Senior Hot Cell Process Engineer

Requisition Id 13992 

Overview:

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Nuclear Fuel Element Performance (NFEP) Group in the Nuclear Fuel Development (NFD) Section within the Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division is seeking a technical professional to assist with testing and examining irradiated materials. The NFEP Group is a team of nuclear engineers and materials scientists who work together to explore new fuels and materials using neutron irradiations. They conduct innovative research and experiments to support the development of current and advanced nuclear power technologies.

The job involves maintaining and developing equipment for examining irradiated nuclear fuel and materials. It requires both mechanical and electrical design skills to ensure efficient equipment installations in a challenging remote environment.

This position will provide technical support for various programs, such as the Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy Advanced Fuels Campaign and Nuclear Science User Facility Program. These programs involve testing the effects of irradiation on material properties, including mechanical, microstructural, and thermophysical aspects. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to provide their advanced level of knowledge and collaborate with research staff and other ORNL organizations to promote a dynamic research environment that is passionate about accomplishing our mission and advancing nuclear fuels research.

Main Duties / Responsibilities:

• Perform lead experimental work in hot-cells and radiological materials laboratories centered on fuel performance characterization of fresh and irradiated nuclear fuel.

• Apply a and advanced depth and breadth of technical knowledge and experience to craft, build, and test new capabilities in a radiological hot-cell environment.

• Talk to various subject areas to craft, construct, and test new characterization equipment, including carrying out final assembly and producing test documentation.

• Develop detailed plans and schedules to maintain existing testing equipment in the hot cell.

• Independently perform or supervise technicians conducting numerous tests such as sectioning of nuclear fuel, re-fabrication of fuel, metrology, crafting custom tools for novel exams, metallography, collection of fission gas release data, gamma analysis, optical microscopy, furnace testing, acid dissolution/leaching, and in-cell welding.

• Acquire and process complex data.

• Contribute to publications and conference presentations in the field of nuclear fuel materials.

• Perform work according to specific rules and requirements for quality assurance, nuclear material control, radiological work, and general laboratory safety.

Basic Qualifications:

• A BS degree and 8 years of relevant experience or an MS and 7+ years of relevant experience.  Degree areas should be in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.

• Relevant experience should include areas such as mechanical design, nuclear engineering design, mechanical testing, or microstructural characterization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced experience performing research and development at a United States Department of Energy national laboratory nuclear or radiological facility.

• Advanced experience with CAD design and engineering drawings.

• Advanced experience working with radiological materials, nuclear materials, and/or hot-cell operations.

• Experience working with complex and diverse R&D capability development, mechanical design, fabrication, and solution implementation.

• Experience with material testing: mechanical, microstructural, or thermophysical property measurements.

• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communications.

• Evidence of success in independently driven outcomes and through contributions to collaborative teams.

Special Requirement:

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 extraordinary 80-year history of solving the nation’s biggest problems. We have a dedicated and creative staff of over 6,000 people! Our vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) is to cultivate an environment and practices that foster diversity in ideas and in the people across the organization, as well as to ensure ORNL is recognized as a workplace of choice. These elements are critical for enabling the execution of ORNL’s broader mission to accelerate scientific discoveries and their translation into energy, environment, and security solutions for 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.

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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.

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.