System Engineering and Integration Lead

Requisition Id 14884 

Overview:    

Join a dynamic team at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) as the System Engineering and Integration Lead for the HFIR Upgrades Project Office. In this exciting role, you’ll oversee the engineering and integration of critical reactor systems for the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), ensuring successful upgrades that enhance its world-class research capabilities. This role will manage the full lifecycle of system design, testing, installation, and commissioning, all while ensuring technical, budget, and schedule targets are met in a safe, compliant environment. 

As a key contributor to the future of neutron science, you’ll work closely with top experts in the field to drive innovation and technological advancements. This is a unique opportunity to shape the next generation of nuclear research while contributing to groundbreaking projects that support national security, energy solutions, and healthcare advancements. If you’re ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role that makes a real impact, we want to hear from you!  

This position reports to the Technical Director, HFIR Upgrades Project Office.  

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.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

• Provide technical direction and guidance to successfully plan and complete system engineering functions for HFIR upgrade projects. 

• Lead and coordinate systems engineering activities, including requirements development, technical risk management, and integration of complex reactor systems. 

• Ensure project technical requirements and processes meet DOE Order 413.3B, DOE-STD-1189, ORNL standards, and industry guidelines. 

• Ensure engineering designs, fabrication, and installation processes conform to: 

  • ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) 

  • ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) 

  • ASME B31.1 Power Piping Code 

  • Relevant ASTM, AWS, ASCE, IEEE, NFPA, and engineering standards 

• Oversee development of technical specifications, design criteria, and system integration strategies. 

• Manage work breakdown structure (WBS), including scheduling, cost estimates, earned value, and change control. 

• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure smooth integration of engineering, procurement, and construction. 

• Support technical reviews, audits, and reporting, including presentations to DOE, ORNL leadership, and external committees. 

• Assist the Technical Director with status and performance reporting for the Pressure Vessel Replacement (PVR) project. 

• Provide leadership to personnel involved in the PVR and HFIR Beryllium Reflector Replacement (HBRR) project, fostering a collaborative environment through effective communication and promoting teamwork. 

• Ensure compliance with Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H), Quality Assurance (QA), and nuclear safety requirements. 

• 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 science, engineering, or a related field with 12+ years, MS with 10+ years, or PhD with 8+ years of relevant experience. 

• Proven experience in system engineering, design, and integration of complex technical systems. 

• Experience leading engineering teams, including experience with reactor systems, mechanical components, and nuclear operations. 

• Experience working within DOE systems, regulations, and processes: 

  • DOE Order DOE O 420.1C, Facility Safety 

  • DOE-STD -1020, Natural Phenomena Hazards Analysis and Design Criteria 

  • DOE-STD-1073-2016, Configuration Management 

  • ASME NQA-1 Nuclear Quality Assurance 

• Must be available for domestic and international travel. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• An MS degree in a relevant field of study. 

• Direct experience with research reactor technologies, nuclear systems, or high-radiation environments. 

• 5–10 years of experience working with DOE Office of Science projects or major construction projects. 

• Experience with large-scale engineering integration efforts and multi-functional technical coordination. 

• Familiarity with systems engineering standards (e.g., INCOSE, DOE-STD-1189) and advanced risk management techniques. 

• Project experience in a DOE-O-413.3b environment to include EVMS. 

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. 

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.  

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 certain positions. 

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov 

#LI-DC1 

#LI-LK1 

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.