Supervisor, Nuclear Operations
Date: Oct 6, 2026
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 17234
Overview:
We are seeking a Nuclear Operations Supervisor for the Non-Reactor Nuclear Facilities Division which conduct operations within the hot cell facilities to ensure safe and compliant execution of the R&D mission including fuels and irradiated materials examinations within the Irradiated Fuels Examination Facility and the Irradiated Materials Examination Facilities.
Selection will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, skills, and education.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
- Lead a group that strategically advances technical professional subject matter expertise for a variety of technical projects, programs or operations consistent with ORNL’s aspiration to be the world’s premier R&D institution and ORNL’s science culture.
- Lead operations within the 3525/3025 hot cell facilities to ensure safe and compliant execution of the R&D mission.
- Coach and mentor operations staff regarding Battelle’s “Safe Conduct of Research” principles.
- Ensure that work is completed in accordance with the approved work package and operating procedure.
- Develop and revise work packages and procedures to ensure safe and compliant operational practices.
- Lead ESH&Q by example and ensure all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.
- Schedule with R&D staff and R&D mission tasks within the facilities.
- Assist Group Leader in ensuring facilities are operated in a compliant manner and are available for research activities.
- Identify potential problems, recognize unexpected results, and troubleshoot some of the more complex operational problems.
- Ensure that Hot Cell Operator qualifications are maintained as a BVO Hot Cell Operator in accordance with DOE Order 426.2, Personnel Selection, Qualification, and Training Requirements for DOE Facilities.
- Coordinate the schedule for the removal, inspection, segregation, and disposition of various radioactive waste streams.
- Ensure that work areas are in a safe, clear, and orderly condition.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the BVO Leadership.
- Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, industrial hygiene, and quality program requirements.
- Conduct pre- and post-job briefings for all personnel to be involved in the work.
Accountabilities:
- To group staff, for the quality and safety of their work environment and opportunity for professional growth.
- To group leader, for world-leading technical directions, safe effective, and compliant operations, ownership of assigned staff, facilities, and equipment, and the quality of products and services.
- To customer, for the quality of products and service.
Authorities:
- Hold staff accountable for performance.
- Act to ensure safe and effective operations.
- Certify the technical quality of the group’s products and services.
Required Qualifications:
- BS degree with a minimum of four years relevant experience in a nonreactor nuclear hot cell facility. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Requires a minimum of four years of nuclear operations experience.
- Qualified candidates should have demonstrated experience in leading teams.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Operations experience within the Irradiated Fuels Examination Laboratory or Irradiated Materials Examination Laboratory.
Special Requirements:
- 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.
- Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
- Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
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.
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.
Nearest Major Market: Knoxville