About the position

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking an experienced project manager to support the establishment and execution of the Center of Excellence for Thermal Energy Research and Management (ThERM). This multi-year initiative focuses on accelerating the development, validation, and deployment of high-temperature heat pump (HTHP) technologies for industrial heating processes. The position will coordinate technical activities across multiple research tasks, manage stakeholder engagement with industry and national laboratory partners, and ensure effective project planning, reporting, and milestone delivery. The Project Manager will work closely with the Principal Investigator and technical leads to facilitate collaboration, track progress, and support strategic execution of the ThERM Center’s research, testing, and demonstration programs. This position resides in the Building Technologies Science Section, BTSD, ESTD at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

Responsibilities

• Support planning, coordination, and execution of ThERM Center activities across multiple technical tasks and research teams.
• Track project milestones, deliverables, budgets, and schedules to ensure alignment with program objectives.
• Coordinate project reporting, including quarterly and annual reports to DOE and other stakeholders.
• Maintain documentation of project decisions, scope adjustments, and technical trade-offs.
• Coordinate engagement with the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB), industry partners, utilities, and technology developers.
• Organize workshops, technical meetings, and stakeholder engagement events to support ThERM Center activities.
• Support collaboration agreements, including CRADAs, Strategic Partnership Program (SPP) agreements, and other user-access mechanisms.
• Facilitate communication among national laboratories, universities, industry partners, and government agencies.
• Assist with development and implementation of the Center’s user access framework and operational processes.
• Coordinate activities related to test facility development, demonstration projects, and technology validation programs.
• Support outreach efforts including industry workshops, webinars, and technical engagement activities.
• Assist leadership with long-term planning for the ThERM Center, including roadmap development, sustainment strategies, and industry engagement plans.
• Support preparation of proposals, white papers, and technical documentation for new research initiatives.
• Help identify collaboration opportunities with DOE programs, industry partners, and investors.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.
• Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Requirements

• BS in engineering, business administration, project management, or a related technical field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management, research program coordination, or technology development programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-partner technical projects involving industry, government agencies, and/or research institutions.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Proven experience tracking project schedules, milestones, budgets, and deliverables for complex programs.
• Experience preparing technical reports, presentations, and project documentation for stakeholders, including government sponsors.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and facilitate meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Direct experience working within a DOE program office is preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams across organizations.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced research environment, prioritize competing tasks, and adapt to evolving project needs and timelines.

Benefits

• Prescription Drug Plan
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Contributory Pension Plan
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Generous Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Educational Assistance
• Relocation Assistance
• Employee Discounts