Senior Design Engineer Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an experienced, collaborative engineering professional who excels at keeping teams aligned, stakeholders engaged, and projects delivered on schedule and within budget.
Based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, this role will provide design engineering support for large-scale, complex projects for a diverse portfolio of clients that includes the U.S. Department of Energy, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and commercial nuclear companies. The successful candidate will provide leadership across capital projects involving nuclear infrastructure, advanced reactor deployment, fuel cycle facilities, and mission-critical national security programs while ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, regulatory compliance, and financial performance.
This is an opportunity to play a key role in delivering projects that strengthen America's nuclear security mission, support the deployment of next-generation nuclear technologies, and expand the nation's commercial nuclear capabilities.
Amentum Nuclear Projects is a Tier 1 services provider supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and leading commercial nuclear companies. We deliver safe, innovative, and mission-focused solutions at some of the nation's most complex nuclear security, production, and advanced nuclear technology facilities.
Our core capabilities include:

• Program and project management
• NNSA capital line-item projects
• Naval Reactors facility designs
• Nuclear facility modernization and construction management
• Nuclear material and fuel cycle management
• Technical consulting and owner's engineering
• Engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) projects
• Engineering and project delivery for advanced reactor programs, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactor technologies
• Engineering support for commercial nuclear fuel fabrication facilities
• Engineering and project execution for nuclear fuel reprocessing and related fuel cycle infrastructure

Job Description
As a senior-level mechanical engineer, you will serve as a technical leader responsible for the design, coordination, and delivery of building mechanical systems for industrial and government facilities. This role includes oversight of HVAC, plumbing, and piping system designs; leadership of mechanical engineering teams; and accountability for technical quality and compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
The successful candidate will work closely with project management, discipline leads, and clients to deliver fully coordinated, code-compliant, and high-quality engineering solutions in accordance with Amentum's established quality procedures.
Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee the design of HVAC, plumbing, and piping systems, including B31.3 process piping
• Serve as technical authority for mechanical system design within assigned project scope
• Review, approve, and check engineering calculations, layouts, specifications, and drawings
• Apply advanced engineering judgment to resolve complex design issues
• Support project planning by assisting with:
  • Scope definition
  • Equipment sizing
  • Schedule development
  • Budget control for mechanical design activities
• Coordinate mechanical designs with structural, electrical, architectural, and process disciplines
• Apply applicable codes, standards, and procedures (e.g., IMC, ASHRAE, NFPA, ASME)
• Interface with clients and other stakeholders as a senior technical contributor
• Provide senior-level support during procurement and construction phases, including review and resolve RFIs, submittals, and field issues
• Mentor and guide engineers and designers on applicable codes, standards, and best practices
• Ensure all work under your technical responsibility complies with Amentum's engineering and quality procedures

Basic Qualifications:

• B.S. Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited engineering program
• 15+ years in industrial/government design of Mechanical, HVAC, Plumbing Systems, and related mechanical building systems
• Demonstrated experience delivering projects from concept through detailed design completion
• Proven ability to lead teams of engineers and designers within budget and schedule constraints
• Proficiency with discipline-specific tools such as: Carrier HAP, Trane TRACE, PipeFlo, AutoCAD, MicroStation, etc.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable codes & standards (International Mechanical Code, NFPA, ASHRAE, etc.)
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required
• USA citizenship is required

Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the Basic Qualifications the ideal candidate might also have:

• Prior nuclear, DOE, or high-hazard facility design experience
• Experience working under a formal quality program (ISO 9001, NQA 1)
• Strong leadership, communication, and technical mentoring skills
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to technical excellence
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Work Environment:

• Primarily office-based work in a secure engineering environment
• Amentum office location is preferred; hybrid or remote work may be available by prior agreement based on role and project requirements
• Occasional exposure to industrial facilities, which may include elevated noise levels, hazardous materials, or controlled areas
• Site visits may be required

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs occasionally
• Vision correctable to 20/20
• Ability to read and use computer-aided design software effectively
• Appropriate PPE and training will be provided as required

Compliance & Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship required (no dual citizenship)
• Valid driver's license is required
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
• Ability to pass pre-employment background investigation and drug screening
• Willingness to work overtime or outside normal hours as needed
• Professional appearance appropriate for a customer-facing engineering environment
• Travel required: less than 10%

Compensation Details:
$120,000 - $180,000
The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Benefits Overview:
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
08/12/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.