Senior Utilities Engineer

Requisition Id 15485 

 

Overview:

We are seeking a Senior Utilities Engineer to join the Fusion Engineering Group (FEG). The FEG is part of ORNL’s Fusion Energy Division (FED), which leads U.S. research toward the realization of practical fusion energy. Our team provides end-to-end engineering design, analysis, and infrastructure solutions for fusion experiments and facilities.

 

In this senior technical role, you will provide leadership in the design, integration, and operation of mechanical utility systems supporting the MPEX facility and future fusion energy projects. You will work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and technicians to ensure that facility infrastructure and experiment utility systems meet demanding performance, reliability, and safety requirements.

 

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge fusion energy research at ORNL, supporting critical experimental infrastructure in collaboration with leading scientists and engineers.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead design, analysis, and operation of mechanical and utility systems for MPEX and related facilities, including:
  • Chilled/hot water and process cooling loops
  • Deionized and high-purity water systems
  • Vacuum, compressed air, and gas handling systems
  • Cryogenic support systems
  • HEPA filtration and air-handling systems for controlled environments
• Provide technical leadership through all project phases from conceptual design to commissioning and steady-state operations.
• Develop detailed engineering documentation including P&IDs, specifications, design analyses, and commissioning procedures.
• Perform system performance analysis, troubleshooting, and reliability improvements for complex utility systems.
• Support integration of utilities with experimental systems, including controls, diagnostics, and safety interlocks.
• Ensure all systems meet ORNL and DOE safety, environmental, and operational standards.
• Mentor early-career engineers and contribute to technical reviews within the group and division.
• Participate in strategic planning and design for future fusion infrastructure and large-scale experimental systems.
• Provide operational support for MPEX Device utilities control systems, ensuring stable, responsive, and safe performance during experimental operations. Some off-hours and weekend support required to meet the 24/7 operational needs of the MPEX facility during experimental campaigns.
• 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.

 

Required Qualifications:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field with at least 8 years of relevant experience, or MS with 7+ years, or PhD with 4+ years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, operation, and maintenance of mechanical or utility systems for research or industrial facilities.
• Proficiency in fluid system design, heat transfer, and mechanical utilities (cooling water, HVAC, cryogenics, compressed gases).
• Experience with HEPA filtration systems, clean air handling, or environmental containment systems.
• Strong working knowledge of CAD design tools (AutoCAD, Revit, or similar).
• Proven ability to lead technical tasks or small engineering teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Strong analytical and documentation skills, with attention to safety, reliability, and long-term operability.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge of cryogenic systems, vacuum technology, or process cooling design.
• Experience with DOE or national laboratory environments, or large-scale experimental/research facilities.
• Familiarity with instrumentation and controls integration for facility utilities.
• Experience applying reliability-centered maintenance (RCM) and asset management practices.
• Demonstrated success in project planning, cost estimation, and coo