Mechanical Designer

Date: Jun 24, 2026

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 16699 

 

Overview:

The Design Engineering Group within the Nonreactor Nuclear Facilities Division (NNFD) is seeking a Mechanical Designer to support the Mechanical Team. The candidate will work with engineers, project team members, and facility stakeholders to develop mechanical design models, drawings, and design package documentation that support nuclear facility and research operations within the Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate (ISED).

 

This position will emphasize the design and documentation of custom mechanical equipment, fixtures, tools, mechanical assemblies, facility modifications, and related mechanical systems used in nuclear and radiological facility environments.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Develop mechanical designs, 3D models, drawings, and design packages in collaboration with engineers and project teams.
  • Create and revise drawings, models, and documentation to support design changes, as-built updates, and Drawing Change Notices (DCNs).
  • Support the design of custom mechanical equipment, assemblies, fixtures, tools, weldments, sheet metal components, and piping/tubing systems.
  • Perform field walkdowns and equipment inspections to collect measurements, configuration data, and as-built information.
  • Apply drafting standards, configuration management requirements, and Design Engineering practices to all design documentation.
  • Participate in design reviews, drawing checks, and constructability reviews.
  • Maintain design files, drawings, and model data within CAD and product data management systems.
  • 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:

  • AS degree in Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD), Mechanical Design Technology, Engineering Technology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience working as a designer using CAD software.
  • Experience developing 3D models, mechanical drawings, and drawing packages for custom equipment, mechanical assemblies, or facility modifications.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and develop technical drawings, sketches, redlines, vendor information, and design documentation.
  • Detail oriented, organized, and able to follow through on assigned tasks.
  • Ability to support multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with engineers, designers, technicians, vendors, and facility personnel.
  • Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work independently with appropriate technical guidance.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with activities and equipment in a nuclear operating environment, such as gloveboxes, shielded casks, hot cells, remote operations, pressure vessels, nuclear ventilation systems, custom tools, and facility support equipment.
  • Experience using Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar CAD software.
  • Experience using Autodesk Vault or SolidWorks PDM.
  • Experience developing fabrication drawings for mechanical assemblies, weldments, sheet metal parts, machined components, piping/tubing layouts, or custom fixtures.
  • Experience supporting field walkdowns, as-built documentation, and drawing updates for existing facility systems or equipment.
  • Knowledge of ASME Y14 standards, including ASME Y14.5, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Experience working in a DOE nuclear laboratory, DOE nuclear facility, research facility, manufacturing environment, or other highly controlled technical environment.

 

Special Requirements:

  • Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.

 

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.

 

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.

 

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

 

#LI-DC1

 

 

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