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Enrichment Systems Fabrication and Demonstration Section Head

Oak Ridge National Laboratory
life insurance, parental leave, 401(k), retirement plan, relocation assistance
United States, Tennessee, Oak Ridge
1 Bethel Valley Road (Show on map)
Feb 07, 2026

Requisition Id15889

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory. We conduct basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. We are seeking a Section Head to lead the Enrichment Systems Fabrication and Demonstration Section in the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED), Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate (ISED) at ORNL. ESED serves the nation in two critical areas: advancing enrichment technologies and exploring enriched stable isotope production and applications. The division leverages an elite staff of scientists and engineers with the world-leading capabilities of ORNL to deliver groundbreaking advancements with a variety of applications, from national security to life-saving medical treatments.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

The Section Head works closely with the Division Director, ESED leadership, and section Group Leaders to establish and implement the technology directions for the section; support the Group Leaders to ensure their success and the success of the section groups; ensure that staff members understand business opportunities; model proper Environment, Safety, Security, Health, and Quality practices; and ensure a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee feels safe, heard and appreciated-a workplace that sets an example for the broader community. The Section Head also ensures that the section meets its goals by developing and demonstrating manufacturing processes and operating procedures.

The Section Head collaborates with the Division Director and Group Leaders to develop a vision and implement a strategy to pursue science and technology directions for the Section. Key leadership activities include:

  • Supporting the Division Director in the operation of the Division and representing the Division Director when the Director as needed.
  • Working with the section Group Leaders to establish, communicate, and measure critical metrics for success and impact.
  • Actively contributing to shaping the Division's, Directorate's, and Laboratory's research plans and investments.
  • Building strong teams by collaborating across ORNL and securing external expertise when needed.
  • Working with the Group Leaders and the Division Director to assess individual staff performance across the section. Evaluating progress regularly, providing feedback, and addressing performance issues in a timely manner.
  • Developing and implementing succession planning with input from Group Leaders for all critical positions in the Section to ensure future success.
  • Ensuring groups recruit and hire from a diverse pool of top candidates and aspire to be the best in their field. Approving job offers.
  • Driving staff promotions and development.
  • Addressing all concerns expressed by staff and any disciplinary actions in a timely manner.
  • Leading by example, using the principles in ORNL's "Research Code of Conduct" as a guide for proposing, performing, and communicating, and in dealing with others.
  • Employing best practices, such as holding regular meetings, being visible in the workplace, monitoring budgets, acknowledging sponsors, and adhering to ORNL business systems requirements regarding staff requests for foreign travel and submission of quality proposals.
  • Coaching and mentoring staff regarding Battelle's "Safe Conduct of Research" principles and ensuring all work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with ORNL policies, standards, and procedures.
  • Exemplifying a commitment to "One ORNL" by modeling lab expectations for excellence in research, operations, and community engagement, and by working cooperatively to leverage capabilities across the lab.

The Enrichment Systems Fabrication and Demonstration Section Head service expectations include:

  • Serving as direct supervisor for section Group Leaders.
  • Counseling/consulting/mentoring staff and transferring knowledge of specialized field(s) to a variety of staff, including senior staff.
  • Assisting Group Leaders (and R&D staff when appropriate) in setting long-term career goals. Identifying additional mentors as appropriate and engaging senior staff to act in this capacity.
  • Being open and transparent in communicating information to your groups and communicating staff achievements and changes to stakeholders in a timely manner.
  • Working with Group Leaders to ensure staff actively participate in professional service (engagement in scientific societies, workshop and conference organization, peer review, advisory board membership, etc.).
  • Advocating for and supporting internal and external recognition of staff achievements. Ensuring the Section's external professional presence is strong.
  • Communicating funding/proposal opportunities to staff and supporting proposal development as appropriate (mentoring, proposal reviews, budget preparation, etc.).
  • Effectively communicating the importance of protecting proprietary or sensitive information and complying with ORNL cybersecurity policies and guidelines.
  • Recognizing and supporting the contributions and responsibilities of Group Leaders and Laboratory Space Managers to lab safety.

The Enrichment Systems Fabrication and Demonstration Section Head has the following accountabilities:

  • To section staff, for the quality and safety of their work environment and opportunity for professional growth.
  • To ESED section heads and leadership for on-time delivery of high-quality parts, systems, and testing results supporting multiple programs.
  • To organization managers, for world-leading science and technology directions, safe effective, and compliant operations, ownership of assigned staff, facilities, and equipment, and the quality of section products and services.
  • To customers, for the quality of products and services.

The Section Head has the following authorities:

  • Develop a vision and implement a strategy to pursue world-leading science and technology directions for the section.
  • Develop and deploy research manufacturing processes and improvements in efficiency to ensure on-time delivery of quality research hardware and testing results.
  • Hold Group Leaders accountable for performance.
  • Act to ensure safe and effective operations.
  • Hire group leaders.

Basic Qualifications:

  • MS in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with a minimum of 16 years of experience or a BS with 20 years of experience in research and/or production manufacturing development and deployment.
  • Demonstrated experience in leading R&D, operations, and/or manufacturing teams with a focus on lean principles and manufacturing excellence.
  • Experience maturing manufacturing processes required for integrating complex, high-speed rotating equipment.
  • Ability to build strong teams within an organization that work together to complete a task or mission.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to dynamic priorities.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Q clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active DOE Q security clearance.
  • Experience within the isotope enrichment industry.
  • Experience working in all phases of R&D, including preparation for routine operations/production; implementation of a graded approach to quality.
  • Knowledge of ASME NQA-1 and/or ISO 9001 quality standards.
  • Experience in utilizing and optimizing management systems required for mission delivery (enterprise resource planning, manufacturing management systems, quality systems).

Special Requirements:

  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.
  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program. In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing.

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.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. Many factors are taken into consideration when setting starting pay. Salary for this position will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualifications and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, certifications, plus also aligned with the internal peer group. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Link to benefits. https://jobs.ornl.gov/content/Benefits/?locale=en_US

Relocation: Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

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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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