Nuclear Materials Specialist

We are seeking an early career Nuclear Materials Specialist who will focus on materials management and procurement of materials and services for the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). HFIR is a category 1 nuclear facility and requires that a high degree of rigor be applied to HFIR nuclear procurement and storage processes. This position resides in the Nuclear Materials & Procurement Group in the Business Management Services Section, Research Reactors Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 

As part of our team, the Nuclear Materials Specialist will play a vital part in the supply chain process for the HFIR, including but not limited to reactor materials procurement, sourcing, material take-offs, expediting, receiving/handling, receiving inspection, counterfeit parts identification, non-conformance generation and resolution, and return shipments. Materials management duties include identification of items, stocking/issuance, shelf life, preventive maintenance, segregation, obsolescence, and disposal. 
  

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

• Responsible for managing the inventory and storage of equipment and materials. 

• Support the creation of new inventory item records, updates to existing records, and deactivation of records. 

• Process incoming material and complete receipt inspections for materials received. 

• Enter and label all items being stocked in the warehouses. 

• Monitor inventory levels and support replenishment activities using established procurement processes. 

• Assist in evaluating inventory to help coordinate reorder points and quantities based on demand and lead time. 

• Arrange for proper disposal of surplus and expired materials and equipment. 

• Manage issue/return tickets for inventory accuracy. 

• Support management of gas inventories (hydrogen, helium, and liquid nitrogen) to meet facility operational needs. 

• Follow established procurement classifications to ensure consistency and standardization.  

• Develop a basic understanding of engineering specifications, governing codes and standards, inspection/testing requirements, QA, vendor documentation, transportation, and ESH&Q considerations for materials procurement. 

• Assist in monitoring supplier performance and support resolution of routine issues such as substitutions, partial shipments, and requisition updates.  

• Support resolution of non-conforming, overage/shortage/damaged items, and suspect/counterfeit parts in coordination with suppliers. 
   

 Basic Qualifications: 

• An associate’s degree with 2 years related experience in procurement, warehousing, manufacturing, quality assurance, or materials management (a high school diploma will be considered with at least 5 years of relevant experience). 

• Working knowledge of materials management principles. 
   

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Associate’s degree with 5 or more years of experience in DOE or NRC design, procurement, or engineering. 

• Familiarity with the techniques used to successfully procure high-quality spare and replacement items. 

• Knowledge and understanding of nuclear regulations, standards, and procurement guidance documents related to safety classification, procurement and receipt of items, and commercial grade dedication (including but not limited to: ASME NQA-1, 10CFR50 Appendix B, 10CFR Part 21, EPRI NP-5652 including supplemental revisions)  

Visa sponsorship is not available.  

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:
For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.  Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation.  This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year.  This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.  Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.   

Benefits at ORNL:   

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for 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, 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