Nuclear and Radiological Measurements Radiological Engineer
Date: Feb 6, 2026
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 15872
Overview:
The Nuclear and Radiological Protection Division (NRPD) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks a professional staff member to support the operation of the Nuclear and Radiological Measurements Laboratory within the Nuclear Measurements and Analytical Services group. ORNL is a world leader in advanced science and technology research involving several nonreactor nuclear facilities, accelerators, and the High Flux Isotope Reactor which involve a complex range of internal and external radiological hazards that are managed to protect researchers and operations staff involved in the Nuclear Research and Isotope Production Mission. This role involves operating and maintaining a variety of radiological measurement systems, including laboratory-based and portable HPGe instrumentation, performing data analysis, calibrations, and QA/QC activities, and supporting technical documentation in support of research and operations. The position ensures all work is conducted safely and in compliance with ORNL’s requirements while supporting the Laboratory’s mission through teamwork, integrity, and scientific excellence.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Support the daily operation of the Nuclear and Radiological Measurements Laboratory which includes Liquid Scintillation Counters, Gross Alpha/Beta Counters, Alpha Spectrometers, and Gamma Spectrometers.
- Operate the portable high purity germanium (HPGe) spectrometer systems, which include performing assays in-situ, collecting required parameters, and modeling the unique detector efficiency for each assay.
- Review and analyze measurement results and investigate data abnormalities.
- Perform system calibrations, validations, and verifications.
- Perform QA/QC activities to support daily operation of the above instrumentation to ensure quality compliance.
- Maintain equipment and troubleshoot instrumentation issues.
- Assist in the development, updating, and reviewing procedures, reports, and other technical documentation to support the Nuclear and Radiological Protection Division Activities.
- Support other activities in the Nuclear Measurements and Analytical Services Group as needed.
- Ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL’s ESH&Q policies, standards, and procedures.
- 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:
- BS degree in health physics, radiochemistry, nuclear engineering, radiation protection or related technical field with 2 years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree with 1 year of relevant experience.
- Prior experience with gamma spectroscopy and other nuclear instrumentation.
- Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver field spectroscopy equipment. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in a technical science discipline or engineering with a concentration in health physics.
- Experience working in a research and development environment (i.e., DOE National Laboratory) with research reactors, accelerator facilities, hot cell facilities, and research and development operations with broad range of radioisotopes and non-typical radioisotopes.
- 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.
- HSPD-12 PIV badge: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
- Visa Sponsorship: 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.
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