Senior Commissioning Engineer

Build and prove the systems that bring America's first advanced nuclear fuel fabrication facility to life. As a Commissioning Test Engineer at TRISO-X in Oak Ridge, TN, you'll lead the complex, high-stakes testing that demonstrates our facility systems perform exactly as designed and are ready for safe operation. Working with considerable independence under the general direction of the Commissioning Manager, you'll own the toughest elements of the systematic testing program — developing test procedures, directing and performing component and system testing, and rigorously verifying that mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and control (I&C), and process systems meet every design specification. You'll also lead the critical system turnover activities that move facilities from construction to commissioning and from commissioning to operations.

You'll thrive here if you've led testing and commissioning across multi-disciplinary systems in nuclear, industrial, or other highly regulated environments, can operate autonomously while directing the work of others, and take genuine ownership of proving that systems are safe and ready before they go live.

Job Profile Tasks/Responsibilities:

• Test Planning and Execution
• (We are considering candidates at different levels. A level IV candidate will develop tasks in this list and a level V candidate will lead tasks in this list).
• Lead development of detailed test procedures from system test plans, including step-by-step instructions, acceptance criteria, data collection requirements, and safety controls for complex or multi-system test activities.
• Lead execution of systematic testing of facility systems in accordance with approved procedures and disciplined Conduct of Operations practices, including verbatim compliance, peer checking, and three-way communication.
• Model and reinforce questioning attitude throughout testing by stopping work when conditions are not as expected, challenging assumptions, and resolving concerns when acceptance criteria are unclear or results appear inconsistent.
• Direct the collection and analysis of test data, evaluate results against acceptance criteria, review detailed test reports for technical adequacy, and maintain configuration control of test records.
• Lead troubleshooting of complex system issues identified during testing in coordination with Responsible Engineers and equipment vendors, diagnosing problems and directing implementation of corrective actions.
• Turnover and Coordination
• Lead system turnover activities from construction to commissioning by verifying that systems meet mechanical completion criteria, documentation is complete and accurate, and prerequisites for testing are satisfied.
• Represent the commissioning organization in the Joint Test Group, presenting test results, resolving technical concerns through proper channels, and coordinating complex multi-discipline testing with engineering, construction, operations, and QA organizations.
• Lead progressive system turnover to operations by ensuring test completion, punch list resolution, and documentation readiness for operational acceptance.
• Work closely with Responsible Engineers to clarify design intent, validate test approaches, and resolve complex design-related questions through disciplined technical inquiry.
• Collaboration, Quality, and Compliance
• Collaborate with Operations personnel during testing to validate operating procedures and lead transition to operational responsibility.
• Direct coordination with Maintenance craft during equipment installation checks, functional testing, and troubleshooting activities in accordance with disciplined work control processes.
• Coordinate with QA inspectors to ensure testing complies with quality requirements, hold points are observed, documentation meets quality standards, and configuration control is maintained throughout commissioning.
• Review and approve documentation for accuracy, completeness, and traceability to support regulatory inspections and operational readiness assessments.
• Ensure all testing activities comply with safety requirements, work authorization processes, and environmental controls, and foster a culture where questioning attitude is expected and consistently applied.
• Lead pre-job briefings, hazard identification, and work control processes, and monitor test conditions for off-normal situations requiring protective action or stop-work authority.

Job Profile Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, including mechanical, electrical, chemical, nuclear, or related discipline, from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Level IV:
• Typically, 10 years of relevant experience in commissioning, startup, operational testing, or maintenance in nuclear, chemical process, pharmaceutical, or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience developing or executing test procedures, collecting and analyzing test data, and documenting results with disciplined attention to accuracy and completeness.
• Exposure to integrated systems operation, testing, and troubleshooting in procedurally controlled environments.
• Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, control logic diagrams, and technical specifications.
• Strong problem-solving capability and a systematic approach to troubleshooting.
• Level V:
• Typically, 15 years of relevant experience in commissioning, startup, operational testing, or maintenance in nuclear, chemical process, pharmaceutical, or other highly regulated industries.
• Extensive experience leading development and execution of test procedures, directing collection and analysis of test data, and ensuring disciplined documentation of results with a high degree of accuracy and completeness.
• Demonstrated experience with integrated systems operation, testing, and troubleshooting in procedurally controlled environments, including experience coordinating multi-discipline test activities.
• Strong ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, control logic diagrams, and technical specifications across multiple systems and disciplines.
• Strong problem-solving capability, a systematic approach to troubleshooting, and demonstrated ability to mentor less experienced engineers.

Location: 151 Lafayette Drive, Suite 300, Oak Ridge, TN

Work Site Expectations: 5 days in office

Hours: 8:00am-5:00pm, Mon-Fri