Job Description
Position Summary
The Principal Mechanical Test Engineer serves as a senior technical leader responsible for driving the development, modernization, and expansion of centrifuge dynamic test stands at Centrus Energy's Oak Ridge Technology & Manufacturing Center. This role plays a critical part in advancing national security-focused enrichment technologies by guiding high-speed rotating machinery testing, directing multi-stand rebuilds and upgrades, and leading cross-functional engineering teams. The position requires obtaining and maintaining a DOE Q-level security clearance.
What You Will Do
In this role, you will lead the full lifecycle of redesigning, rebuilding, commissioning, and enhancing centrifuge dynamic test stands-overseeing everything from mechanical structures and rotating interfaces to safety systems, diagnostics, DAQ, and controls. You will also drive the development of new test stands that support future phases of enrichment programs and establish long-term modernization strategies that improve capacity, reliability, and instrumentation across multiple test assets.
You will guide high-speed testing and analysis of centrifuge rotors, suspensions, bearings, and subassemblies using both upgraded and newly developed stands. Your expertise will support advanced modal analysis, vibration diagnostics, shock characterization, stability mapping, and performance verification using a wide array of instrumentation such as laser vibrometry, strain gauges, accelerometers, and eddy-current sensors. Collaboration with analytical teams will be essential to validate predictive models and ensure accuracy in centrifuge performance forecasts.
As the technical lead for the Dynamic Testing Group, you will plan, direct, and prioritize multi-project test activities, ensuring smooth execution in support of enrichment technology development. You will mentor engineers and technicians, provide direction to cross-disciplinary contributors, and represent the testing function during design reviews, readiness assessments, schedule integration meetings, and project reporting activities.
You will work closely with design, manufacturing, operations, safety, procurement, and quality teams to ensure all testing outputs meet engineering requirements. Your leadership will support supplier coordination, process improvements, and oversight of engineering specifications, documentation, and test packages used in fabrication and DOE-regulated environments.
Finally, you will ensure that all testing, rebuilds, and operations comply with DOE/NQA-1 quality and safety requirements. You will uphold DOE Integrated Safety Management protocols, maintain strict adherence to industrial and radiological safety practices, and support all security clearance requirements, including background checks and ongoing compliance measures.
We'd Love to Hear from Candidates With
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of mechanical or dynamic testing experience involving rotating machinery, vibration analysis, or high-speed mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated leadership experience guiding teams, major projects, or significant engineering initiatives.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Q-level clearance.
A Successful Candidate Also Brings
• Experience rebuilding or designing centrifuge dynamic test stands or high-speed rotor test systems.
• Experience with centrifuge design, testing, or manufacturing.
• Knowledge of QL-1 / QL-2 quality assurance hardware and documentation.
• Active Q-level clearance.
Pay:
Estimated Starting Base Salary Range: $117,778-$196,297. This position is Incentive eligible. Centrus considers several factors when extending job offers, including but not limited to candidates' key skills, relevant work experience, and education/training/certifications. While the posted range reflects the anticipated hiring range for this position, compensation above the range may be considered for candidates with exceptional qualifications and directly relevant experience.
