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Data Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Software Engineering, Data Science
Oak Ridge, TN, USA
Posted on Sep 29, 2025

Requisition Id 15381

Overview:

We are seeking a Data Engineer who will focus on engineering design, installation, and troubleshooting associated with the rapidly growing field of stable isotope enrichment. This position resides in the Plasma Enrichment Deployment and Engineering Group in the Plasma Enrichment Science and Engineering Section, Enrichment Science and Engineering Division, Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

The Enrichment Science and Engineering Division serves the nation in two critical areas: advancing enrichment technologies and exploring stable isotope production and applications. The division uses an elite staff of scientists, engineers, and technicians with world-leading capabilities of Oak Ridge National Laboratory to deliver groundbreaking advancements with a variety of applications, from national security to life-saving medical treatments. ESED is the national steward for the research, development, and demonstration of enrichment technologies. ORNL is a recognized leader in centrifuge and electromagnetic enrichment technology. We are the stewards and dispensary of the nation’s stable isotope inventory and have a legacy dating to the late 1940s. This division integrates the full enrichment process from chemical synthesis of feed materials through fabrication of the custom physical forms needed to support the user communities.

You will work closely with a focused group of scientists, technicians, and engineers on ambitious, fast paced technical projects in support of the DOE Isotope Program. This has been a quickly expanding program at ORNL and offers significant opportunities for professional growth. The team demonstrates a collective excitement for the important work being accomplished and values creative solutions to developing technology and processes to solve the latest challenges. Successful development and deployment of isotope separation technologies requires an acute attention to detail and continued consideration of personnel and equipment safety.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Ensure seamless data integration across multiple production systems and platforms.
  • Perform analytics on plant operations and business data to support decision-making.
  • Develop and support system-to-system data integrations; may include designing integration workflows.
  • Maintain awareness of and implement basic security requirements related to data handling.
  • Work collaboratively with engineering, IT, R&D and Operations teams to meet data-driven needs.
  • Document processes and develop tools or scripts as needed to support data integrity and performance.
  • Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, security 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 a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

  • BS degree in Computer Science, Data Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field.
  • 5 years of relevant experience in data engineering, architecture, analytics, or a related field.
  • Experience in system integration and data infrastructure support.
  • Experience in data architecture and pipeline development.
  • Strong working knowledge of data flow, processes, and integration design.
  • Basic understanding of cybersecurity practices and requirements in a technical environment.
  • Strong programming skills in production controls, full-stack, or related experience.
  • Proficiency in relational databases and data governance.
  • Proficiency in Machine Learning techniques.
  • Motivated self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills, the ability to work independently, and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
  • Ability to function well in a production-style environment and the transition from research and development to production including good configuration control and communication.
  • Ability to collaborate with engineers, scientists, designers, and technicians.
  • Ensure compliance with environments, safety, health, and quality program requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
  • Expert programming skills (Python, SQL, JavaScript/TypeScript).
  • Experience with full-stack development, including front-end (e.g., React, Angular, or Vue.js) and back-end (e.g., Node.js, Flask, or Django) technologies.
  • Experience with AI/ML concepts and tools (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or similar) for basic data analysis and predictive modeling.
  • Experience with relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, SQLite).
  • Experience with real-time databases (e.g., NI Citadel, Prometheus).
  • Experience with data visualization (e.g., MS Power BI, Tableau, Denodo, Grafana).
  • Experience with version control systems (e.g., Mecurial, Git, SVN).
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint.
  • Familiar with NI LabVIEW graphical programming language.
  • Familiar with network security measures across isolated networks (e.g., Air-gapped).

Special Requirements:

  • Q or L clearance: 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.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

  • 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.

For foreign national candidates:

  • If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.
  • Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Benefits at ORNL:

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain talented 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: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Pet 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.

Relocation:

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

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

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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.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.