Mechanical Design Engineer

Overview

The Design Engineering Group in the Nonreactor Nuclear Facility Division (NNFD) is hiring a Mechanical Design Engineer for its Mechanical Design Team. The engineer will work with project teams, discipline leads, and stakeholders to design and analyze mechanical systems for nuclear and radiological facilities. Projects include hot cells, glove boxes, shielded carriers, lift fixtures, pressure vessels, process piping, confinement ventilation systems, and various tools for isotope research & production.

Requisition

Level: TP04

• Define and record design requirements, connections, assumptions, and standards for each project.
• Check existing conditions through reviewing records, site visits, measurements, and inspections.
• Create calculations, analyses, specifications, and complete design documents; use a graded approach and clearly document decisions.
• Work with other engineers, designers, and stakeholders to coordinate installation, testing, safety, and system interfaces.
• Make sure design packages explain all necessary inspections, tests, turnover steps, records, and updates needed for implementation.
• Resolve conflicts between requirements, design details, vendor information, and field conditions, or raise issues for resolution.
• Help with purchasing, fabrication, construction, and project completion by providing timely technical guidance and reviewed documents.
• Lead field checks, gather input from different disciplines, plan tests, and correct issues to ensure technical quality.
• Work with support teams to design or improve structures, systems, and components in Hazard Category II & III nuclear facilities.
• Perform engineering analyses and prepare technical reports and calculations.
• Use CAD tools to share designs and support prototyping or simulation; give drafting teams all needed details for documentation.
• Write engineering specifications and review submissions from outside firms for technical quality and impact.
• Prepare studies and cost estimates to help plan future projects.
• Work with the NNFD Design Authority and other technical authorities on standards, interpretations, and approvals.
• Troubleshoot system problems, find root causes, and recommend solutions.
• Gather and organize project data throughout the design process; report technical progress to discipline leads and customers when needed.
• 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.

• BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• A minimum of eight years of experience in design engineering for custom equipment and mechanical systems.
• Strong knowledge of mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids, heat transfer, materials, and fabrication design.
• Skilled in 3D CAD software (preferably Autodesk Inventor and Solid Works).
• Experience with Product Data Management (PDM) systems for managing design data.
• Detail oriented, organized, and able to follow through on assigned tasks.
• Ability to support multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with engineers, designers, technicians, vendors, and facility personnel.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work independently with appropriate technical guidance.

• MS degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Experience working in a DOE nuclear laboratory, DOE nuclear facility, research facility, manufacturing environment, or other highly controlled technical environment.
• Familiarity with Microsoft 365 apps,…