Fusion Engineering and Applied Materials Division Director

Requisition Id16609

Overview:

We are seeking an accomplished scientific and technical leader to serve as Division Director of the Fusion Engineering and Applied Materials Division (FEAMD) within the Fusion and Fission Energy Sciences Directorate (FFESD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Reporting to and working closely with the Associate Laboratory Director for FFESD, the Division Director will provide strategic leadership for ORNL's fusion engineering, plasma-material interaction, plasma-facing component and fusion-enabling technology programs.

The Fusion Engineering and Applied Materials Division serves a critical role in advancing the science and technology required for practical fusion energy systems. The division includes leadership and operation of the Materials Plasma Exposure eXperiment (MPEX), world-leading capabilities in plasma-material interaction science, plasma-facing component technologies, fusion engineering, diagnostics and control systems, heating and current drive technologies, superconducting magnet technologies, and other enabling technologies essential to future fusion energy systems.

Building on ORNL's long history of leadership in fusion energy research and technology development the Division Director will help develop and execute a vision and strategy that integrates capabilities from across ORNL to address key challenges facing fusion energy development. The successful candidate will lead programs that span foundational scientific research, applied technology development, facility operations, and strategic partnerships that support the realization of commercially relevant fusion energy systems.

The Division Director will be responsible for developing and executing a multidimensional R&D portfolio that advances the DOE Office of Science Fusion Energy Sciences mission while supporting emerging opportunities with industry, other federal agencies, universities, and international partners. This includes stewardship of major facilities and programs, development of future capabilities, and cultivation of a highly talented workforce capable of addressing the nation's most pressing fusion energy challenges.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop, communicate, and execute a strategic vision for the Fusion Engineering and Applied Materials Division, working closely with the FFESD ALD, peer FFESD division directors, and leaders in other ORNL organizations.
• Provide leadership and stewardship for the MPEX facility, ensuring successful execution of scientific, technical, operational, safety, and project objectives.
• Serve as a programmatic interface with DOE Fusion Energy Sciences and other sponsoring organizations, working closely with FFESD ALD, FFESD Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Director, and peer FFESD division directors to ensure consistent, effective communication on key matters.
• Advance ORNL leadership in plasma-material interaction science, plasma-facing component technologies, fusion engineering, and fusion-enabling technologies.
• Foster the development of innovative research programs that address critical challenges associated with fusion pilot plants and future commercial fusion energy systems.
• Working with the FFESD Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Director, strengthen and expand strategic partnerships with private fusion companies, universities, national laboratories, and international organizations to accelerate fusion energy development.
• Advance the scientific excellence and impact of the division through publications, intellectual property development, technology transfer, invited presentations, and leadership in the broader fusion community.
• Grow and sustain technical capabilities and workforce expertise needed to address current and future fusion science and technology challenges.
• Review and approve proposals, strategic initiatives, and program investments to ensure alignment with ORNL, FFESD, and sponsor priorities.
• Oversee effective workforce development program that attracts and retains diverse, high-quality staff.
• Ensure a vibrant, inclusive workplace environment in which all staff can contribute and succeed
• Collaborate with management peers to assist the FFESD ALD in defining and implementing strategic programmatic R&D missions for FFESD and the Laboratory.
• Complete line management responsibilities including supervision of group leaders, budget and business planning, salary planning, staff recruitment and development, employee relations, and performance management.
• Serve as the division work authority, striving to implement a culture within the workplace that is attentive to the identification of hazards and adaptable to providing controls and processes to address the hazards.
• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Basic Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Plasma Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in fusion energy, plasma science, engineering, materials research, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success leading complex scientific, engineering, or technology development organizations.
• Record of technical accomplishment demonstrated through publications, patents, major technical contributions, or equivalent professional achievements.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing large research programs involving multiple stakeholders and funding sponsors.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhDin Physics, Nuclear Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience leading large multidisciplinary research organizations, facilities, or major technical programs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of fusion energy science and technology, including one or more of the following areas: plasma-material interactions, plasma-facing components, fusion engineering, superconducting magnets, heating and current drive systems, diagnostics and controls, or fusion facility operations.
• Experience developing and managing DOE-funded research programs.
• Experience leading major research facilities or experimental programs.
• Demonstrated success in establishing and executing partnerships with industry, universities, national laboratories, and international collaborators.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to engage effectively with diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, develop, mentor, and retain outstanding scientific, engineering, and operations staff.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience working with the DOE Office of Science Fusion Energy Sciences program.
• Experience supporting public-private partnerships and technology transition activities relevant to fusion energy.
• Experience developing strategic initiatives that integrate scientific discovery, engineering development, and technology deployment.
• Recognition as a leader within the national or international fusion energy community.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

• 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.

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.

Join Oak Ridge National Laboratory and become part of a community of innovators dedicated to advancing discovery and driving solutions to some of the world's greatest challenges. ORNL offers an inclusive environment where your expertise and creativity are valued, and where your work contributes directly to scientific breakthroughs and national impact. If you are seeking a career that combines purpose, collaboration, and professional growth, we invite you to apply and help shape the future through science and innovation.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
UT-Battelle is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status.

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.

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.