Reactor Core Components & Fabrication Engineer

Company Overview

XCEL Engineering, Inc. is an award‑winning small business that provides trusted information technology, engineering, consulting and project management solutions and services to federal agencies and organizations. Originally founded in 1971 by professional engineers at the University of Tennessee, XCEL was acquired in 2003 by U.S. Army and Navy veterans and in 2023 became a Martin Fed company. Xcel Engineering is a part of IT Lab Partners (ITLP), created to support a leading research facility in the East Tennessee region in recruiting the best and brightest technical talent.

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XCEL Engineering is seeking a qualified applicant for a highly skilled Reactor Core Components & Fabrication Engineer.

ORNL is currently preparing for two major replacement projects — the reactor pressure vessel and the beryllium reflector — to sustain and enhance HFIR’s operational performance. Both projects require engineering, design, and analysis support to complement the integrated project team and deliver design milestones on schedule and within scope. This role will primarily focus on supporting the design and development of the reactor’s internal core components and the core alignment plan for the PVR Project.

Following this phase, the position will involve substantial responsibilities in planning, procurement, and fabrication of critical reactor core components. The project is in the early stages of Critical Decision‑1 (CD‑1), as defined by DOE Order 413.3B. The individual will collaborate closely with system engineers, designers, and multidisciplinary teams within RRD. This position will be assigned to the HFIR Upgrades Project Office and interact with personnel at all levels within HFIR.

• Conduct calculations and analyses to support design specifications and requirements.
• Ensure compliance with relevant codes and standards, including ASTM, ASME, AWS, GD&T, QS9000, and ISO
  14001.
• Assist in developing the reactor core component replacement and the core alignment plan.
• Prepare material specifications and provide technical support for material procurement.
• Oversee and manage the procurement and fabrication of critical reactor vessel components.
• Ensure that fabrication packages meet the requirements of the RRD Fabrication Control, SEP‑0240.
• Ensure documentation and engineering drawings of fabrication components are completed and placed under RRD Configuration Management, SEP‑0100.
• Provide design support and drawing review to enhance component manufacturability.
• Prepare and review design specifications to define and determine acceptance criteria for component fabrications.
• Work with vendors and appropriate personnel to develop testing and inspection plans.
• In conjunction with QA personnel, visit vendors to witness testing and perform in‑process inspections.
• In conjunction with QA and system engineers, ensure that nonconformance and deviations are documented and resolved.

• US Citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, with at least 10 years’ experience focused on manufacturing, materials science, or a related field.
• Excellent understanding of machining and fabrication practices, including welding, inspection techniques, and 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, ISO
  14001, and others.
• 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., Solid Works or similar tools) and familiarity with creating or reviewing fabrication drawings.
• Strong understanding of Configuration Management and Fabrication Control processes.
• Strong oral and written…