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Process Systems Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge, TN Full Time
POSTED ON 8/3/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/2/2026
Requisition Id 16837

Overview:

We are seeking a Process Systems Engineer to provide process design and system engineering support to develop, design, implement and provide operations support for a variety of process systems supported by the Target Development Engineering and Operations Section. This position resides in the Target Engineering Group in the Neutron Technologies Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Our group is responsible for activities supporting both new designs (e.g, Proton Power Upgrade Project, Heavy Water Recombination) and modifications to existing technical component utility systems which support neutron production and neutron beam instrument systems.

This position reports to the Target Engineering Group Leader in the Target Development, Engineering and Operations Section.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Support fabrication, commissioning, operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of the unique complex water and gas utility systems.
  • Maintain the process design basis documents for the system (e.g., P&IDs, PFDs, mechanical drawings, calculations, operating procedures, applicable parts of the documented hazard and accident analyses, vendor submittals) and act as the design authority for assigned systems.
  • Work with Operations and Maintenance staff to ensure reliable operations of all Target Systems.
  • Support the Reliability Program by providing system and component information to the Reliability Engineer as required (e.g. system health reports, critical spares, etc.).
  • Specify and procure system spare components and ensure integration into the asset management program.
  • Produce accurate and concise technical reports and represent SNS at conferences and/or workshops as appropriate.
  • Prepare presentations for and respond to recommendations from technical design reviews and advisory committees.
  • Evaluate system performance, identify operational trends and support corrections to off-normal operations and accurately communicate technical status and performance to ORNL management.
  • Act as the Technical Approver (TA) for procurement of new, replacement or upgraded system equipment.
  • Ensure consistency between the design basis and requirements, the system documentation and the physical configuration.
  • Develop and approve design changes to systems per NTD procedures.
  • Develop and maintain long-term plans for system maintenance and upgrades.
  • Enhance the technical/professional skills of others through active mentoring and training.
  • Comply with ORNL environment, safety, health, radiation control, 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:
  • BS in chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering or closely related field
  • Five or more years of relevant engineering design experience after degree
  • Demonstrated experience working with process cooling and ventilation systems
  • Demonstrated experience with thermodynamics, fluids, heat transfer, materials, systems controls and mechanics

Preferred Qualifications:
  • MS in chemical engineering, nuclear engineering or mechanical engineering
  • Familiarity with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and ASME B31 Pressure Piping Codes
  • Experience designing systems for operation in radiological environments
  • Experience with reactor &/or non-reactor nuclear facilities design, construction, test and checkout and operations
  • Experience with activated systems, high purity water cooling systems, inert gas handling and distribution systems, and off-gas treatment system is also desirable

Special Requirements:
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • 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.

Benefits at 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 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, 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:

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.

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