Job Description
Requisition Id 14611
Overview:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Nuclear Mechanical Engineer with experience in the analysis of fluid flow and heat transfer in nuclear systems to provide support in the development of novel radioisotope production targets and enhanced tools for analysis.
You will be working with scientists, engineers, and technicians to help design thermal and fluid flow models for HFIR isotope production targets. A successful candidate for this position would be able to lead efforts to achieve specific isotope production objectives including HFIR target design, qualification, fabrication, irradiation, and post-irradiation chemical processing. The work is performed under exacting quality specifications and with the adherence to conduct of operations in nuclear facilities, requiring good team dynamics and efficiency to meet tight schedules. We are seeking a team member who can be a team player with excellent attention to detail.
Supporting the largest radioisotope production and research portfolio within the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science for Isotope R&D and Production, as well as extensive isotope production programs for the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy and National Nuclear Safety Administration, this position will grant you the opportunity to work with rare nuclear materials, and the unique facilities at ORNL, including the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center (REDC), as you help guide the strategic growth of our isotope production enterprise.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to develop appropriate models and computational strategies to assess HFIR Isotope Production target design.
Contribute to the design of radioisotope production targets to optimize coolant flow and thermal performance.
Produce safety basis calculations to rigorous quality standards documenting the performance of radioisotope production targets within HFIR and demonstrate compliance with the facility safety analysis report.
Participate in post-irradiation examination activities necessary to validate computational models.
Develop capabilities for enhanced thermal analysis of radioisotope production targets.
Prepare peer-reviewed journal articles, reports, and presentations for sponsors and the technical community.
Serve in professional societies and standards development committees.
As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct, and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: .
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:
BS in Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or similar field, and a minimum of four years of related experience or an advanced degree with two years’ experience is required. Work towards an advanced degree with relevant research may be applied towards this experience requirement.
Moderate knowledge of thermal and mechanical performance of materials in nuclear systems.
Experience performing moderately complex thermal hydraulic calculations.
Experience with reactor system codes such as RELAP5 or other CFD experience.
Experience with finite element codes such as COMSOL or ANSYS.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in a research and development with established publication record.
Demonstrated ability to organize and lead tasks and/or projects.
About the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED):
Established in 2020, the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate is strengthening Oak Ridge National Laboratory's leadership in isotope production and enrichment technology innovation. ISED is guiding the Lab's pursuit of the fundamental science and technology that broadens the application of isotopes for energy, environmental, medical, and national security purposes. These efforts are made possible through the High Flux Isotope Reactor, the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center, ORNL's other nuclear facilities, and an assemblage of world-leading scientists and engineers. Please visit for more information about ISED.
This position resides within the Target Design, Analysis, and Qualification (TDAQ) group in the Radioisotope Production Engineering and Analysis Section, in the Radioisotope Science and Technology Division of the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate. The TDAQ group enables the production of a variety of important medical, scientific, and industrial radioisotopes. These include several alpha/beta emitting radioisotopes either deployed or under clinical trial for treatment of cancer (e.g., Ac-225, Ac-227, Ra-224/Pb-212, and W-188); heavy actinides Bk-249, Es-254, and Fm-257 for fundamental chemistry research and new element discovery; Cf-252 for neutron emitting applications; Pu-238 for space exploration; and Ni-63, Pm-147, and Ba-133 for industrial applications.
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.
For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at .
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:
[email protected]
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.
Job Tags
Holiday work, Relocation, Relocation package, Flexible hours,