Mechanical Engineer

Date: Jan 6, 2026

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 15754 

Overview:  

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer-PE, with experience in piping systems and fluid transfer including but not limited to: Engineering and design of pipe, pump, controls, and related in-line and on-line devices, who will support various Projects, Programs, and Operations. This role includes supplying technical and field oversite on various projects across the ORNL reservation.  This position resides in the Utilities and Site Modernization Team within the Laboratory Modernization Division, part of the Facilities & Operations Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). 

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Manage multiple design and construction projects simultaneously, within scope, schedule, budget and/or available funding, from conception to turn over to operations,
  • Develop project definitions, scopes of work, methods of accomplishment, and project baseline forecasts that include schedules, and cost/spending profiles, 
  • Identify staff and other resource requirements and communicate to resource managers,
  • Develop, Review, and Approve design documents, change orders, material requisitions, and specifications for construction or procurement use,
  • Conduct periodic project and customer/stakeholder meetings to promote and facilitate communication, review progress and performance, discuss issues, and facilitate problem resolution,
  • Mechnical Engineer for assigned projects to develop Mechinical Systems Scopes of Work to meet Project Objectives and provide support to Project Teams as needed to achieve required results,
  • Review Contractor Proposals (Achitectural Engineering and/or Construction) to ensure alignment with Scope and Objectives,
  • Proactively identify potential design issues (cost over runs, quality, code compliance, etc.), and resolve them in a timely manner as to not impact project schedule,
  • Coordinate technical issue resolution with design team, Design and Project Management, and others as appropriate,
  • Conduct Design Reviews to Ensure documents (drawings, specifications, data sheets, cost estimates, etc.) align with Scope and meet the Project Objectives.
  • 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:

  • A BS in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant engineering field,
  • A minimum of eight years of experience in design, design management, and/or construction management of multiple disciplines,
  • Professional Engineer registered in the State of Tennessee,
  • Experience in developing piping systems design including but not limited to pipe sizing, pump selection, pumping system controls,
  • Experience working with Operations, Construction, and/or Facilities teams, and coordinating field system tie-ins in a Co-Occupancy environment (Operations, Construction Contractor, Vendor, etc),
  • Demonstrated ability to create, organize, and manage project documents from conception to completion including storing all closeout and as-built documentation to site database systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience performing constructability reviews, options analysis, and conceptual engineering to address construction conditions not anticipated during project design,
  • Experience in coordination of design and construction work both in the field and in sensitive research facility setting including energy plants, utility rooms, research laboratory spaces, etc,
  • Demonstrated Site Utility Systems Design Experience (eg, Mechinacal, Potable Water, Sanitary Sewer, Steam, Storm Water, Communications, Electrical)
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • 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.

 

Special Requirements: 

  • Physical Requirements: Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
  • Q or L clearance: 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.
  • Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • HSPD-12 PIV badge: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

 

 

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.

 

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