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Group Leader, REDC Material Operations

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)
Jun 05, 2026

Requisition Id16552

Overview:

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a leader within our world class radioisotope production program. Supporting the largest radioisotope production and research portfolio within the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science for Isotope R&D and Production, this position will grant you the opportunity to work with rare nuclear materials and ensure the safe and effective execution of nuclear materials processing within nuclear facilities in the Melton Valley area of the ORNL campus.

This position resides within the Isotope Processing and Manufacturing Division (IPMD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). IPMD is focused on the reliable delivery of radioisotope products to exacting quality standards. This work is performed within the unique facilities at ORNL, including the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), the Radiochemical Engineering and Development Center (REDC), and additional radiological and nuclear facilities throughout the ORNL campus containing shielded hot cells and gloveboxes.

We are seeking a group leader to lead a high-performing production group to ensure ORNL can successfully meet our mission to supply critical isotopes for science, medicine, and industry. This position resides in the REDC Material Operations Group in the REDC Isotope Processing Section, Isotope Processing and Manufacturing Division, Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

  • The REDC Material Operations group leader is responsible for Plutonium-238 and Californium-252 pellet and target production goals.
  • Safe operation within HC-2 hot cell facilities to ensure safe and compliant execution of the mission.
  • Lead and develop a team of 10+ technicians, technical staff, and engineers
  • Provide mentoring and career guidance to early career staff.
  • Lead the manufacturing of Pu-238 and Cf-252 targets and pellets with unique processing flowsheet, frequency, and throughput.
  • Maintain up-to-date procedures for routine processing.
  • Support research and development groups in translating developmental work into robust processes.
  • Ensure all work is completed while maintaining cost, schedule, and quality standards
  • Work with project management and controls to maintain the resource-loaded schedule for facility operations.
  • Work with the quality assurance team to ensure compliance with all quality standards.
  • Respond to requests from program management for processing scheduling changes.
  • Schedule work activities and coordinate work authorization.
  • Maintain detailed records relating to nuclear materials processing.
  • Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and optimization.
  • Develop and execute on-the-job training programs to grow the strength of our processing teams.
  • 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 BS degree in a technical field and 8+ years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education and applicable experience may be considered.
  • Experience working in HC-2 nuclear facilities.
  • Experience developing detailed schedules and work control for projects.
  • Strong leadership and communication skills.
  • Ability to hold and maintain a DOE Q security clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • BS in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or similar field is preferred.
  • Experience in a radiochemical operations environment.
  • Experience executing or supervising work in remote hot cell and glovebox environments.
  • Experience reading radioanalytical data such as gamma, alpha, and mass spectroscopy.
  • Experience translating research and development processes into reliable operations.
  • Experience in maintaining high levels of process documentation and quality control.
  • Line management experience with direct supervisory responsibility for a team.
  • Active DOE clearance.
  • 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 production environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

  • Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer. FOR INTERNAL, NO PHYSICAL. FOR EXTERNAL, NEED PHYSICAL.
  • Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.
  • 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.
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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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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