The Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD) within the Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a Metallurgical Engineer to join the Materials Processing Group. This position will focus on the development, optimization, and application of metallurgical processing methods for a range of alloy systems, with particular emphasis on wire fabrication and wire drawing. The successful candidate will help establish and advance ORNL’s capabilities for producing small- and intermediate-scale wire products from materials such as aluminum, copper, steels, nickel-based alloys, and refractory metals. Responsibilities include process development, microstructural characterization, mechanical property evaluation, and correlation of processing conditions with material structure and performance.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

Develop and establish state-of-the-art capabilities to fabricate small- and intermediate-scale wire from a variety of metallic systems, including steels as well as aluminum, copper, nickel, and refractory based alloys

Design, optimize, and document wire processing routes, including feedstock preparation, deformation processing, wire drawing, swaging, and heat treatment

Correlate processing parameters with microstructural evolution and resulting material properties using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical testing

Support development of scalable manufacturing pathways for wire products across multiple alloy systems

Prepare technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications to communicate research results and program outcomes.

Work effectively in a fast-paced, team-based environment to deliver high-quality results for sponsors and stakeholders

Ensure all work is performed in accordance with ORNL safety, quality, and conduct-of-research expectations

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:

A bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering, materials science, or a closely related field

A minimum of 8 years of relevant industrial or applied R&D experience in metallurgical processing

Demonstrated experience in wire fabrication and/or wire drawing of metallic materials

Experience with thermomechanical processing of metals, such as drawing, swaging, rolling, extrusion, and heat treatment

Experience with metallographic preparation and microstructural characterization using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy

Experience interpreting processing-microstructure-property relationships in metallic materials

Experience with casting of alloys

Preferred Qualifications:

A minimum of 8 years of industrial experience with processes required for fabricating wire, including extrusion, swaging, wire drawing, heat treating, pickling, etc.

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 research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs

Demonstrated ability to independently perform hands-on laboratory work and effectively direct technicians in the execution of experimental and materials processing tasks

Special Requirements:

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.

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.