We use cookies. Find out more about it here. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Job posting has expired

#alert
Back to search results
New

Design Engineer- Fusion Fuel Cycle

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
life insurance, parental leave, 401(k), retirement plan, relocation assistance
United States, Tennessee, Oak Ridge
1 Bethel Valley Road (Show on map)
Jun 13, 2025

Requisition Id14823

Overview:

The Fusion Energy Division at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks applications for a Design Engineer. The selected candidate will work on and lead various projects in the development of technologies and components for major international fusion experimental facilities, particularly the ITER Project's pellet fueling system.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

  • The successful candidate will lead the design, analysis, and laboratory assembly and testing of a variety of components and systems in fusion environments.
  • The selected candidate will have responsibility to manage the design, analysis, fabrication, assembly, and testing of components which integrate multiple environments, such as vacuum, cryogenic cooling, and magnetic fields.
  • Responsibilities may include collaboration with other laboratories and projects, both domestic and international, particularly the Pellet Injection System for the ITER project, which is a key ORNL contribution to the international fusion energy facility under construction at Cadarache, France. This system produces solid hydrogen pellets that are accelerated with a gas gun into the ITER device to add fuel to the fusion plasma.
  • 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:

This position requires a BS degree in mechanical or nuclear engineering, or a related field, with a minimum of five years of professional experience in design and fabrication and testing of high-performance components and systems. The candidate should demonstrate a diverse background and understanding of the following topics:

  • Mechanical Design includes at least a basic understanding of mechanics and thermal response of materials.
  • Able to read, understand, and apply engineering standards.
  • Experience in hands-on troubleshooting of mechanical, vacuum, instrumentation, and control systems.
  • Testing: designing, executing, and documenting tests that answer specific questions.
  • Basic Engineering Drawing creation, checking, and component procurement.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • MS or PhD degree in mechanical or nuclear engineering, or a related field.
  • Design and deployment of cryogenic systems, including data gathering, analysis, and reporting.
  • Experience in nuclear fusion or fission technology or a closely related field is a plus.
  • Experience with mechanical (finite element) and/or thermal/fluid (computational fluid dynamics) simulation.
  • Demonstration of a diverse background and understanding of some of the following topics:
    • Vacuum systems.
    • Mechanical Design includes at least a basic understanding of theory, design, and operations of diagnostic systems.
    • Programming, Mechatronics / Data Acquisition and Logging.
  • Candidates must be a self-starter and able to work independently with diverse teams.
  • Excellent verbal, presentation, and writing skills are required to enable effective interaction and communication with technical peers, program managers, collaborators, and sponsors.

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

#LI-BR1

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.

(web-696f97f645-6kfh8)