Senior Mechanical/Electrical Technician - Application Engineering
Date: Dec 11, 2025
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 15692
Overview:
We are seeking a Senior Mechanical/Electrical Technician who will be responsible for assembling, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing a wide range of testbeds and systems that incorporate both electrical and mechanical components. This position resides in the Applications Engineering Group within the Enrichment Science and Engineering Section. The Section falls within the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division as a part of the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
Your expertise will be pivotal in ensuring the seamless commissioning and operation of testbed systems, enhancing productivity, and minimizing downtime.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Assembly & Maintenance: Assemble, maintain, repair, and test electromechanical systems, including components, assemblies, and vacuum/gas-handling R&D testbeds across diverse research environments.
- Technical Execution: Follow engineering drawings and both written and verbal instructions to assemble components and perform system testing.
- Tool Proficiency: Utilize a variety of hand tools and R&D practices for assembling electromechanical systems and setting up mechanical testing equipment.
- Troubleshooting: Diagnose issues in testbeds and provide constructive feedback to engineers on design and implementation improvements.
- Data Monitoring: Monitor component and assembly testing, and report results to test engineers for analysis.
- Design Support: Contribute to minor design tasks, including fabrication and assembly of test stands and systems, and assist in developing assembly procedures.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Work effectively with personnel across ORNL, including principal investigators, engineers, fabricators, modelers, and test campaign teams.
- Mission Alignment: Embody ORNL’s core values—Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service—through daily work and interactions.
Basic Qualifications:
- AS degree in science or technical related fields and a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Journeyman certification or equivalent in mechanical or electrical fields relevant to the role (or an equivalent combination of education and applicable experience).
- Demonstrated ability to interpret written instructions, electrical/mechanical drawings, and technical procedures.
- Proficiency in using precision measurement tools.
- Strong attention to detail and manual dexterity.
- Willingness to learn new skills and adapt to evolving technical requirements.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Professional demeanor and strong work ethic.
- Flexibility to work varied hours and travel as needed.
- Effective communication skills and ability to comprehend technical documentation.
- Capability to follow and help develop testing and assembly procedures.
- Competence in reading and interpreting engineering component and assembly drawings.
- Solid foundation in mathematics, science, mechanical systems, and logical reasoning.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to lead projects on a scale of multiple millions of dollars in labor and material expenses.
- An AS degree in science or technical related field and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
- A Mechanical Engineering degree with 5 years or more is highly desirable. This role will require significant hands-on experience in assembling and leading large projects that are typically greater than $2M+ for materials and labor.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- 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.
- 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.
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