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

Design Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$78K - $130K/yr

You'll work alongside senior mechanical engineers to design and analyze next-generation centrifuge ... Demonstrated ability to apply engineering fundamentals (stress, tolerance stack-up, material ...

Design Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$78K - $130K/yr

You'll work alongside senior mechanical engineers to design and analyze next-generation centrifuge ... Demonstrated ability to apply engineering fundamentals (stress, tolerance stack-up, material ...

Electrical/I&C Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Mentor junior engineers, if in a senior role. Minimum Qualifications * Bachelor of Science in ... Ability to deal with conflicts and stressful situations. * Ability to organize, prioritize, and ...

Electrical/I&C Engineer

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Mentor junior engineers, if in a senior role. Minimum Qualifications * Bachelor of Science in ... Ability to deal with conflicts and stressful situations. * Ability to organize, prioritize, and ...

... or stress requirements. * Originates structural engineering deliverables, such as steel and ... Prepares building material interface details for review by senior personnel. * Participates in ...

... or stress requirements. * Originates structural engineering deliverables, such as steel and ... Prepares building material interface details for review by senior personnel. * Participates in ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Stress Engineer information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$56.9K

$121K

$175.4K

How much do senior stress engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior stress engineer in Oak Ridge, TN is $120,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,900.00 and $137,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior stress engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Stress Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or aerospace engineering, advanced knowledge of structural analysis, and experience with industry standards, typically supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency with finite element analysis (FEA) software such as ANSYS or NASTRAN, and familiarity with CAD systems and regulatory requirements are essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you interpret complex data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the safety, reliability, and compliance of structures in high-stakes engineering environments.

What are some common challenges faced by senior stress engineers in cross-functional project teams?

Senior Stress Engineers often work closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure structural integrity of components under various loading conditions. A common challenge is balancing strict safety requirements with tight deadlines and evolving design changes. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential for resolving conflicts between design intent and manufacturability, while ensuring compliance with industry standards. Additionally, Senior Stress Engineers are frequently responsible for mentoring junior engineers and providing technical guidance across departments.

What is the difference between Senior Stress Engineer vs Stress Analyst?

AspectSenior Stress EngineerStress Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, relevant certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentDesign and analysis teams in aerospace, automotive, or defense industries; often involved in complex projectsAnalysis-focused roles within engineering teams, primarily performing stress calculations and simulations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in aerospace, automotive, and heavy machinery sectors for advanced stress analysisCommon in similar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles supporting senior engineers

While both roles involve stress analysis, Senior Stress Engineers typically lead complex projects, make critical design decisions, and have more experience and certifications. Stress Analysts support these efforts through detailed calculations and simulations. The senior role requires broader expertise and often involves project management responsibilities.

What does a senior stress engineer do?

A senior stress engineer analyzes and evaluates the structural integrity of components and systems to ensure they can withstand operational loads and conditions. They use engineering principles, finite element analysis software, and testing to identify potential failure points and recommend design improvements, often working closely with design and manufacturing teams. This role typically requires strong problem-solving skills, relevant certifications, and experience in materials and stress analysis methods.

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Senior Stress Engineer jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Senior Stress Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Stress Engineer job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,994 per year, or $58.2 per hour.

Piping and Relief Design Engineer

Consolidated Nuclear Security

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

$95 - $140/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


Key responsibilities

  • Provide design support for urgent and quick-turn critical facility needs, including field investigations and applying engineering solutions.

  • Perform calculations related to relief valve sizing, pressure losses modeling, and pipe stress analysis.

  • Create and maintain design documentation such as P&IDs, piping isometrics, equipment layouts, and bills of materials.


Job description

Career Opportunities: Piping and Relief Design Engineer (18665)

Requisition ID18665-Posted08/17/2026-Engineering- Level of Experience (3) -Travel - 30% or less- Job Location Options (1)

Location: Oak Ridge, TN
Job Title: Piping and Relief Design Engineer
Career Level From: Specialist
Career Level To: Senior Specialist
Job Specialty: Core Engineering

What You'll Do

As a Piping Design Engineerin the Field Design Support team, you will provide design support for urgent and quick-turn critical facility needs. We are looking for an organized, proactive, and technically skilled individual capable of investigating field conditions and applying engineering rigor to develop design solutions. A successful candidate will also effectively interface with maintenance and craft personnel to perform post-mortem investigations and communicate necessary design changes.

  • Calculations – relief valve sizing, pressure losses modeling, and pipe stress
  • Design documentation – P&IDs, piping isometrics, equipment layouts, bills of materials
  • Engineering instructions – compilation of documentation with narrative guidance for implementation
  • Facility walk-downs – surveillance of process and utility piping system conditions, verification of design drawings, and establishing design basis
What You Can Expect
  • Meaningful work and unique opportunities to support missions vital to national and global security
  • Top-notch, dedicated colleagues
  • Generous pay and benefits with a stable organization
  • Career advancement and professional development programs
  • Work-life balance fostered through flexible work options and wellness initiatives
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering/Physical Science [Chemistry, Physics, or related] from an Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited program in the United States or designated equivalents from Canada or Mexico, the Washington Accord, or the list of substantially equivalent as documented by ABET AND 4 years of relevant experience. OR MS in Engineering /Physical science AND 2 years of relevant experience. OR PhD in Engineering /Physical science.
  • There is a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement up to 4 years post-graduation at time of offer and confirmed by transcript. Beyond four years from graduation, engineering experience will supersede GPA as a requirement for hire.
      • 3.0/4.0 minimum cumulative GPA for Bachelor degree
      • 3.3 minimum cumulative GPA for Master degree
      • 3.5 minimum cumulative GPA for PhD

In addition, the applicant must meet the requirements of DOE O 426.2A (i.e., Baccalaureate in engineering or related scientific major 2 years job-related, and 1-year nuclear experience; or a DOE O 426.2A alternative). DOE 426.2A experience requirements can be satisfied following employment. In the interim, newly hired personnel will not be assigned duties that could impact the safety basis of nuclear facilities. (Ref. DOE O 426.2A)

  • Demonstrated experience in piping system design across diverse applications (e.g., boilers/steam, potable/hot/chilled water, compressed gases, cryogenics, vacuum, caustic/acid)
  • Proficiency in pipe routing, component selection, and strict adherence to ASME B31.1 and B31.3 codes including owners inspection requirements
  • Knowledge of industry codes (ASME, ASTM, AWWA) and relevant quality programs (ASME NQA-1, 10CFR 830.120)
Preferred Job Requirements
  • Experience with CAD modeling, particularly using Bentley software
  • 10+ years of experience
  • A Professional Engineering License (PE)
Why Y-12?

You get #morethanajob. We encourage employees to achieve a healthy personal balance among home, work and the community. One of the ways we embrace work-life balance is by offering flexible work arrangements that provide alternatives to the traditional workweek, while still meeting business needs. Top talent and personal commitment mean more to our success than any other factors, so we reward our people with the kinds of benefits that make a positive difference in the quality of their lives. Benefits such as: medical plan, prescription drug plan, vision plan, dental plan, employer matched 401(k) savings plan, disability coverage, education reimbursement and many more. Want to stay healthy and fit but hate the cost of a gym membership? Take advantage of one of our onsite workout facilities and eat healthy in our onsite cafeterias. Much more than a workplace, at Y-12, you can build a career that lasts a lifetime.

Notes

The minimum education and experience for the lowest career level in the job posting range are listed under Minimum Job Requirements. Successful candidates hired into a higher career level than the minimum in the range must meet the requirements listed in the job leveling charts for the career level into which they are being hired.

If a range of Career Levels is posted, i.e., Senior Associate to Senior Specialist, internal applicants already in one of the Career Levels would come across at their current Career Level. Internal applicants currently in a lower level Career Level would move to the lowest posted Career Level.

Requires a Q clearance; however all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of their current clearance status. The ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance is required.

This position may require entry into the Material Access Areas (MAA) and participation in the Human Reliability Program (10 C.F.R. Part 712), which requires successful competition of a DOE counterintelligence evaluation and may include a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination.

This position may be categorized as a “designated position” identified by 10 C.F.R. Part 709, requiring successful completion of a DOE counterintelligence evaluation that may include a counterintelligence-scope polygraph examination.

CNS is a drug-free workplace. Candidates accepting a job offer will be required to pass a pre-placement physical, drug screening and background investigation. As an employee, you may be required to receive and maintain a security clearance from the United States Department of Energy in order to meet eligibility requirements for access to sensitive information or matter. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for security clearance applicants. All employees are subject to being randomly selected for drug testing without advance notification.

CNS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit and without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

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