Operations Engineer

Date: Sep 10, 2026

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 17083 

 

Overview:

We are seeking an Operations Engineer who will focus on nuclear nonproliferation research involving hands on operations with Uranium processing in the Uranium Chemistry, Application, and Simulation Group in the Materials Characterization and Modeling Section in the Nuclear Nonproliferation Division, of the National Security Sciences Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

This position will be involved in work supporting Nuclear Materials Verification, the Nonproliferation Stewardship Program, and other related research efforts. The Operations Engineer will spend approximately 30% of their time performing hands on work, 30% of their time creating designs, and 40% procuring parts for the design and building the designed effort.

 

 Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Participate in projects that design, fabricate, assemble, and operate nuclear fuel cycle unit operations and processes
  • Contribute to R&D projects that involve nuclear fuel cycle processes
  • Interact with various ORNL staff as well as internal and external sponsors
  • Collaborate closely with co-workers and management and to independently drive assigned deliverables to completion, with periodic alignment, feedback, and mentorship; to fully document work performed in the forms of technical reports, papers, procedures, and presentations; and to participate in the development of research proposals
  • Interface with principal investigators, management, engineers, scientists, technicians, operators, fabricators, and modelers

 

Basic Qualifications:

  • B.S. in Chemical, Nuclear, or Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 5 years related experience; a M.S. in Chemical, Nuclear, or Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of 4 years related experience or related field
  • Demonstrated experience in chemical engineering design processes to include developing the following products:
    • System Requirements Documents
    • Process Flow Diagrams
    • Specification Sheets
  • Familiarity with the Nuclear Fuel Cycle

 

 Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience in multiple nuclear fuel cycle chemical engineering operations
  • Intimate knowledge of the uranium chemistry processes used in the nuclear fuel cycle
  • Demonstrated expertise in chemical engineering testing process to include:
    • Experience and familiarity with vacuum systems
    • Experience and familiarity with working in radiological laboratory fume hoods and associated work practices
  • Q Clearance
  • TS/SCI Clearance
  • Proven communication skills
  • The ability to work flexible hours and ability and interest to travel

 

Special Requirements: 

  • Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: Q 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.

 

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. 

 

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