Senior Project Manager

Date: Mar 2, 2026

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 16045 

 

Overview:

The Isotope and Enrichment Project Office of the Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate (ISED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a highly motivated and organized Project Manager. ISED is a global leader in isotope research, development, and production, meeting the nations’ emerging needs for stable and radioactive isotopes. This position will work closely with the ORNL Isotope and Enrichment Project Director and the Infrastructure Program Manager within ISED.

 

ORNL is the largest DOE science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. Our diverse capabilities span a broad range of scientific and engineering disciplines, enabling the Laboratory to explore fundamental science challenges and to carry out the research needed to accelerate the delivery of solutions to the marketplace.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

The Project Manager (PM) is responsible for managing various projects within ISED, initially including laboratory renovation and improvements from conception to turnover to operations. The PM works with stakeholders to develop project definition and scope, methods of accomplishment, and project schedule and cost baselines. Baselines include establishment of work activities, milestones, and task schedules. The PM reports project status and meets with ORNL management and the ORNL customer. The PM is responsible for project success, and is required to:

 

  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Monitor project budget, schedule, scope, and risk and provide transparency to the customer.
  • Coordinate activities among design groups and construction subcontractors to achieve overall objectives.
  • Maintain effective communication with the team, the customer, and other stakeholders.
  • Resolve problems and conflicts within the project and the project team.
  • Conduct periodic project and customer meetings to promote and facilitate communication, review progress and performance, discuss issues and facilitate problem resolution.
  • Review and approve design documents, change orders, material requisitions and specifications for construction or procurement use.
  • Possess a solid knowledge of PM best practices.
  • Promote and lead site safety.
  • Bring standard commercial best practices and lean construction techniques to government projects.
  • Be proficient in reading plans and specifications, and contributing to their development.
  • Follow UT-Battelle project procedures.
  • Align 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 BA/BS degree in Project Management, Business Management, or Engineering.
  • At least 10 years of experience successfully performing project management duties leading multi-disciplinary teams to successfully deliver projects on time and within budget.
  • Ability to build relationships, negotiate, and collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to analyze complex situations and make informed and timely decisions.
  • Capacity to adapt to changing project requirements and manage challenges effectively.
  • Ability to identify, assess, and manage project risks effectively.
  • Familiarity with applicable environmental, health, and safety standards, as well as security protocols, especially in relations to government projects.
  • Experience in budget development, cost control, and financial reporting.
  • Must have strong communications skills, with the ability to successfully interact with laboratory management and project staff members.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A MS degree in project or construction management, business, science, engineering or equivalent.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
  • Experience managing projects for construction of facilities over the entire lifecycle.
  • Experience with risk management, developing risk registers, and establishing a basis for contingency estimates.
  • Certifications in specific methodologies (e.g. Agile, Lean Six Sigma) or related fields.

 

Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
  • For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
  • Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
  • To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

 

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.


Nearest Major Market: Knoxville