Senior Utilities Engineer

Requisition Id15485

Overview:

We are seeking a Senior Utilities Engineer to join the Fusion Engineering Group (FEG). The FEG is part of ORNL's Fusion Energy Division (FED), which leads U.S. research toward the realization of practical fusion energy. Our team provides end-to-end engineering design, analysis, and infrastructure solutions for fusion experiments and facilities.

In this senior technical role, you will provide leadership in the design, integration, and operation of mechanical utility systems supporting the MPEX facility and future fusion energy projects. You will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and technicians to ensure that facility infrastructure and experiment utility systems meet demanding performance, reliability, and safety requirements.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge fusion energy research at ORNL, supporting critical experimental infrastructure in collaboration with leading scientists and engineers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead design, analysis, and operation of mechanical and utility systems for MPEX and related facilities, including:
  • Chilled/hot water and process cooling loops
  • Deionized and high-purity water systems
  • Vacuum, compressed air, and gas handling systems
  • Cryogenic support systems
  • HEPA filtration and air-handling systems for controlled environments
• Provide technical leadership through all project phases from conceptual design to commissioning and steady-state operations.
• Develop detailed engineering documentation including P&IDs, specifications, design analyses, and commissioning procedures.
• Perform system performance analysis, troubleshooting, and reliability improvements for complex utility systems.
• Support integration of utilities with experimental systems, including controls, diagnostics, and safety interlocks.
• Ensure all systems meet ORNL and DOE safety, environmental, and operational standards.
• Mentor early-career engineers and contribute to technical reviews within the group and division.
• Participate in strategic planning and design for future fusion infrastructure and large-scale experimental systems.
• Provide operational support for MPEX Device utilities control systems, ensuring stable, responsive, and safe performance during experimental operations. Some off-hours and weekend support required to meet the 24/7 operational needs of the MPEX facility during experimental campaigns.
• 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.

Required Qualifications:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field with at least 8 years of relevant experience, or MS with 7+ years, or PhD with 4+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, operation, and maintenance of mechanical or utility systems for research or industrial facilities.
• Proficiency in fluid system design, heat transfer, and mechanical utilities (cooling water, HVAC, cryogenics, compressed gases).
• Experience with HEPA filtration systems, clean air handling, or environmental containment systems.
• Strong working knowledge of CAD design tools (AutoCAD, Revit, or similar).
• Proven ability to lead technical tasks or small engineering teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Strong analytical and documentation skills, with attention to safety, reliability, and long-term operability.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge of cryogenic systems, vacuum technology, or process cooling design.
• Experience with DOE or national laboratory environments, or large-scale experimental/research facilities.
• Familiarity with instrumentation and controls integration for facility utilities.
• Experience applying reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) and asset management practices.
• Demonstrated success in project planning, cost estimation, and coordination with external vendors or contractors.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
• 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.

Relocation:

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

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.