Machine Design Engineering Group Leader
Listed on 2026-07-18
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Engineering
Mechanical Engineer, Engineering Design & Technologists
Overview
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest U.S. 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.
- Provide technical leadership and guidance across centrifuge machine design activities.
- Implement design control practices within a graded‑approach, supporting both R&D and Deployment project scopes.
- Produce a high‑performance culture, where the content, complexity, and accuracy of design outputs are consistent with the request.
- Manage group assignments and deliver design outputs (requirements, drawings, specifications, calcs.) within communicated schedule guidance, while maintaining flexibility to support multiple tasks and adapt to ever‑changing needs.
- Be the technical leader and resource for group members when challenges arise.
- Clearly communicate expectations, providing visibility of what successful looks like for roles within the group.
- Ensure individual performance goals are set, progress evaluated, and timely feedback is provided.
- Cultivate and sustain advanced technical expertise in high‑speed rotating machinery and high‑vacuum systems, demonstrating subject matter proficiency in motor, magnet, and bearing technologies.
- Support a prototype environment which allows quick‑iteration and the ability to safely fail‑fast, while advancing concepts to defined acceptance criteria.
- Lead troubleshooting technical issues and drive actions to completion.
- Review design outputs with manufacturing and testing stakeholders to expedite downstream activities.
- Maintain design control through configuration management principles of design reviews, verification, and change control.
- Review analysis results and test data for targeted machine design advancements.
- Approve design drawings and specifications.
- Ensure acceptance criteria is defined and accurately translated.
- Maintain visibility of Design Change Requests and Production Order demands, ensuring work in process is adequately supported (for both internal and external fabrication shops).
- BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
- A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience
- A minimum of 3 years' experience in precision machine design
- Demonstrat…
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