Fusion Engineering and Applied Materials Division Director

Overview

We are seeking an accomplished scientific and technical leader to serve as Division Director of the Fusion Engineering and Applied Materials Division (FEAMD) within the Fusion and Fission Energy Sciences Directorate (FFESD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The Division Director will provide strategic leadership for ORNL’s fusion engineering, plasma-material interaction, plasma-facing component, and fusion-enabling technology programs, and lead programs that span foundational research, applied technology development, facility operations, and strategic partnerships to support the realization of commercially relevant fusion energy systems.

• Develop, communicate, and execute a strategic vision for the FEAMD in collaboration with the FFESD Associate Laboratory Director, peer division directors, and leaders in other ORNL organizations.
• Provide leadership and stewardship for the MPEX facility, ensuring successful execution of scientific, technical, operational, safety, and project objectives.
• Serve as programmatic interface with DOE Fusion Energy Sciences and other sponsoring organizations, working closely with the FFESD ALD, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Director, and peer division directors.
• Advance ORNL leadership in plasma‑material interaction science, plasma‑facing component technologies, fusion engineering, and fusion‑enabling technologies.
• Foster the development of innovative research programs addressing critical challenges of fusion pilot plants and future commercial fusion energy systems.
• Strengthen and expand strategic partnerships with private fusion companies, universities, national laboratories, and international organizations to accelerate fusion energy development.
• Advance scientific excellence through publications, intellectual property development, technology transfer, invited presentations, and leadership in the broader fusion community.
• Grow and sustain technical capabilities and workforce expertise to address current and future fusion science and technology challenges.
• Review and approve proposals, strategic initiatives, and program investments to ensure alignment with ORNL, FFESD, and sponsor priorities.
• Oversee workforce development, attracting and retaining diverse, high‑quality staff, and fostering a vibrant, inclusive workplace environment.
• Cultivate an organizational culture attentive to hazard identification and mitigation, and align behaviors and priorities with ORNL’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Collaborate with management peers to assist the FFESD ALD in defining and implementing strategic programmatic R&D missions for FFESD and the Laboratory.
• Complete line‑management responsibilities, including supervision of group leaders, budget and business planning, salary planning, staff recruitment and development, employee relations, and performance management.
• Serve as the division work authority, implementing a culture that proactively manages hazards and processes.

• Advanced degree in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Plasma Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible experience in fusion energy, plasma science, engineering, materials research, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success leading complex scientific, engineering, or technology development organizations.
• Record of technical accomplishment demonstrated through publications, patents, major technical contributions, or equivalent professional achievements.
• Experience developing and executing large research programs involving multiple stakeholders and funding sponsors.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy security clearance.

• PhD in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience leading large multidisciplinary research organizations, facilities, or major technical programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of fusion energy science and technology, including plasma‑material…