Nuclear Fabrication Engineer

Strategic Management Solutions, LLC
United States, Tennessee, Oak Ridge
Mar 12, 2025
*SMSI* provides expert management consulting, program and project management, and technical consulting services to government and private sector clients. SMSI has grown and evolved by building an outstanding reputation for client-focused performance and for delivering results that enable clients to meet commitments and milestones. . SMSI is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Job Summary SMSI LLC is seeking a Nuclear Fabrication Engineer to work onsite in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The Fabrication Engineer will oversee reactor vessel component fabrication, ensuring compliance with engineering requirements, ASME codes, quality assurance (QA) standards, and procurement processes. Responsibilities Operating at 85 MW, the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) is the most intense steady-state neutron source in the United States and one of the most powerful research reactors in the world. Its exceptionally high neutron flux enables groundbreaking research across physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, and biology. HFIR plays a critical role in advancing scientific discovery, supporting national security, and producing essential medical and industrial isotopes, including those vital for cancer treatment and space exploration applications. HFIR's unique combination of thermal and cold neutron scattering capabilities allows researchers to probe materials at the atomic level with unmatched precision, making it a premier facility for neutron science. The reactor's specialized infrastructure supports fundamental and applied research that drives technological advancements in energy, defense, and healthcare. The Research Reactors Division (RRD) is responsible for operating and maintaining HFIR, ensuring its continued contribution to the U.S. scientific and industrial communities. As HFIR approaches key life-extension milestones, there are major upgrade projects to sustain and enhance its capabilities for decades to come. Two major replacement projects are being prepared. The projects are the reactor pressure vessel replacement and the beryllium reflector replacement sustaining HFIR's operational performance. These projects are critical to ensuring HFIR continues to support the Office of Science's mission, providing essential isotope production and research capabilities to meet the expanding needs of the United States in scientific research, medicine, and national defense. Maintaining long-term operations of this unique reactor is essential to U.S. technological leadership and competitiveness. As part of these upgrade efforts, involves modernizing HFIR's engineering design documentation by generating modern 3D CAD models and detailed fabrication drawings. This work is essential for supporting future design modifications, specifications, engineering analyses, and the successful implementation of the upcoming replacement projects. The selected individual will play a pivotal role in this process, collaborating with system engineers, designers, and other technical disciplines within the Research Reactors Division (RRD) to develop accurate digital representations of HFIR's critical systems, structures, and components. The Fabrication Engineer will oversee reactor vessel component fabrication, ensuring compliance with engineering requirements, ASME codes, quality assurance (QA) standards, and procurement processes. They will work closely with: RRD system engineers to translate design requirements into manufacturable components and resolve technical fabrication challenges. QA personnel to verify adherence to welding, materials, and inspection standards. Procurement staff to manage vendor selection, fabrication milestones, and material certification processes. Manufacturers and vendors to oversee fabrication activities, ensuring delivery schedules align with project timelines. Responsibilities include fabrication planning, supplier coordination, resolving manufacturing issues, and ensuring all reactor vessel components meet stringent safety and performance standards. The selected candidate will play a critical role in ensuring all fabricated components are delivered on time and ready for installation, supporting the successful execution of these once-in-a-generation HFIR upgrades. 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. This position may require a Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) testing, which requires passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program in which employees are subject to being randomly selected for testing and undergoing testing without advance notification. Required Skills Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, with at least 10 years' experience in the manufacture and testing of complex equipment or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Excellent understanding of machining and fabrication practices, including welding, inspection techniques, and a strong understanding of the design engineering of complex components. Hands-on experience with CNC lathes, precision OD grinding, forging presses, heat treatment furnaces, automated arc welding machines, and calibrated key heat treatment equipment Experience with relevant codes and standards, such as ASTM, ASME, GD&T tolerance (ASME Y14.5), QS9000, ISO14001, and others. Strong understanding of Configuration Management and Fabrication Control processes. Must be eligible for access to export-controlled technology. Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate technical requirements, issues, and progress with both internal and external stakeholders. Ability to work well as a team member, with excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams including engineers, procurement, QA, and manufacturing teams. Must be able to pass pre-placement and random drug testing per the Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP). Candidate must be a US citizen. Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in an engineering discipline with a focus on manufacturing, materials science, or a related field. Experience with advanced welding techniques, including nuclear-grade welding practices and specialized welding codes. Experience in the nuclear industry, particularly in the fabrication of reactor components or high-performance equipment for nuclear reactors. Certification in Quality Assurance or welding inspection (e.g., CWI - Certified Welding Inspector, or similar credentials). Experience working with QC Inspection Labs and a fundamental understanding of basic measurement techniques. Experience with supplier management, including the selection and oversight of fabrication and manufacturing vendors for large-scale, high-complexity components. Knowledge of 3D modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks or similar tools) and familiarity with creating or reviewing fabrication drawings. Leadership experience in a fabrication or manufacturing environment, including team coordination and supervision of shop activities. Educational Requirements Bachelor's degree in an engineering related discipline required.