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Manufacturing Sciences Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Scientific Instruments Manufacturing Engineer Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37831 Business Unit: Advanced Measurement Technologies Posting Date: Aug 26, 2026 The Scientific Instruments (SI ...

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Manufacturing Sciences information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$29.2K

$93.3K

$146.8K

How much do manufacturing sciences jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for manufacturing sciences in Oak Ridge, TN is $93,268.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,600.00 and $115,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is manufacturing sciences?

Manufacturing Sciences is a multidisciplinary field focused on understanding, developing, and optimizing manufacturing processes and technologies. Professionals in this area work to improve the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of manufacturing operations by applying scientific and engineering principles. The field covers a range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, automotive, electronics, and consumer goods, and often involves research, process development, and troubleshooting. Careers in Manufacturing Sciences can include roles in process engineering, quality assurance, and production management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in manufacturing sciences, and why are they important?

To thrive in Manufacturing Sciences, you need a solid background in engineering or life sciences, process development experience, and often a relevant degree (such as chemical engineering, biochemistry, or biotechnology). Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), process analytical technologies, and statistical analysis tools like JMP or Minitab is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help professionals excel in cross-functional teams and complex environments. These skills ensure efficient, compliant, and scalable manufacturing processes that meet quality standards and drive operational success.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in manufacturing sciences, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in Manufacturing Sciences often encounter challenges such as scaling up processes from laboratory to full-scale production, maintaining consistent product quality, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. These challenges are typically addressed through close collaboration with cross-functional teams including R&D, quality assurance, and engineering, as well as by employing robust process validation and continuous improvement methodologies. Staying current with evolving technologies and regulatory requirements is also crucial for success in this field.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Sciences vs Process Development?

AspectManufacturing SciencesProcess Development
FocusOptimizing manufacturing processes, ensuring quality, and scaling productionDesigning and developing new processes for product creation
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, quality labsResearch labs, pilot plant facilities
CredentialsEngineering degrees, certifications in manufacturing or qualityEngineering or science degrees, process engineering certifications
Industry UsagePharmaceutical, biotech, chemical manufacturingPharmaceutical, biotech, chemical R&D

Manufacturing Sciences focuses on optimizing and maintaining existing manufacturing processes, ensuring quality and efficiency. Process Development is centered on creating and refining new processes during product development. Both roles are essential in the product lifecycle but differ in their primary objectives and work environments.

Infographic showing various Manufacturing Sciences job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Temporary, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,268 per year, or $44.8 per hour.

Technical Associate Staff Member - Metals Additive Manufacturing

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$70 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 121 rated laboratories


Job description

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Technical Associate Staff Member - Metals Additive Manufacturing

We are seeking a candidate with a background and experience in metals deposition sciences with applications to advanced manufacturing (AM) technologies such as powder bed metal additive manufacturing and directed energy deposition. The candidate will support senior technical staff in conducting high quality research on materials processed through AM with respect to process-property relationships. A background in processing and characterization of metals, and physical metallurgy is preferred. Strong communication and program management skills are required. This position resides in the Deposition Science and Technology Group at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) in the Manufacturing Sciences Division (MSD), Energy Sciences and Technology Directorate (ESTD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

As part of our research team, you will be based at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) and work alongside a diverse team of scientists on the development of materials and equipment and processing techniques for reliability of AM processes through in-situ process monitoring, data analytics, and routine machine maintenance. You will be expected to perform tasks supporting senior technical staff leading research programs in additive manufacturing, utilize software tools to analyze data for reports and presentations, while performing collaborative work efforts to meet project milestones.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Perform additive manufacturing tasks under direction of principle investigators
  • Perform and analyze experiments establishing correlations between process, structure, and properties
  • Operate additive manufacturing systems to execute experiments
  • Characterize samples by standard metallography and mechanical testing techniques
  • Communicate frequently and effectively to all team members
  • Compile, present, and report research results to team members and collaborative partners
  • Ensure compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements
  • Maintain strong dedication to the implementation and perpetuation of values and ethics

Basic Qualifications:

  • BS in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field and at least two years of relevant experience
  • Hands-on experience with additive manufacturing metal deposition technologies
  • Experience in mechanical testing principles
  • Experience in characterization of metallic materials

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in the principles of additive manufacturing
  • Hands-on experience with laser and electron beam powder bed additive manufacturing systems and working knowledge of instrument nuances
  • Experience in performing and analyzing in-situ process monitoring within additive manufacturing environments
  • Background and knowledge of metallurgy of high temperature structural materials
  • Programming experience in scripting languages such as Python or Matlab
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
  • Hands on experience in the mechanical testing of metallic materials and associated theory
  • Experience with destructive characterization and identification of metal alloy microstructures and underlying theory
  • Experience in performing nondestructive characterization of materials
  • Hands-on experience with computed tomography systems
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to changing needs

Special Requirements:

  • 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 andmaintaina 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 notresidedin 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 tomaintainemployment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you willbe requiredto obtain a PIV credential tomaintainemployment.

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.

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.

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.

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