Early Career Specialty Mechanical Engineer
Amentum· startup· Defense & Space· Oct 8, 2026 · 20d ago
Oak Ridge, TN
In office
Full-time
Mid
$117K–$160K est.
Job description
Early Career Specialty Mechanical Engineer
Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative solutions, supporting critical missions across defense, intelligence, energy, and civilian sectors. Our people are our competitive advantage, driven by purpose, collaboration, and a commitment to delivering excellence for our customers and communities. We are currently seeking a Early Career Specialty Mechanical Engineer to support our Projects .
Description:
Amentum is a global leader in the design, construction, and operation of nuclear facilities for government agencies and private sector customers. We leverage our deep nuclear domain experience, including $285B in managed nuclear scope for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and private clients, to provide lifecycle services across all nuclear market sectors around the globe.
Our Oak Ridge Nuclear Center of Excellence (NCoE) is a strategic hub for our nuclear DB expertise within the U.S. and collaboration with Amentum’s nuclear design centers in Denver, CO and international locations. Our Oak Ridge NCoE has a staff of more than 900 and provides full nuclear facility delivery services from program and project management, permitting, nuclear and industrial safety, engineering design, construction / construction management, commissioning, startup of operations, and operational support services. Our portfolio of mega design projects in Oak Ridge consists of the Spallation Neutron Source, and Y-12’s Uranium Processing Facility and Lithium Processing Facility.
Our Oak Ridge NCoE builds on our Oak Ridge site history that dates back to 1944 and the Manhattan Project. Amentum’s heritage company, H.K. Ferguson Co., designed and built a low uranium enrichment facility that produced feedstock for the K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant during 1944-1946. In the 1950s and 1960s, H.K. Ferguson Co. constructed three Oak Ridge reactors – Isotope Production Reactor, Experimental Gas-Cooled Reactor, and High-Flux Isotope Reactor.
Our Oak Ridge presence continues today. Since 1990 we have continuously led major DOE prime contracts at Oak Ridge, including the two most recent UCOR contracts which provide reach-back support to our NCoE with 2,400 nuclear-skilled available resources.
Our current Oak Ridge experience brings demonstrated capabilities and experience:
DOE’s owner representative for delivery of DOE prime contracts and capital asset projects
Nuclear facility design / construction knowledge gained from real-world mega projects and informed by a decommissioning and demolition perspective with insights for consideration during design of a new facility
Commitment to delivery excellence as demonstrated by earned value management system performance indices, worker safety metrics, and a strong environmental compliance record
Excellent relationships with environmental regulators and a thorough understanding of the state of Tennessee’s RCRA program and nuclear facility operating permit requirements
Strong relationships with union management and demonstrated ability to secure their commitment to meet stretch construction schedules within a highly competitive labor market
Outstanding relationships with politicians and other stakeholders and the community at large
Duties & Responsibilities:
As an Early Career Specialty Mechanical Engineer in Amentum’s Nuclear Projects team, you will work with mid and senior level Engineers to design systems for engineering projects. Your responsibilities include but are not limited to assisting in the development of:
Machine Drawings (ASME Y14.5)
Material Specifications
Equipment Specifications
Stress Analysis calculations
Material Handing mechanical specifications for conveyors, hoists, cranes, lifts, dolly’s, etc.
Remote Handling equipment design/specifications for pick and place robots, gantries, end effectors, etc.
Containment design utilizing gloveboxes, hoods, hot cells, etc.
General oversight of the system design for compliance with all applicable codes, standards, and specific customer requirements.
Field Inspections and walkdowns of existing mechanical systems
Required Qualifications:
Mechanical Engineering BS Degree from an accredited university
A general understanding of machine design machine drawings
Preferred Qualifications:
In addition to the Required Qualifications, the ideal candidate might also have:
Intern or related working experience is preferred.
Strong communication skills.
Exhibit integrity and the highest quality in all activities
Self-motivated, team-focused professional
Self-starter with the ability to learn new calculation and analysis software
Attention to detail
Other Requirements:
Physical Requirements:
Appropriate PPE and training will be provided for all conditions.
Must be able to move and sit for extended periods (100%) as well as and lift up to 35 lbs (25%). Vision correctable to 20/20. Candidate must have the ability to use SolidWorks design software unassisted.
Standard office equipment:
PC, telephone, fax, copier, job-related software and other related equipment (90%)
Attendance:
Regular attendance mandatory (100%)
Overtime/work outside normal schedule required (as needed)
Work Location:
This position is designed to support either in-office or remote work, with a strong preference for the successful candidate to work from Amentum s office in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Employees who reside within 50 miles of Oak Ridge will be expected to work from the Oak Ridge office. Employees who live more than 50 miles away are eligible for a remote work arrangement; however, remote employees must travel to the Oak Ridge office on a quarterly basis. Those working remotely are required to maintain a company-approved secure workspace that meets all client security requirements and is located within the United States. This U.S.-based secure work location requirement applies to all projects associated with the position.
Office environment. (95%)
Travel required (<10%)
Citizenship:
U.S. Citizenship required. No dual citizens. Valid driver s license is required. Must be able to work in a team atmosphere. Must put forward a professional behavior that enhances productivity and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Must be familiar with and comfortable working in a team environment. Appropriate grooming and dress code acceptable for a customer environment is necessary. Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required. Must take and pass a pre-employment drug and background check.
Compensation Details:
100,000
The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good-faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.
Benefits Overview:
Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off and holidays
Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
Educational reimbursement
Parental leave
Employee stock purchase plan
Tax-saving options
Disability and life insurance
Pet insurance
Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.
Original Posting:
10/08/2026 - Until Filled Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters .
Application prep
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Keywords to mirror
design systems
- Platform
- workday
- Effort
- long
Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Paid Time Off
Parental Leave