Mechanical Designer

Date: Jul 16, 2025

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 15114 

Overview:  

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for the nation.

 

The Advanced Engineering Technologies (AET) Group is seeking a dedicated CAD drafter/designer to support our organization.  The position will involve machine design and process engineering in a research and development atmosphere.  Projects range from creating new 3D models based on conceptual (whiteboard) designs and cleaning up legacy prints, to participating in large design reviews.

 

AET resides within the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division (NND) at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL). The NND is a division operating within the National Security Sciences Directorate at ORNL. NND staff contribute world class research, technology development, risk assessment, and systems analysis related to nonproliferation and counterproliferation. Division activities play a vital role in implementation of national policy issues that strive to ensure global nuclear security.  

 

One of our major focus areas is the development of advanced approaches to operation, characterization, and analysis of nuclear fuel cycle processes.  We specialize in the application of engineering principles supporting the characterization of processes and related materials. The AET group collaborates and works with staff from other groups within NND and ORNL to assure the full expertise of fuel cycle processes are applied to meet sponsor needs.  

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

 With technical guidance from junior and senior level mechanical engineers, you will be involved in supporting the following:

  • Develop complex 3D models and 2D fabrication prints.
  • Hands-on construction of mission equipment.
  • Coordinate with fabrication shops to increase manufacturability.
  • Manage Solidworks infrastructure
  • Contribute to engineering deliverables development such as drawings, reports, specifications, and studies.
  • Develop and apply an understanding of industry codes and standard practices.
  • Document work performed in the forms of work instructions, drawings, and models.
  • The ability to work flexible hours and travel domestically is required.
  • All team members 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.

 

Basic Qualifications:

  • AS in electrical, systems, or mechanical engineering technology and five (5) years of related experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • Experience in the design, fabrication, and operation of test stands and/or complex mechanical systems.
  • Experience with solid modeling and design software packages.
  • Machine design, fabrication and or tooling design experience.
  • Experience in an R&D and/or testing environment.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated design and process team experience, as well as experience in process development & control.
  • Manufacturing environment quality experience.
  • Experience maintaining high levels of process documentation and quality assurance are desired.
  • Active TS/SCI Clearance.

 

Special Requirements: 

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

Q clearance with SCI: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) 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.  In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing. 

 

Benefits at ORNL: 

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain dedicated 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, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

 

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.


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