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Mechanical Engineer - Chilled Water Utilities

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge, TN Full Time
POSTED ON 6/6/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/6/2026
Requisition Id 16426

Overview:

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer who will focus on daily operations and maintenance of mechanical utility systems. This position is for the Chilled Water Work Center of the Mechanical Utilities Complex in the Utilities Division of the Facilities & Operations Directorate at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The Chilled Water Work Center is responsible for supplying chilled, medium-temperature, high-temperature, heating, and hot water for buildings and computing systems all over the ORNL main campus. This position is the resident authority on engineering aspects related to system operations and maintenance, provides technical input to support troubleshooting and maintenance, and gives guidance and recommendations concerning new projects or system modifications. This position interacts with operations, maintenance, management, customers, and sub-contractors routinely, so good written and oral communication skills are required.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Provide support in establishing the necessary requirements for directing maintenance, modifications, or utility outage activities to preserve safety and environmental controls, and to minimize interruptions or negative impact on customers.
  • Promote frequent communication with customers, craft workers, and other utility staff members.
  • Support predictive/preventive maintenance programs.
  • Integrate worker safety and health and environmental protection into work planning and execution.
  • Support configuration control management to ensure that systems and associated equipment are operated and maintained effectively and efficiently.
  • Obtain proper authorization for work performed in or on mechanical utilities facilities and systems by others such as construction and service subcontractors.
  • Develop energy conservation strategies and other performance improvements to reduce costs for utilities and other facility services.
  • Support the maintenance of record drawings, project documentation, and regulatory records.
  • Provide engineering overview of all mechanical utilities complex projects.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of the utilities training program.
  • Perform other roles, as directed by the Chilled Water Work Center Manager.
  • 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:
  • BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant engineering degree from an accredited college or university.
  • A minimum of five years of mechanical engineering experience in operations and maintenance of chillers, cooling towers, or other facility cooling systems.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
  • Must demonstrate a strong dedication to customer service.
  • Must have strong computer skills and good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience with control systems and SCADA systems (such as Metasys) is very desirable.
  • Experience working in a DOE facility, with union craft employees, and/or in a 24/7 operating facility is a plus.

Special Requirements:
  • Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

About ORNL As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the 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, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

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

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 Mechanical Engineer - Chilled Water Utilities in Oak Ridge, TN
$83,245 to $100,292
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