Staff Technician - Nuclear Materials Testing and Laboratory Coordination

Requisition Id 15819 

­­Overview:  

The Radiation Effects and Microstructural Analysis Group (REMAG) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking experienced staff technicians to serve as laboratory workers and/or coordinator supporting the testing, analysis, and handling of radioactive materials at the Low-Activation Materials Development & Analysis (LAMDA) Laboratory. This position involves conducting a variety of experimental projects on irradiated materials and is located within the Materials in Extremes Section of the Materials Science and Technology Division at ORNL.

A successful candidate will have primary responsibility for materials testing, examination, and data analysis activities supporting nuclear materials research programs, as well as for maintaining experimental equipment and ensuring safe and hygienic working conditions in radiation-area laboratories. Responsibilities also include specimen preparation for materials characterization, conducting specialized mechanical and thermophysical tests, and managing radioactive materials inventory.

The LAMDA facility is equipped with a comprehensive suite of characterization tools for the post-irradiation examination of metallic and ceramic materials under a wide range of conditions. The ability to collaborate with scientists and research support staff at ORNL, as well as with external national and international institutions, is essential for effectively planning and executing diverse testing and characterization activities involving radioactive materials. Additionally, the incumbent is expected to manage other operational aspects within LAMDA radiological areas, where daily handling of radioactive materials is required. Given the collaborative nature of irradiated materials testing at LAMDA, effective communication with radiation protection technicians and other radiological workers is critical to ensuring a seamless workflow.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Coordinate (design, plan, and schedule) testing and examination activities in radiological materials laboratories, including optical microscopy, specimen polishing, thermal and mechanical testing, and control of radioactive sample inventory.
• Conduct mechanical testing and other characterization and measurement activities to evaluate the mechanical and thermophysical properties of irradiated materials.
• Acquire, process, analyze, and report test data in accordance with applicable manuals, procedures, and project proposals.
• Train and supervise junior staff and student workers; troubleshoot technical issues and resolve equipment malfunctions while collaborating with project leaders and researchers to ensure quality control.
• Adhere to established requirements for quality assurance, irradiated material control, radiological work, and general laboratory safety, ensuring alignment with ORNL core values.
• 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:

• Associates degree in a science, engineering or related field with a minimum of five years of experience or a High School Diploma with seven years of experience operating materials testing and characterization equipment and/or managing radioactive materials in research facility 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience handling radioactive or hazardous materials, or equivalent training and/or education.
• Proficiency in operating materials testing, examination, or processing equipment, including sample polishing systems, mechanical testing machines, CNC or EDM systems, materials processing or production equipment, and optical and scanning electron microscopes.
• Demonstrated track record of meticulous manual work with strong attention to detail.
• Previous experience working in a radiological or nuclear facility, with familiarity with applicable safety protocols and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills that support effective teamwork and collaboration both within and outside ORNL, along with the ability to work independently and adapt to dynamic research environments.
• 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:

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

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

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

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.

For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.  Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

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.