Core Components Engineer - Entry Level

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN, USA

Posted on Oct 21, 2026

Requisition Id 17303

Overview:

We are seeking an entry-level Core Components and Fabrication Engineer to support the design, manufacturing, and fabrication of reactor core components. This position resides in the Core Components and Fabrication Group in the Research Reactors Division (RRD), Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

In this mechanical engineering role, you will support design engineering and fabrication of components for the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and help maintain cognizance of assigned HFIR structures, systems, and components (SSCs). You will also provide engineering support for operations and maintenance.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Support design engineering for new installations and upgrades of HFIR SSCs, including calculations and analyses that support design specifications and requirements, in compliance with relevant codes and standards (ASTM, ASME, AWS, GD&T, QS9000, and ISO14001)

  • Support the fabrication, machining, and assembly of reactor core components and related tooling in accordance with HFIR specifications

  • Prepare material specifications and provide technical support for material procurement

  • Prepare and maintain engineering drawings, specifications, and as-built documentation for assigned SSCs, and implement modifications following RRD configuration control processes

  • Write work package instructions, contribute to preventive and predictive maintenance work instructions, and provide technical support to craft supervisors and field crews

  • Troubleshoot system and component failures, perform operability assessments, and analyze equipment performance and maintenance data to support HFIR Reliability Program system health evaluations

  • Follow environmental, safety, health, and quality program requirements to promote a safe working environment

  • 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, manufacturing engineering, or a related field

  • Experience in mechanical or manufacturing engineering, which may include internship or co-op experience

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Understanding of ASME codes and standards, machining, fabrication practices, welding, and machine design

  • Ability to interpret mechanical design drawings, including GD&T principles (ASME Y14.5), and to create formal work package instructions

  • Familiarity with CNC lathes, precision OD grinding, forging, welding, and heat treatment processes, ideally in a nuclear reactor environment

  • Familiarity with regulatory programs guiding the HFIR work environment, including DOE Orders and OSHA requirements

Special Requirements:

  • Work involves some physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.

  • This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

  • 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.

  • Visa sponsorship is not available.

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

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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.


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.