Structural Engineer Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Requisition Id 16711
Overview:
We are seeking a Structural Engineer who will focus on structural engineering and analytical support to the US ITER Project Office at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) through the final design of the Ion Cyclotron Heating (ICH) system, Electron Cyclotron Heating (ECH) system, Vacuum Systems (VAS), and other systems as required. In addition to core structural analysis responsibilities, the role may include the opportunity to serve as a Technical Approver, leading or supporting the procurement of structural supports and associated hardware, from technical requirements definition through vendor oversight and Title III execution.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work with technical managers, engineers, designers, and fabrication vendors to design and analyze supports and equipment hardware associated with the US ITER Project Office.
• Perform, develop, and modify complex structural support analyses involving carbon steel, stainless steel, and other materials in accordance with US and/or European code requirements.
• Perform checks of concrete anchorage in accordance with project guidelines.
• Document analysis results in formal Design Analysis Calculation (DAC) packages.
• Assist in development of project guidance documents related to structural engineering.
• Review and check work performed by other project participants.
• Present preliminary and final structural designs and analyses to the ITER International Organization (IO) as part of formal design reviews.
• Participate as a subject matter expert in design reviews of other systems.
• Serve as or support a Technical Approver responsible for the procurement of structural supports, including development and maintenance of procurement packages.
• Assist Technical Approvers and project stakeholders with development and review of Statements of Work (SOWs), technical specifications, evaluation criteria, bid packages, and vendor clarifications.
• Support Title III activities including review and disposition of non-conformances (NCRs), deviation requests, and technical queries, ensuring alignment with design intent, codes, and project requirements.
• Participate in proposal evaluations and technical down-select decisions; support negotiation of technical scope.
• Coordinate with vendors and internal stakeholders to monitor fabrication progress, verify compliance, and support acceptance/closeout activities.
• 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in design, fabrication, and/or assembly of nuclear hardware and structures.
• Experience with STAAD or other structural analysis software.
• Familiarity with ANSI/AISC.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Mechanical or Civil Engineering or related technical field.
• 10+ years of specialized experience in design, fabrication, and assembly of large-scale fusion energy or nuclear supports and hardware.
• Demonstrated ability to independently evaluate problems, investigate and propose solutions, perform calculations, apply industry standards, and document design and fabrication activities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and plan design activities, plan and direct analysis work, and interface effectively with management and international stakeholders.
• Solid understanding of structural design and analysis fundamentals and their application to large facilities.
• Extensive knowledge of EN Eurocodes.
• Experience creating/manipulating 2D/3D structural models, part drawings, and assemblies.
• Ability to evaluate non-conformances and deviations from drawings, specifications, and requirements.
• Familiarity with piping systems, superconducting electromagnets, fusion energy technology, cryogenics, vacuum systems, and large electro-mechanical devices.
• Experience designing pipe supports and equipment following AISC or EN code guidelines.
• Experience with piping design (ASME B31.3 and/or EN equivalent).
• Finite element modeling using ANSYS.

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.
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.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
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.