Group Lead, Machine Design Engineering

Overview

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest US Department of Energy (DOE) science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. The Enrichment Systems Engineering Section is seeking a Machine Design Engineering Group Leader who will support the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED) within the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

ESED serves the nation in two critical areas: advancing enrichment technologies and exploring stable isotope production and applications. The division leverages an elite staff of scientists and engineers with the world-leading capabilities of ORNL to deliver groundbreaking advancements with a variety of applications, from national security to life-saving medical treatments. ESED is the national steward for the research, development, and demonstration of centrifuge technology innovations;

advances electromagnetic isotope separations technology; and delivers stable isotopes for medical, industrial, and DOE mission critical applications. The successful candidate will execute these important missions by teaming with ESED’s division director, program managers, and staff to build on a rich history of accomplishments in enrichment science and engineering.

As part of our team, you will provide technical leadership and first-line oversight of work assignments that strategically advance enrichment technologies. The Machine Design Engineering Group Leader reports to and works closely with the Enrichment Systems Engineering Section Head to manage group assignments, approve machine design outputs, drive continuous process improvements, and develop subject matter expertise. This position works closely with other ESED line managers;

project managers; design, manufacturing, testing staff; and quality representatives to execute discrete project scope according to approved schedules, budgets, and milestones.

• Leadership
  • Provide technical leadership and guidance to address the mission needs of ESED projects, identifying strategic equipment, software, tools, and processes to promote a high-performance culture.
  • Originate and implement processes which allow the flexibility of safe and efficient R&D efforts complemented with the necessary rigor as projects transition into higher levels of technical maturity and manufacturing readiness.
  • Be the technical leader and resource for group members when challenges arise.
  • Ensure cross-functional teaming and group integration with upstream analysis and downstream manufacturing/procurement activities.
  • 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.
• Capability/Staff Development
  • Clearly communicate expectations, providing visibility of what successful looks like for roles within the group.
  • Establish an environment where learning never stops, honest mistakes are treated as opportunities to learn, and challenges are welcomed to improve performance.
  • Ensure individual performance goals are set, progress evaluated, and timely feedback is provided.
• Project Execution
  • Maintain visibility of Design Requests and Production Order demands, ensuring work in process is adequately supported (for both internal and external fabrication shops).
  • Manage group assignments to high performance standards by assessing project execution and being proactive in taking actions to correct or improve performance.
  • Deliver design outputs (requirements, drawings, specifications, calcs.) within communicated schedule guidance, ensuring that documentation is accurate, clear, and supports downstream work activities.
• Technical Contribution
  • Review analysis results and testing data for targeted machine design advancements.
  • Approve design drawings and specifications.
  • Support troubleshooting technical issues and drive actions to completion.
  • Establish standard processes to ensure design…