Production Engineer
Date: Nov 11, 2025
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 15590
Overview:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a leader for our world class radioisotope production program. Supporting the largest radioisotope production and research portfolio within the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science for Isotope R&D and Production, this position will grant you the opportunity to work with rare nuclear materials and ensure the safe and effective execution of nuclear materials processing within nuclear and radiological facilities in the Bethel Valley area of the ORNL campus.
This position resides within the Isotope Processing and Manufacturing Division (IPMD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). IPMD is focused on the reliable delivery of radioisotope products to exacting quality standards. This work is performed within the unique facilities at ORNL, including the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), and several radiological and nuclear facilities throughout the ORNL campus containing shielded hot cells and gloveboxes.
The Isotope Processing Manufacturing Division (IPMD) at ORNL is looking for a Production Engineer to support the Plutonium-238 Supply Program. This role is central to enhancing system reliability, production efficiency, and implementing effective risk management strategies, all while adhering to organizational standards and meeting stringent customer requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Production Engineering and Development: Lead the operation, maintenance, and advancement of manufacturing processes. Collaborate with R&D staff to provide valuable operational insights and feedback, managing process variables to uphold product quality. Utilize Lean Six Sigma methodologies to maintain control charts and actively monitor process trends for continuous improvement.
- Technical Support and Compliance: Develop and maintain detailed operating procedures and product travelers, ensuring the safety and efficiency of system and subsystem operations. Strictly adhere to program-specific quality requirements and facility compliance standards.
- Equipment and Maintenance: Formulate procedures and plans in partnership with systems engineers and maintenance teams. Offer your expertise during corrective maintenance activities and post-maintenance assessments to ensure equipment reliability and performance.
- Training: Collaborate with training specialists to create comprehensive training materials, leveraging your expertise to enrich technical knowledge through on-the-job training programs.
- Quality Control and Improvement: Work closely with the QA/QC department to identify and rectify non-conformities. Regularly review post-production quality data against program-specific requirements and proactively identify process areas needing improvement or innovation.
- 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 Chemical Engineering, or a related field, from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of five years of experience in facility/process systems and operations within a chemical processing environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proficiency in Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
- Experience with ORNL Business systems, such as PALS and SAP.
- Strong technical writing skills and a solid understanding of facility infrastructure.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Proficiency in Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
- Experience with ORNL Business systems, such as PALS and SAP.
- Strong technical writing skills and a solid understanding of facility infrastructure.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- 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.
- Export control, no clearance: This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.
- 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.
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.
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.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
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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.
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