Nuclear Fuel & Fabrication Engineer

Requisition Id 10857 

Overview:  

We are seeking a motivated Nuclear Fuel and Fabrication Engineer to join our Systems Engineering Section within the Research Reactors Division (RRD). Your primary responsibility will be to provide engineering support and oversight for reactor fuel fabrication, which includes manufacturing reactor fuel elements, U3O8 powder, core components, control rods, and plates. Additionally, you may be involved in engineering and project management for items outside the fuel/core components area during a long shutdown in 2028.

 

This position resides in the Fuel & Component Fabrication Engineering  Group in the Systems Engineering Section, Research Reactors Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Manage the fabrication of high-quality fuel element assemblies with a team of engineers.
• Provide technical support and engineering oversight for various processes such as compacting and non-destructive evaluation (NDE).
• Evaluate existing processes for improvements in quality and productivity.
• Review and improve operating procedures.
• Visit fuel fabricator regularly to address challenges and ensure proper processing methods.
• Support activities to enhance supplier quality through corrective action plans.
• Evaluate and address non-conformities from the supplier.
• Provide technical support and oversight for U3O8 powder production at the sub-supplier's factory.
• Identify inventory deficiencies and vulnerabilities for core components and assist in developing a replacement plan.
• Support the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) 3-Year Planning Activities.
• Prepare design and material specifications for component upgrades and procure materials.
• Implement modifications following configuration control processes.
• Apply relevant codes and standards.
• Serve as a project manager working with companies fabricating required core components.
• Provide on-site technical support and project direction.
• Collaborate with Metrology Groups to ensure accurate inspection of fabricated components.
• Prepare and maintain documentation for assigned HFIR SSCs.
• May support the preparation of work packages for core component installation.
• May provide technical support during core component installation.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

 

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 bachelor's degree in nuclear, metallurgical, mechanical engineering, or related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in nuclear fuel fabrication.
• Experience in project management, process development, troubleshooting, and/or procurement.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design drawings.
• Ability to diagnose equipment problems and develop repair instructions.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent understanding of powder metallurgy, compacting, and annealing.
• Master's degree in nuclear or metallurgical engineering.
• 10 or more years of experience in nuclear fuel fabrication.
• Experience with quality control inspection and measurement techniques.
• Familiarity with mechanical design and maintenance in a nuclear reactor environment.
• Knowledge of regulatory programs and safety requirements.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and in collaborative teams.
• Adaptability to a fast-paced research environment and changing needs.

 

Special Requirements:

Physical Requirements: Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.

 

Q clearance: Th