Senior Structural Engineer

Date: Jul 9, 2025

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 15091 

Overview:    

We are seeking a Senior Structural Engineer to join the Systems Engineering, Design, and Fabrication Group within the Research Reactors Division (RRD) at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL).  

 

The Systems Engineering, Design, and Fabrication Group is responsible for the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) configuration management program. This group also provides technical support to operations and maintenance, and performs systems analysis. As the Structural Engineer you will be responsible for the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of the division’s structural systems and componentsThis position will function as a cognizant system engineer for the assigned HFIR plant systems in the HFIR System Engineering Program in accordance with DOE O 420.1 for the hazard category 1 nuclear facility and shall be qualified as a HFIR System Engineer in the RRD Training Program. 

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

  • Lead structural analysis and calculations to support modifications implemented by RRD system engineers and ensure alignment with industry codes and standards. 

  • Conduct advanced structural analyses, including seismic qualifications, adhering to DOE-STD-1020 and -021 and the International Building Code. 

  • Interpret and implement DOE Natural Phenomena Hazard codes and evaluate nuclear facility design codes, including ASCE 4, ACI 349, and AISC N690. 

  • Provide project management support for the installation of design changes and ensure engineering support for the fabrication of HFIR Beryllium Reflector Replacement (HBRR) components. 

  • Define design criteria, develop technical specifications, and review external architect/engineering submissions for compliance. 

  • Ensure HFIR structural specifications and drawings are consistent with the appropriate DOE and industry standards, maintaining RRD Configuration Management (SEP-0100). 

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure constructability, operability, and effective system integration. 

  • Review subcontractor designs, including equipment selection, and oversee installations to meet safety and design criteria. 

  • Develop and approve engineering documents, including calculations, reports, and drawings to ensure quality and compliance. 

  • Follow environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements to promote a safe working environment. 

  • 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 structural engineering or civil engineering. 

  • A minimum of 8 years of proven structural engineering experience. 

  • Knowledgeable and proficient in material designs such as structural steel, stainless steel, concrete, and masonry. 

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • An MS degree in structural or civil engineering. 

  • Working knowledge of the IBC/IEBC and their suite of referenced codes and standards. 

  • Working knowledge of structural finite element modeling programs (STADD, GT STRUDL, etc.) 

  • Familiar with the following DOE order and standards: 

  • DOE O 420.1C – Facility Safety 

  • DOE-STD-1020 – Natural Phenomena Hazards Analysis and Design Criteria for DOE Facilities 

  • DOE-STD-1073 – Configuration Management 

  • DOE-STD-1189 – Integration of Safety into the Design Process 

  • Familiarity with working at a DOE national laboratory. 

  • Experience with Autodesk Design Software (AutoCAD, Revit, BIM) or equivalent. 

 

Special Requirements: 

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

  • 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. 

 

Benefits at ORNL:  

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available for this position. 

 

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.


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