilities, requiring good team dynamics and efficiency to meet tight schedules. We are seeking a team member who can be a team player with excellent attention to detail.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Performs and analyzes routine to moderately complex engineering functions, applying mathematical, physical science, and engineering technologies.
  • Develop complex electro-mechanical equipment and systems designs, including specialized equipment to be deployed in radiological gloveboxes and hot cells.
  • Perform hands-on support in assembling, testing, integrating, and troubleshooting process/production equipment for new and enduring remote operations with radioactive materials within hot cells, and gloveboxes at REDC and other facilities.
  • Lead the development of and review of custom electromechanical designs for new and replacement equipment including requirements determination, equipment selection, calculations, installation instructions / specifications, post-modification testing and commissioning procedures, etc. to satisfy the applicable design requirements.
  • Develops test procedures and performs routine to moderately complex engineering evaluation tests, product and process capability studies, quality audits, product or project data reviews, and other engineering evaluation work to assure product manufacturability.
  • As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct, and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity

 

Basic Qualifications:

  • BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field from an ABET accredited institution/program.
  • 0-2 years of experience working in a fast-paced research and development environment.
  • Minimum of one year of experience using CAD software (e.g., Solidworks, Inventor, Creo, Fusion360).
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DOE L clearance.
  • Demonstrated ability to work both individually and as part of a diverse team.

 

 Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated practical engineering skills through internships, co-op programs, or volunteer roles in organizations such as FIRST Robotics Competition
  • Demonstrated experience in transitioning R&D prototype electronics from a laboratory setting to an operational facility and/or to transferring technology from prototype design to commercial companies.
  • Experience with process automation, in-process inspection, robotics, photogrammetry, and/or machine learning.
  • Experience with programming with data analysis and/or automation software (e.g. C++, Fortran, Matlab, LabView,  Python).

 

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.

 

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.

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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.


Nearest Major Market: Knoxville