Reactor Fuel & Component Fabrication Engineer

Requisition Id 14682 

Overview:

The Systems, Design, & Fabrication Engineering Group within the Research Reactors Division (RRD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is looking for a highly motivated Fabrication Engineer. The primary responsibility of the Fuel & Component Fabrication Engineering Team is to provide engineering support and guidance for reactor Fuel fabrication. This position will be responsible for the Nuclear Fabrication Engineering role which supports manufacturing of reactor fuel elements, U3O8 powder, core components, control rods and plates, etc. This position may also be asked to provide engineering and project management assistance for fabrication of items outside the Fuel / Core Components area needed for a long shutdown in 2029. 

Main Duties/Responsibilities:

Nuclear Fuel Fabrication Engineering 

• Collaborate with a team to coordinate annual production of high-quality element assemblies by the Fuel Supplier. 

• Provide technical support for key processes, such as assembly, welding, and precision machining. 

• Evaluate processes for potential quality and efficiency improvements. 

• Review and improve Operating Procedures for accuracy. 

• Conduct regular site visits to supplier, addressing challenges and ensuring flawless processing methods. 

• Support the implementation of improvements through a Corrective Action Plan. 

• Provide engineering support to address non-conformities from the supplier. 

Core Components Fabrication Engineering 

• Identify core component inventory deficiencies and vulnerabilities for continuous reactor operation. 

• Support the development of a reactor core components replacement plan. 

• Contribute to HFIR 3-Year Planning Activities. 

• Prepare design specifications for component upgrades, defining acceptance criteria. 

• Assist in developing material specifications and offer technical support in material procurement. 

• Implement modifications following RRD configuration control processes. 

• Apply relevant codes and standards (ASTM, ASME, AWS, GD&T, QS9000, ISO14001, etc.). 

• Support projects with fabricators for required core components, providing on-site technical support and direction. 

• May provide field technical support to maintenance engineers and craft personnel during core components installation. 

Work Environment 

• Physical requirements for this job may include frequent walking and walking for long distances. Other work environment requirements may include climbing of stairs, ducking, kneeling, or crawling around equipment and facilities. Exposure to ionization radiation normally associated with operation of neutron scattering instruments for scientific research is also possible. The potential exists to work with vendors fabricating reactor components comprised of beryllium materials. 

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 degree in nuclear or mechanical engineering. 

• Minimum 5 years of work experience in the nuclear, metal fabrication/machining, or manufacturing fields. 

• Basic understanding of mechanical design drawings and GD&T. 

• Experience working with other engineers, shop personnel, and QC inspectors to produce components. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• A MS degree in nuclear or mechanical engineering. 

• At least 2 years of experience in the nuclear fuel fabrication field. 

• Basic understanding of aluminum welding and/or machining with a sound understanding of process development and machine design. 

• Experience working with QC Inspection Labs and a fundamental understanding of basic measurement techniques. 

• Experience with project management, process development, process troubleshooting, materials/parts procurement, and procedure development. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, good interpersonal skills, and ability to work in a team environment. 

Special Requirements:

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

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.