Process Design Engineer - Waste

This role is responsible for overseeing the design and implementation of chemical waste processing and dry recovery systems and associated equipment. It leads assigned waste and recovery process areas, develops equipment and process specifications, and manages the performance and execution of third-party vendors responsible for equipment design, fabrication, installation, and commissioning. Additionally, the role will translate technical, safety, and regulatory requirements into clear concepts and direction, support permitting and compliance efforts, monitor process performance, and provide recommendations to improve efficiency, reliability, and waste minimization.

• Contribute to the design of multiple process areas.
• Lead the design of assigned process areas, providing guidance to less experienced process engineers.
• Develop and lead implementation of advanced manufacturing processes to meet production goals and quality standards.
• Develop specifications for process equipment and work with equipment suppliers to ensure critical design characteristics are met for equipment delivery.
• Work with subcontractors and suppliers to design, construct, deliver, and install process equipment.
• Conduct research to develop new and improved processes for manufacturing.
• Evaluate and implement new equipment and technologies to improve process efficiency and product quality.
• Develop methods and procedures to process and handle chemicals and materials safely and efficiently.
• Design and plan equipment layout for new processes, products, or customers.
• Work with R&D team to translate lab-scale processes to pilot scale and production scale processes.
• Collaborate with the regulatory team to establish safety procedures and controls for dangerous chemicals, processes, or equipment.
• Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
• Provide support for waste permitting.
• Conduct tests and monitor process performance throughout production.
• Troubleshoot problems associated with manufacturing processes.
• Monitor variances from process controls and provide recommendations to reduce or eliminate them.
• Update a master list of all equipment, chemical inputs, chemical outputs, and waste streams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve complex process-related issues.
• Mentor and train junior process engineers.

• Experience with equipment used for recovery and waste, such as grinders, crushers, enclosures, gloveboxes, and shredders.
• A degree in chemical engineering, nuclear engineering, material science, material science engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field from an ABET EAC–accredited program.
• Five years of relevant work experience preferred; advanced degrees may substitute for some years of experience.
• CAD and P&ID experience.
• Experience with industrial equipment design, procurement, installation, and operation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.

• General understanding of the nuclear fuel cycle.
• Knowledge and experience with powder processing, graphite powder, extrusion, ceramics, chemical processing, industrial waste processing, and liquids processing.
• Ability to work in a team to produce desired outputs in short turnaround times.
• Willingness to work with hazardous materials such as low enriched uranium, nitric acid, and phenolic resin.

The role is based in an on-site office environment. The position offers three weeks of paid time off and eleven additional personal days.

This is a Contract position based out of Knoxville, TN.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $80.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Knoxville,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 1, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.