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Oak Ridge National Laboratory

60 Oak Ridge National Laboratory Chemical Engineer Jobs Hiring Near You

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What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chemical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chemical Engineer, you need a solid background in chemistry, mathematics, and process engineering, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS), safety regulations, and laboratory analysis tools is commonly required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and teamwork skills help Chemical Engineers excel in collaborative and dynamic environments. These competencies are vital for designing efficient processes, ensuring safety, and driving innovation in chemical manufacturing and related industries.

What are some common challenges chemical engineers face when working on process optimization projects?

Chemical engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing safety requirements with production efficiency, troubleshooting complex process issues, and adapting to new technologies or regulations. These projects typically require close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including operators, quality control, and maintenance staff, to implement changes without disrupting ongoing operations. Staying up-to-date with industry best practices and maintaining strong problem-solving skills are essential to successfully navigate these challenges and drive continuous improvement.

What are chemical engineers?

Chemical engineers are professionals who apply principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, and engineering to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods, and oversee facility operations. Chemical engineers work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, energy, food processing, and environmental health and safety. Their work helps turn raw materials into useful products safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Senior chemical engineers with extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and leadership roles in the chemical or process industries can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. High-level positions such as engineering managers or directors in large corporations may also reach this compensation level, often requiring advanced degrees and specialized expertise.

What is the difference between Chemical Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectChemical EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemical engineering; often licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE)Bachelor's degree in chemical, process, or industrial engineering; may also pursue PE licensure
Work EnvironmentFactories, laboratories, research facilities, and industrial plantsManufacturing plants, process design, and optimization settings
Industry UsageChemical, pharmaceuticals, energy, and materials industriesManufacturing, refining, and process industries

Both Chemical Engineers and Process Engineers work in industrial environments and often require similar educational backgrounds. Chemical Engineers typically focus on designing and developing chemical processes, while Process Engineers optimize and improve existing manufacturing processes. Their roles often overlap, but their primary responsibilities differ slightly based on project scope and focus.

What is it like to work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory?

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a research-intensive organization that values collaboration, innovation, and scientific excellence, fostering a culture of teamwork and open communication among its staff.

As a national laboratory, ORNL is structured into various research divisions and departments, with a diverse range of projects and initiatives focused on advancing science, technology, and engineering, including energy, climate change, and national security. The laboratory's work environment is highly collaborative, with opportunities for interdisciplinary research and knowledge sharing among scientists, engineers, and technicians.

Working at ORNL may appeal to individuals who are passionate about advancing scientific knowledge and addressing complex global challenges, as the laboratory offers a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and development projects, collaborate with leading experts in their fields, and make a meaningful impact on society.

Do workers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory get paid breaks?

Yes. Most people get paid breaks.
69% of people say they get paid breaks.
Based on data from 13 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

Does Oak Ridge National Laboratory pay people when they’re sick?

Yes. Most people get paid when they’re sick.
93% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

Do workers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory worry about hours?

Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
93% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

How easy is it to get time off at Oak Ridge National Laboratory?

Most people find it easy to get time off.
93% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

Do Oak Ridge National Laboratory managers change schedules at the last minute?

Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
100% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

Do workers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory do extra work that they don't get paid for?

Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.
93% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.
Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

How easy is it to take sick days at Oak Ridge National Laboratory?

Most people find it easy to take sick days.
87% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

Do people at Oak Ridge National Laboratory feel treated with respect by their managers?

Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
85% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 13 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

Do people at Oak Ridge National Laboratory get to take their breaks without interruption?

Most people get breaks without interruption.
73% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

Is it stressful to work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory?

Some people feel stressed out here.
67% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

Do people at Oak Ridge National Laboratory enjoy their jobs?

Most people enjoy their job.
87% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

Do people at Oak Ridge National Laboratory recommend working with their team?

Most people recommend working with their team.
80% of people report that they would recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 15 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

Do people get enough training when they start at Oak Ridge National Laboratory?

Most people got enough training when they started.
79% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

Do people get support to advance at Oak Ridge National Laboratory?

Most people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 77% of people report being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 13 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

Do people think Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?

Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
77% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 13 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.

Do workers feel well informed about how Oak Ridge National Laboratory is doing?

Most people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
85% of people feel that they are kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 13 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and May 2026.
What other companies are hiring for Chemical Engineer jobs?
What are the most popular jobs at Oak Ridge National Laboratory?
What are the most popular categories at Oak Ridge National Laboratory?
Infographic showing various Chemical Engineer job openings at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 93% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Senior Mechanical Designer

Senior Mechanical Designer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 103 rated laboratories

Job description

Requisition Id 16473
Overview:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a skilled and innovative Senior Mechanical Designer to join our dynamic team. As a Mechanical Designer at ORNL, you will have the opportunity to work on groundbreaking research and development projects, collaborating with world-class scientists and engineers to advance scientific discoveries and technological advancements.
This position resides in the Design Services Group in the Neutron Technologies Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Collaborates with researchers, engineers, and fellow designers to develop mechanical designs and solutions for one-of a kind scientific instruments, prototypes, and experimental setups.
  • As an expert user of Creo Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, creates robust, detailed 3D models and drawings that represent solutions to complicated manufacturing, assembly, and customer requirement driven equipment functionalities.
  • Applies advanced knowledge of ASME Y14.5-2018 standards in performing tolerance stacks to assure fit and functionality of proposed designs.
  • Performs design analysis and optimization to ensure functionality, safety, and mechanical systems efficiency.
  • Prepares clear, complete, and accurate working plans and detail drawings from layouts, rough or detailed sketches, electronic databases, and written or verbal instructions.
  • Applies advanced knowledge of engineering codes and drafting standards against detailed drawings to ensure compliance.
  • Participate in design reviews and interdisciplinary team meetings ensuring project goals are met.
  • Pursue personal development to continually build/refine your skillset.
  • As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct, and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity
  • 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:
  • An AS degree in an engineering related field with a minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical design and engineering.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered (a high school diploma with a minimum of 9 years of relevant experience or a BS degree in an engineering related field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience).
  • Expert in Creo CAD software (mastery in other 3D programs such as SolidWorks considered) with experience creating 3D models and technical drawings.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Familiar with top-down modeling techniques, and how to efficiently work with large assembly models.
  • Utilizes best practices to incorporate MBD principles into the CAD models, and incorporates showing these annotations/dimensions in the 2D drawings.
  • Proficiency in working with ASME Y-14.5 Dimensioning & Tolerancing standards to perform tolerance stack ups.
  • Working knowledge of various manufacturing techniques and their associated tolerance capabilities/limitations.
  • Demonstrated proficiency at creating and completing multiple design packages which have resulted in successful product launches and service.
  • Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams.
  • Experience in the research or scientific community.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Working at ORNL:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the largest U.S. Department of Energy science and energy national laboratory, conducting groundbreaking research in various fields, including materials science, nuclear energy, and biological systems. As an employee at ORNL, you will have access to pioneering facilities, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
Join our versatile team of scientists and engineers and contribute to groundbreaking research and innovation at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Apply today!
Benefits at ORNL:
We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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, and Employee Discounts.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov
#LI-DC1
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.
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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