OVERVIEW:

We are seeking a Cryogenic Systems Engineer to provide system engineering support for Cold Source Operations. This position resides within the Research Reactors Division (RRD) at Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL).
The Cold Source is designed to circulate supercritical hydrogen pressurized to 14 bara at an approximate temperature of 20 K at a rate of approximately one liter per second through a moderator vessel, which cools neutrons emitted from the reactor core. The cold source is an integrated system of the major sub-systems, a hydrogen circulation loop, a hydrogen loop pressurization system, a helium refrigerator, a cryogenic helium transfer system, and vacuum systems. The new cold neutron source facility has been added to HFIR since 2006 to support the increased capabilities to perform research using cold neutrons.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• A BS degree in an engineering related field and at least 5 years of related experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and a detailed, thorough, results-oriented job style.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations and analyses to support design basis and technical requirements.
• Experience preparing design specifications, technical procurement documents, and material specifications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 8 years of experience in cryogenic systems design, maintenance, or engineering.
• Background in cryogenic, vacuum, and hydrogen systems, including system analysis and troubleshooting.
• Experience with preventive/predictive maintenance, including techniques like vibration and oil analysis.
• Skilled in mechanical equipment troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and technical reporting.
• Familiarity with engineering documentation (e.g., procedures, work instructions, specifications).
• Knowledge of industry standards and codes, including ANSI/AIAA G-095, ISA, CGA, DOE, OSHA, and ASME.
• Proficiency in GD&T, procurement, and project/task leadership.
• Exposure to industrial control systems (e.g., PLCs) and Statistical Process Control (SPC).
• Experience in nuclear facilities and continuous improvement initiatives.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

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.

Configuration Management

• Prepares engineering designs for replacement and upgrade of Cold Source Structures, Systems, and Components (SSCs).
• Performs calculations and interprets industry code to support design development.
• Provides project management for installation of mechanical design changes.
• Provides engineering support for the fabrication of cold source components.
• Reviews design specifications to determine performance criteria for material upgrades.
• Writes material specifications and initiates procurement of nuclear safety-related materials.
• Implements modifications in accordance with nuclear configuration control processes.
• Prepares and maintains as-built documentation for assigned reactor systems, including engineering drawings, specifications, system descriptions, relevant databases, and labeling.

Maintenance Support

• Troubleshoots and analyzes system and component failures and develops corrective actions.
• Provides written work package instructions to perform and document work.
• Provides field technical support to craft supervisors and craft.
• Develops and implements mechanical preventive maintenance work instructions.

Operations Support

• Performs operability assessments to determine equipment impact on HFIR operation.

Systems Analysis

• Analyzes and trends results of preventive and predictive maintenance data.
• Analyzes equipment performance history.
• Performs overall systems health evaluation in accordance with HFIR Reliability Program, which involves the following:
• System Health Indicators
• Identification of new and status of existing equipment vulnerabilities
• HFIR 3-Year Planning Activities
• Identification of Spare Parts deficiencies
• Walk-Downs to Assess System Configuration and Material Condition
• Assessment of open Modifications, Deviations, and Corrective Work Packages

Technical Guidance

• Plant Life Extension & Reliability Upgrades – assists in defining the SSCs upgrades needed to extend the HFIR life and improve reliability.
• Technical Review – provides technical review of integrated system modifications to ensure design requirements and bases are consistent with HFIR standards.
• Design specification development – aides with development of design specifications to ensure consistency and integration across systems (Systems Design Descriptions, Components Design Systems, General Procurement Specifications, & etc.)
• Engineering Standards/Processes – aides with the revision of engineering work processes to increase efficiency and implementation effectiveness.
• Technical Engineering/Safety Issue Resolutions – aides RRD management in the resolution of technical issues.
• Establishes technical interface relationships outside RRD (ORNL, industry groups, nuclear industry, etc.) that will help provide access to technology needed to ensure safe & reliable HFIR operation.
• 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.