Group Leader - Target Engineering

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN, USA

Posted on May 28, 2026

Requisition Id 16486

Overview:

We are seeking a Group Leader to provide technical leadership for the Target Engineering Group. This position resides in the Target Development, Engineering & Operations Section, Neutron Technologies Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Specifically, the mission of the Target Engineering Group is:

  • To provide robust Target Systems which are continuously prepared to accept beam and deliver neutrons to instrument operations

The Target Engineering Group achieves this mission by providing design and system engineering support to a variety of target systems that support neutron production.

As Group Leader, you will provide the leadership and direction to Target Engineering personnel required to support target operations, research and development, and the wider SNS mission.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Provide technical leadership to Target Engineering personnel for assigned systems

  • Serve as immediate supervisor for staff members in group

  • Hold regular technical group meetings and be visible in the Group’s workspaces

  • Ensure systems and equipment are maintained within design parameters and operationally capable of satisfying regulatory and mission needs

  • Develop, maintain, and track Group budgets and expenditures and support long-term budgetary planning

  • Participate in, and support planning for, upgrades and improvements in system design and operation

  • Develop a vision and implement a cohesive group strategy to ensure the success of new and ongoing technical projects to position the group for future success

  • Promote and ensure staff compliance with Section and Division policies and procedures

  • Assist staff in setting performance goals consistent with the group’s strategy and members’ long-term career goals. Provide feedback to address performance issues in a timely manner.

  • Provide relevant input to assist the Target Development, Engineering & Operations Section Head with staff development while providing direct and impactful guidance to staff on regular basis

  • Lead by example by exercising the principles in ORNL’s “Research Code of Conduct” as a guide for proposing, performing, and communicating research.

  • Coach and mentor staff regarding Battelle’s “Safe Conduct of Research” principles

  • Support ESH&Q principles though leading by example and ensuring all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.

  • 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:

  • A BS degree in mechanical engineering or related field with at least 10 years of relevant experience.

  • Demonstrated experience in leading technical teams.

  • Technical expertise in design and operation of complex mechanical systems such as those used in accelerators or reactor plants.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A PhD with a minimum of 4 years relevant experience, or an MS with a minimum of 7 years of experience

  • Management experience at facilities or programs managed for the United States Department of Energy

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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 for certain positions.

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

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.