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Temporary Science Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Temporary Science information

What are some of the unique challenges faced by professionals in temporary science roles and how can they be addressed?

Temporary science professionals often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new work environments, learning unfamiliar lab protocols, and managing tight project timelines. To succeed, it's important to demonstrate flexibility, strong communication skills, and the ability to rapidly acquire new knowledge. Building strong relationships with permanent staff and proactively seeking feedback can help temporary scientists integrate smoothly and make impactful contributions during their assignment.

What are temporary science jobs?

Temporary science jobs are short-term positions in scientific fields, such as biology, chemistry, environmental science, or laboratory research. These jobs may be offered on a contract, seasonal, or project basis, often to assist with specific research projects or to cover staffing needs during busy periods. Temporary science roles can provide valuable hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and a pathway to permanent employment in the scientific sector. They are commonly found in research institutions, universities, government agencies, and private companies. Positions may range from laboratory assistants to field researchers or data analysts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary science technician?

To thrive as a Temporary Science Technician, you generally need a solid background in laboratory procedures, scientific principles, and a relevant science degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with lab equipment, safety protocols, and data management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, time management, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure accurate experimental results, safe lab environments, and efficient support for ongoing scientific projects.

What is the difference between Temporary Science vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectTemporary ScienceLaboratory Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in science or related fieldUsually requires an associate degree or certification in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentVaries; often short-term projects in research labs, fieldwork, or testing facilitiesPrimarily in laboratories performing tests, experiments, and sample analysis
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by research institutions, biotech firms, and testing companies for temporary projectsCommonly employed in healthcare, environmental, and industrial labs

Temporary Science roles are often project-based, requiring a science degree, and involve diverse environments. Laboratory Technicians typically hold specific certifications and work mainly in lab settings. Both roles serve vital functions in scientific and testing industries, but differ mainly in scope, credentials, and work setting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Science jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Science jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Temporary Science jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Temporary Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Temporary Science job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution.

Technical Professional Staff Member - Mechanical Design and Test Engineer (Temporary)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Contractor, Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 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

14th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Requisition Id 16713A
Overview:
We are seeking a temporary Technical Professional Staff Member to support the design, integration, testing, and verification of advanced additive manufacturing systems and components. This position resides in the Manufacturing Systems Design Group in the Manufacturing Science Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
As part of our research team, you will support the development of practical mechanical designs, robotic system components, sensor integrations, fixtures, test methods, and documentation needed to advance MDF hybrid and additive manufacturing capabilities for government and industrial users.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Support research and development projects involving additive manufacturing systems, robotic manufacturing hardware, hybrid manufacturing platforms, and related mechanical subsystems.
  • Create and revise mechanical CAD models, assemblies, drawings, bills of materials, and supporting design documentation for experimental manufacturing systems and components.
  • Assist with the design, assembly, integration, and checkout of robotic systems, sensors, fixtures, tooling, motion hardware, and other components used in advanced manufacturing research.
  • Support testing and verification of new systems and components, including test planning, data collection, troubleshooting, documentation of results, and implementation of design improvements under guidance from senior technical staff.
  • Assist efforts to improve additive manufacturing process efficiency, system integration, process development, throughput, reliability, and energy efficiency on MDF hybrid and additive manufacturing systems.
  • Fabricate, install, modify, and evaluate prototype hardware in collaboration with researchers, engineers, technicians, machinists, programmers, and external partners.
  • Prepare and present technical results through reports, design reviews, presentations, test summaries, and other documentation for sponsors, peer reviewers, and internal project teams.
  • Network and collaborate with other groups and divisions to support multidisciplinary R&D activities while learning established ORNL policies, procedures, safety practices, and work methods.
  • Deliver ORNL mission outcomes by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service, and by fostering a respectful workplace.

Basic Qualifications:
  • A BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Relevant experience supporting engineering design, mechanical systems, manufacturing systems, additive manufacturing, robotics, testing, or applied research projects.
  • Experience using computer-aided design tools to develop mechanical models, assemblies, drawings, or design documentation; SolidWorks experience is preferred.
  • Ability to apply engineering principles and scientific methods to solve routine technical problems under guidance from project leads and senior technical staff.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills to support technical documentation, design reviews, test summaries, reports, presentations, and routine interactions with project teams and sponsors.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Basic programming experience for engineering analysis, test automation, data processing, or hardware integration.
  • Experience or coursework involving industrial robots, motion systems, sensors, controls, machine integration, or automation hardware.
  • Understanding of additive manufacturing processes and common challenges associated with system integration, process development, throughput, reliability, and energy efficiency.
  • Experience in applied research, laboratory, manufacturing, machine design, product development, or prototyping environment.
  • Hands-on experience with assembly, fabrication, instrumentation, test stands, fixtures, mechanical troubleshooting, or safe operation of laboratory equipment.
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to follow guidance, learn quickly, work safely, and participate creatively in collaborative technical teams across the laboratory.
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities across multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving program needs.

Special Requirements:
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
  • This is a temporary 24-month position. The appointment length will be up to 24 months with the potential for extension. Initial appointments and extensions are subject to performance, programmatic need, and availability of funding.
  • 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.

Please submit two letters of reference when applying to this position. You may upload these directly to your application or have them sent to ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov with the position title and number referenced in the subject line.
Instructions to upload documents to your candidate profile:
  • Login to your account via jobs.ornl.gov
  • View Profile
  • Under the My Documents section, select Add a Document

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.
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.

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