Demo

Cooling Systems Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge, TN Full Time
POSTED ON 9/26/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/26/2026

Requisition Id16693

Overview:

We are seeking a Cooling Systems Engineer to provide technical engineering oversight of cooling systems supporting the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). This position resides in the Cooling Systems Group in the Site Services Group, Research Accelerator Division,Neutron Sciences DirectorateatOak Ridge National Laboratory(ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Provide systems-level engineering support on piping specification, material selection, heat exchanger thermal sizing, and pump selection, translating decisions into clear direction for designers and technicians.
  • Perform hydraulic and CFD analysis to evaluate system performance, support design changes, and guide equipment selection.
  • Evaluate operational data from facility monitoring software to identify performance trends and recommend improvements.
  • Review cooling system components - piping, pumps, water treatment - and provide engineering support for design changes per established procedures.
  • Monitor cooling systems operations and direct qualified operators to adjust parameters to meet SNS production goals; escalate issues to the Group Leader or Senior Operator as needed.
  • In this role you will be expected to be willing to learn new skills and train others.
  • Support design change implementation and routine maintenance coordination, with occasional off-hours or weekend coverage for 24/7 facilities.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health and quality program requirements.
  • 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:

  • A BS in mechanical engineering or a related field and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience designing or operating industrial water or cooling systems, including pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and piping.
  • Experience with AFT Fathom fluid dynamic software.
  • Knowledge of Affinity Laws and their application to pump and fan system design.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

About ORNL:

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits includethe 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, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email:ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

#LI-LK1

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.

 

Salary.com Estimation for Cooling Systems Engineer in Oak Ridge, TN
$98,535 to $118,203
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Cooling Systems Engineer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Cooling Systems Engineer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$115,390 - $147,559
Income Estimation: 
$136,671 - $177,110
Income Estimation: 
$128,093 - $158,900
Income Estimation: 
$104,606 - $124,147
Income Estimation: 
$111,859 - $131,446
Income Estimation: 
$110,457 - $133,106
Income Estimation: 
$105,809 - $128,724
Income Estimation: 
$122,763 - $145,698
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

  • Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, TN
  • Requisition Id17148 Overview: The Fusion Energy Division at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks applications for a skilled Computational Magnetohydrody... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, TN
  • Requisition Id 16779 Overview: We are accepting applications for Postdoctoral Research Associate positions in Data Science for Advanced Manufacturing that ... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, TN
  • Requisition Id 16875 Overview: We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher who will focus on the development of innovative processes and technology that can b... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Oak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge, TN
  • Requisition Id17001 Overview: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest US Department of Energy (DOE) science and energy laboratory, conducting b... more
  • 1 Day Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Cooling Systems Engineer jobs in the Oak Ridge, TN area that may be a better fit.

  • X-energy Oak Ridge, TN
  • X-energy LLC conducts a thorough recruiting process and will never issue offers without interview to discuss qualifications and responsibilities. All appli... more
  • 12 Days Ago

  • Actalent Knoxville, TN
  • Job Title: Systems Engineer Job Description As a Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, configuring, and implementing plant automation sy... more
  • 1 Month Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!