Enrichment Manufacturing Group Leader

Requisition Id 14771 

­­Overview:  

The Enrichment Systems Fabrication and Demonstration section within the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED) is seeking a Group Leader for the Enrichment Manufacturing Group. This group is focused on manufacturing of fabricated and assembled components to support the research, development, demonstration, and production of new gas centrifuge technology. This position is a full-time staff position.

The Enrichment Science and Engineering Division 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, engineers, technical professionals, and technicians with the world-leading capabilities of Oak Ridge National Laboratory to deliver groundbreaking advancements with a variety of applications, from national security to life-saving medical treatments. This position reports to the Enrichment Systems Fabrication and Demonstration Section Head.

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

DUTIES:

The Research Manufacturing Group Leader will be responsible for supervising the manufacturing of components in a safe, high quality, consistent, and efficient manner as required to support research, development, demonstration and production activities of the gas centrifuge technology projects as well as maintaining the manufacturing lab spaces. The group leader will lead a team of lab coordinators and supervisors of technicians and machinists to fabricate and assemble components in multiple lab spaces. The group leader will drive operational excellence of their activities including development of operational controls and continuous improvement of the manufacturing processes.

The Research Manufacturing Group Leader works closely with the Manufacturing Process Engineering Group and Supply Chain Management Group, WBS Managers and Control Account Managers (CAMs), Section Heads and other Group Leaders to implement the scope of work defined in the project management plans (PMP). Additional interfaces will be with principal investigators, management, engineers, technicians, and other individual stakeholder personnel.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Capability Development: Provide input to future capability development.

• Identify strategic staffing needs within the group.
• Provide leadership and implementation strategy for group programs and projects.
• Assist with acquisition of needed resources and capabilities.

Staff Development: Attract, develop, empower, and retain staff.

• Work with Talent Acquisition to recruit, select, and retain highly qualified staff for specific group needs and using established systems.
• Establish and ensure an open and supportive working environment where staff report issues and concerns without fear of retribution, so trust permeates the organization.
• Establish an environment where learning never stops, honest mistakes are treated as opportunities to learn, and challenges are welcomed to improve performance.
• Encourage open and ongoing dialogue about safety to promote a questioning demeanor, a healthy respect for what can go wrong, and continuous learning from operational experiences.
• Advise management on human resources (performance, salary, development, discipline, onboarding, offboarding).
• Ensure individual performance goals are set, progress evaluated, feedback provided, and performance issues addressed professionally and in a timely manner.
• Ensure qualification requirements are current and staff are properly trained to meet present and future needs by building new competencies.
• Lead long-term staff development; using incentive, recognition, and talent development programs; for group members.
• Support leadership to develop and implement succession planning for all critical positions in the section to ensure future success
• Promote networking and interactions with other laboratory managers and staff.
• Model professional service and volunteerism and encourage staff to do the same. This includes internal and external community involvement, engagement in professional societies, workshop and conference organization and participation, peer review, advisory board membership, and internal and external recognition of staff achievements.

Program Development: Provide input to develop, communicate capabilities, and support research and development (R&D) programs.

• Collaborate with other line and program managers to assemble the best available project teams and technical resources for each project.
• Collaborate with other line and program managers in proposal development as necessary.

Program Execution: Lead group/program performance in the completion of assigned tasks consistent with expectations and in support of the Lab Agenda.

• Establish and maintain a culture consistent with the ORNL principles for a strong safety culture.
• Supervise manufacturing to resolve issues promptly and escalate unresolved issues to appropriate channels.
• Ensure manufacturing requirements are communicated to all group members.
• Ensure approved work activities are performed in compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality (ESH&Q) requirements and that hazards are identified and evaluated for every task, every time.
• Lead staff to work safely by spending time in manufacturing lab spaces coaching, mentoring, and reinforcing expectations.
• Communicate and reinforce the expectation that everyone is personally responsible for ensuring safe operations.
• Lead by ensuring documentation, prioritization, and correction of facility and equipment problems in assigned spaces including preventative maintenance. Report deficiencies that are beyond existing resources to division management.
• Lead the development and tracking of manufacturing performance metrics.
• Lead group execution by ensuring group projects are managed within scope, schedule, and budget and ensuring that scientific, technical, and business expectations are met.
• Ensure the quality of products and services meet customer requirements.

Compliance:

• Ensure work is completed compliantly in accordance with the in accordance with the division’s Gas Centrifuge Quality Assurance Program Plan, Standards-Based Management System (SBMS), and applicable internal operating procedures (IOPs).
• Ensure work is carried out safely, securely, and in compliance with laboratory policies, standards, and procedures.
• Ensure all assigned spaces are safe, compliant, and orderly.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS in a technical field with a minimum of 8 years relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and applicable experience.
• Demonstrated experience in a manufacturing environment including supervisory experience.
• A thorough understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain management and quality assurance protocols.
• Manufacturing experience with single piece "first of its kind" R&D Manufacturing as well as multi-part production, meeting the timeliness and quality expectations of both at the same time.
• Demonstrated ability to lead the transition from single piece R&D Manufacturing to multi-part production for a given product and a strong understanding of the steps and processes require to accomplish the transition.
• Experience working under a Quality Assurance Program (NQA-1, ISO9001, AS9100, or similar).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with proven ability to successfully interact with internal and external project stakeholders and customers.
• Proven ability to function well in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to constantly evolving needs.
• The ability to work flexible hours and travel when required.
• Ability to hold and maintain a DOE Q security clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active DOE Q clearance.
• Experience related to programs or research involving isotope enrichment technologies.
• More than 5 years of experience in a supervisory role in a manufacturing environment such as  machining and/or assembly operations.
• Manufacturing experience with U.S. Government or Defense related customers.
• Hands on centrifuge fabrication experience including but not limited to: machining, precision assembly, inspection, composites, and vacuum technology.

Special Requirements:

• Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• 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.

About the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED):

Established in 2020, the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate is strengthening Oak Ridge National Laboratory's leadership in isotope production and enrichment technology innovation. ISED is guiding the Lab's pursuit of the fundamental science and technology that broadens the application of isotopes for energy, environmental, medical, and national security purposes. These efforts are made possible through the High Flux Isotope Reactor, the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center, ORNL's other nuclear facilities, and an assemblage of world-leading scientists and engineers. Please visit https://www.ornl.gov/directorate/isotopes for more information about ISED.

Benefits at ORNL:

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.

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.

For more information about our benefits, working here, and living here, visit the “About” tab at https://jobs.ornl.gov.

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.