Production Engineer

Requisition Id16193

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Production Engineer for our world class radioisotope production program. Supporting the largest radioisotope production and research portfolio within the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science for Isotope R&D and Production, this position will grant you the opportunity to work with rare nuclear materials and ensure the safe and effective execution of nuclear materials processing within nuclear and radiological facilities.

This position resides within the Isotope Processing and Manufacturing Division (IPMD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). IPMD is focused on the reliable delivery of radioisotope products to reach quality standards. This work is performed within the unique facilities at ORNL, including the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), and several radiological and nuclear facilities throughout the ORNL campus containing shielded hot cells and gloveboxes.

The Production Engineering role is essential to improving system reliability, optimizing production efficiency, and implementing effective riskmanagement strategies, all while adhering to organizational standards and meeting stringent customer requirements. The primary responsibility of this position is to support the production of californium-252 (Cf252). Work may be performed in a variety of radiological environments, including heavily shielded hot cells, glove boxes, fume hoods, chemical laboratories. Success in this role requires a solid foundation in radiochemistry and handson experience with unit operations such as solvent extraction, ion exchange, dissolution, and precipitationfiltration for the preparation of target isotopes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Production Engineering and Development:Lead the operation, maintenance, and advancement of manufacturing processes. Collaborate with R&D staff to provide valuable operational insights and feedback, managing process variables to uphold product quality. Utilize Lean Six Sigma methodologies to maintain control charts and develop thorough process documentation that defines the chemical processing parameters, operational steps, and associated equipment required for product manufacturing.
• Technical Support and Compliance:Develop and maintain detailed operating procedures and product travelers to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operation of systems and subsystems. Rigorously follow all programspecific quality requirements and facility compliance standards.
  • Oversee preparation of equipment and materials for scheduled work, monitor operational progress, and troubleshoot issues to maintain process continuity. Analyze samples and run data to verify proper results and provide technical support for equipment cleanup and waste disposal activities.
  • Operations may involve intervals of high operational demand, and due to continuous operations 24/7 schedule, occasional support during nonstandard hours may be required.
• Equipment and Maintenance:Formulate procedures and plans in partnership with systems engineers and maintenance teams. Provide technical expertise during corrective maintenance activities and postmaintenance evaluations to ensure equipment performance and reliability. Support systems engineers and maintenance teams by troubleshooting and guiding the operation of processing equipment to maintain safe and efficient performance. Additionally, it contributes to equipment design efforts by offering input on new or upgraded systems when appropriate.
• Training:Collaborate with training specialists to create comprehensive training materials, leveraging your expertise to enrich technical knowledge through on-the-job training programs.
• Quality Control and Improvement: Collaborate closely with the QA/QC team to identify and resolve nonconformities. Regularly analyze postproduction quality data against program requirements, proactively identifying areas where processes may need improvement or innovation and monitoring for indications of process drift.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning actions, priorities, and interactions with the core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Foster a respectful and inclusive workplace by promoting equal opportunity, supporting effective collaboration, and aligning shared measures of success.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field, from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of five years of experience in facility/process systems and operations within a chemical processing environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interaction with customers, plant operators, facility engineers, safety engineers, radiochemical analysts, laboratory scientists, and technicians.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight and simultaneously track multiple projects.
• Will be required to qualify as a Radiological Worker and operate in controlled, posted radiological areas while adhering to strict radiological safety procedures.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a DOE L clearance, including compliance with the Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong technical writing skills and a solid understanding of facility infrastructure.
• Experience with radiochemical operations and techniques, radiological sample analyses, and analysis techniques.
• Knowledge of software platforms, such as VISO and SolidWorks, to prepare process flow sheets, analyze process data, and prepare reports.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
• Experience with ORNL Business systems, such as PALS and SAP.

Special Requirements:

• Export control: 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.
• 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.
• Physical Requirements: Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer. FOR INTERNAL, NO PHYSICAL. FOR EXTERNAL, NEED PHYSICAL.
• Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.
• HSPD-12 PIV badge: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
• 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.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added 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, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

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

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.

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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.