Mechanical Operator

Responsibilities

Equipment Operation

• Operate mechanical processing systems including high-temperature units, gas-controlled reactors, compaction equipment, and mechanical handling systems.
• Adjust equipment parameters such as temperature, pressure, gas flow, timing, and mechanical settings according to defined procedures.
• Load, inspect, and maintain mechanical fixtures, tooling, and material batches.
• Monitor equipment performance and respond to alarms, process deviations, or abnormal conditions.

Mechanical Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, and basic repairs on mechanical equipment and fixtures.
• Replace wear components, adjust mechanical assemblies, and assist with equipment setup and changeovers.
• Identify operational issues and coordinate with maintenance and engineering teams for resolution.

Process Execution & Documentation

• Follow detailed work instructions for operating, adjusting, and monitoring mechanical systems.
• Record process data, measurements, and equipment readings accurately in production logs.
• Support process optimization by providing feedback on equipment behavior and workflow improvements.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Follow all Standard Nuclear environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) requirements, including use of PPE and safe handling of high-temperature and mechanical equipment.
• Adhere to quality assurance procedures and report nonconformances or equipment concerns promptly.
• Support audits, inspections, and operational readiness activities.

Cross-Training & Production Support

• Train across multiple mechanical systems to provide operational flexibility across manufacturing areas.
• Work across Standard Nuclear’s Oak Ridge production locations as needed to support manufacturing demands.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and quality teams to meet production schedules and resolve mechanical or process challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• 3+ years of experience as a mechanical technician, industrial operator, manufacturing technician, or similar hands-on role.
• Ability to operate, adjust, and troubleshoot mechanical equipment, tools, and fixtures.
• Comfort working with high-temperature systems, gas-flow equipment, and mechanical assemblies.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and record accurate data.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs., work at heights, and work in environments involving heat, noise, or odors.
• Ability to work in controlled or restricted-access areas with required PPE.

Preferred Experience (Not Required)

• Experience with high-temperature furnaces, heat-treatment systems, compaction tools, or pneumatic/mechanical equipment.
• Exposure to industrial processing, maintenance, or materials-handling environments.
• Experience with equipment start-up, commissioning, or process scale-up.
• Familiarity with regulated or quality-controlled environments (NQA-1, ISO, etc.).
• Strong mechanical troubleshooting skills or hands-on mechanical background.

Benefits

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Disability and Life Insurance
• 401K Plan
• Paid Time Off, Holidays