Mechanical Design Engineer
Date: Aug 26, 2026
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 16986
Overview:
We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer who will provide mechanical engineering design support for Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) systems, with emphasis on remote handling, post-irradiation examination (PIE) support, activated component handling, and spent component disposal support. This position also provides remote handling technical support to operations personnel during maintenance outages.
This position resides in the Target Engineering Group in the Target Development, Engineering & Operations Section, Neutron Technologies Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
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Provide mechanical engineering design support for all phases of remote handling.
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Support fabrication, commissioning, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of remote handling tools and systems.
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Develop concepts to final detailed designs using Creo.
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Prepare plans, estimates, and schedules for maintenance and component replacement activities, and produce design, fabrication, and testing requirement documents.
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Prepare presentations for and respond to recommendations from technical design reviews and advisory committees.
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Lead process development and mockup testing of new tooling and equipment as well as in preparation for major equipment repair and replacements.
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Comply with ORNL environment, safety, health, and quality (ESH&Q) program requirements and procedures.
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The SNS facility operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, year-round. You may occasionally be required to provide support during off hours or weekends.
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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:
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A BS in mechanical engineering or related field and at least 5 years of relevant mechanical engineering design experience
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A sound understanding of mechanics, materials, fluid dynamics and stress analysis, with the ability to analyze and communicate complex technical problems to both engineers and non-engineers.
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Working knowledge of CAD solid modeling
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Experience with mechanical design and analysis
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Experience with hoisting and rigging equipment and material handling operations
Preferred Qualifications:
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Familiarity with PTC Creo CAD software
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Experience with hot cell operations and/or other remote handling operations using remote machines, cameras, long handled tools, etc.
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Experience with radioactive environments and radioactive component disposal
Special Requirements:
- Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
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.
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.
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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.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
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