Nuclear I&C Engineer

***MUST BE A US CITIZEN***

Background:

Operating at 85 MW, High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) is the highest flux reactor-based source of neutrons for research in the United States and provides one of the highest steady-state neutron fluxes of any research reactor in the world. The thermal and cold neutrons produced by HFIR are used to study physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, and biology.

The Research Reactors Division (RRD) at ORNL is responsible for operating and maintaining HFIR, while HFIR Upgrades Project Office manages both the HFIR Beryllium Reflector Replacement (HBRR) and Pressure Vessel Replacement (PVR) Projects. As HFIR approaches key life-extension milestones, ORNL is undertaking major upgrade projects to sustain and enhance its capabilities for decades to come.

Scope:

ORNL is currently preparing for two exciting major replacement projects, the reactor pressure vessel and the beryllium reflector, to sustain and enhance HFIR’s operation performance. Both projects require comprehensive engineering, design, and analysis support to complement the integrated project team and ensure delivery of design milestones on schedule and within scope. The individual in this role will primarily support efforts to restore HFIR’s operating power from 85 MW back to 100 MW as part of the PVR Project. This project is currently in the early stages of Critical Decision-1 (CD-1), as defined by DOE Order 413.3B. It is expected that the individual will collaborate closely with system engineers, designers, and multidisciplinary teams within RRD. This position will be assigned to the HFIR Upgrades Project Office and will interact with personnel at all levels within HFIR.

The project is seeking an experienced engineering professional with over 10 years of hands-on experience at an operating nuclear reactor. The ideal candidate will possess expertise in I&C engineering design for both analog and digital systems, along with comprehensive knowledge of applicable codes and standards—including DOE Orders, ICC, and IEEE (including nuclear-specific standards).

Additionally, the candidate will provide project management for large integrated modifications, ensuring scope execution, budget tracking, and resource management to deliver projects successfully.

Export Control Requirement:

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.

Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP):

This position may require a Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) testing, which requires passing

a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program in which

employees are subject to being randomly selected for testing and undergoing testing without advance notification.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop system designs for new installations and for replacement or upgrade of HFIR structures, systems, and components (SSCs).
• Perform detailed calculations and technical analyses to support design development and validation.
• Apply relevant codes and standards, such as DOE Orders, ICC, IEEE (including Nuclear Standards), and others.
• Prepare design specifications and establish acceptance criteria for component upgrades.
• Update material specifications and initiate procurement of nuclear safety-related materials in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Implement modifications in accordance with RRD configuration control processes and procedures.

Basic Qualifications:

• Must be a US citizen, no H1B, Visa status, or Green Card holders will be considered.
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, I&C engineering, or related discipline
• Minimum of 6 years working in DOE nuclear facilities, naval nuclear, and/or commercial nuclear plants.
• Comprehensive understanding of nuclear technology, including reactor safety basis, design, and construction.
• Strong knowledge of analog and digital circuits and electric circuit theory, and AC power distribution concepts.
• Proficiency with circuit simulation tools, AutoCAD, and printed circuit board design software
• Familiarity with HMI/PLC control systems software (preferred)
• Basic understanding of DOE Orders and Standards (e.g., DOE O 420.1C, DOE STD 1189, DOE STD-1073-2016).
• Experience with configuration management and engineering change control processes in a nuclear environment.

Miscellaneous:

• Must be a U.S. citizen, at this time we are not accepting applications from Visa or Green Card holders.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $170,000.00 - $190,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you a US citizen? (Yes/No)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Configuration management: 6 years (Required)
• engineering change control processes: 6 years (Required)
• DOE nuclear facilities, naval nuclear, etc.: 6 years (Required)
• nuclear technology, reactor safety, design, & construction: 6 years (Required)
• analog and digital circuits & electric circuit theory: 6 years (Required)
• AC power distribution concepts: 6 years (Required)
• circuit simulation tools: AutoCAD & PCB design software: 6 years (Required)
• HMI/PLC control systems software: 6 years (Preferred)
• DOE Orders and Standards: 6 years (Required)

Work Location: In person