Senior Reactor Fuel & Component Fabrication Engineer

Requisition Id 14796 

 

Overview:

The Systems, Design, & Fabrication Engineering Group within the Research Reactors Division (RRD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is looking for a highly motivated Senior Fabrication Engineer. The primary responsibility of the Fuel & Component Fabrication Engineering Team is to provide engineering support and guidance for reactor Fuel fabrication. This position will be responsible for the Nuclear Fabrication Engineering role which supports manufacturing of reactor fuel elements, U3O8 powder, core components, control rods and plates, etc. This position may also be asked to provide engineering and project management assistance for fabrication of items outside the Fuel / Core Components area needed for a long shutdown in 2029. 

 

Main Duties/Responsibilities:

Nuclear Fuel Fabrication Engineering:

• Lead cross-functional teams to drive the annual production of high-quality element assemblies by the Fuel Supplier. 

• Provide expert technical guidance for key processes, such as assembly, welding, and precision machining. 

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance quality and efficiency across operations. 

• Review and refine Operating Procedures for compliance, accuracy, and operational excellence. 

• Conduct regular site visits to supplier, addressing challenges and ensuring flawless processing methods. 

• Support the implementation of improvements through a Corrective Action Plan. 

• Provide senior engineering support to address non-conformities from the supplier. 

 

Core Components Fabrication Engineering:

• Identify core component inventory deficiencies and vulnerabilities for continuous reactor operation. 

• Support the development of a reactor core components replacement plan. 

• Contribute to HFIR 3-Year Planning Activities. 

• Prepare design specifications for component upgrades, establishing clear acceptance criteria. 

• Develop material specifications and provide technical expertise for material procurement. 

• Implement modifications in compliance with RRD configuration control processes. 

• Apply relevant codes and standards (ASTM, ASME, AWS, GD&T, QS9000, ISO14001, etc.). 

• Provide on-site technical leadership and support for fabricators during core component projects. 

• Offer field support to maintenance teams during core component installation, ensuring technical accuracy. 

 

Work Environment:

• Physical requirements for this job may include frequent walking and walking for long distances. Other work environment requirements may include climbing of stairs, ducking, kneeling, or crawling around equipment and facilities. Exposure to ionization radiation normally associated with operation of neutron scattering instruments for scientific research is also possible. The potential exists to work with vendors fabricating reactor components comprised of beryllium materials. 

 

Basic Qualifications: 

• A BS degree in nuclear or mechanical engineering. 

• Minimum 15 years of work experience in the nuclear, metal fabrication/machining, or manufacturing fields. 

• Solid understanding of mechanical design drawings and GD&T. 

• Experience working with other engineers, shop personnel, and QC inspectors to produce compo