ClearanceJobs, on behalf of our client, is seeking a Vacuum Systems Engineer for a full-time position onsite in Oak Ridge, TN.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and optimize vacuum systems including chambers, piping, and gas handling subsystems for UF₆ service.
- Select and specify vacuum pumps (dry pumps, Roots blowers, turbomolecular, hybrid trains) based on performance and chemical compatibility.
- Develop and maintain P&IDs and system specifications.
- Model gas flow, conductance, and pressure profiles using ChemCad, Aspen Plus, or similar tools.
- Design and integrate cold traps and cryogenic traps for UF₆ capture and recovery.
- Define materials of construction (metals, seals, coatings) to mitigate corrosion and HF formation.
- Specify and integrate instrumentation (pressure gauges, temperature sensors) for vacuum and cryogenic systems.
- Establish pump-down, purge, and passivation procedures to prevent contamination and moisture ingress.
- Partner with vendors; maintain strong knowledge of UF₆-compatible vacuum equipment suppliers. Lead vacuum component procurement, supplier qualification, and vendor management for critical systems.
- Support installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and performance validation
- Ensure compliance with nuclear and safety requirements, including coordination with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission as well as ISO vacuum standards.
Education, Qualifications & Required Skills
Required
- M.S. or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
- 7+ years of experience with vacuum pumps/systems in corrosive or high-purity environments.
- Expertise in vacuum pump technologies and system design.
- Proficiency with ChemCad, Aspen Plus, or equivalent simulation tools.
- Strong understanding of vacuum conductance, gas dynamics, and transient behavior.
- Experience with P&IDs, vacuum hardware, and trapping systems.
- Demonstrated vendor knowledge and equipment selection experience.
- Ability to translate simulation into real-world system performance.
- Strong judgment in vacuum pump selection in either corrosive or non-corrosive environments.
- Detail-oriented approach to safety-critical design.
- Effective collaboration with vendors, regulators, and cross-functional teams.
Preferred
- Experience with UF₆, fluorinated gases, or nuclear fuel cycle systems.
- Familiarity with laser isotope separation technologies.
- Knowledge of fluorine/HF materials compatibility and corrosion control.
- Experience with HAZOP, FMEA, or similar safety methodologies.
- Background in UHV or semiconductor-grade vacuum systems.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
