What is the Artificial Intelligence Developer position at ORNL?

The Artificial Intelligence Developer will design, develop, and productionize AI/ML tools and analytics to support business operations and scientific decision-making. The role sits in the AI Operations Program within the Application Development Division and emphasizes generative AI, LLMs, cloud and on-premise deployment, and collaboration with scientific and technical stakeholders.

Where is the role based and what is the work arrangement?

The position is located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee (zip 37830) and is offered as a full-time hybrid appointment with on-site and remote work components.

Is U.S. citizenship required?

Yes. U.S. citizenship is required because the role requires eligibility for Department of Energy security clearance.

What are the minimum education and experience requirements?

A bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, business analytics, applied statistics, or a related field plus 8–12 years of relevant experience (with the last 2–3 years in AI/ML) is required. Substitutions and scaled requirements apply for master’s (7–10 years) and PhD holders (4–6 years), with recent AI/ML experience expected.

Which technical tools and platforms should candidates know?

Candidates should have experience with Microsoft Azure AI technologies (e.g., Azure AI Foundry, Azure OpenAI Studio, Azure SQL), Microsoft CoPilot and related Power Apps, OpenAI APIs, Hugging Face, LangChain, open-source LLMs such as Meta’s LLaMA family, and ML frameworks like PyTorch and TensorFlow. Experience across HPC and cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCP) is expected.

Are there any clearance or testing requirements?

Yes. The role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance. It is designated as a Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) position, requiring a pre-placement drug test and participation in random testing.

Does ORNL offer visa sponsorship for this role?

No. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

What benefits and employment supports are available?

ORNL provides comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, retirement plans (401(k) and contributory pension), life and disability insurance, generous leave programs, parental leave, wellness and educational assistance, relocation support, and on-site amenities.

How long will the posting remain open and how do I apply?

The position will remain open for a minimum of five days from posting and will close once a suitable candidate is identified. Applicants should submit materials via ORNL’s online application system. Accepted file formats include Word (.doc, .docx), unsecured PDF, RTF, and HTML up to 5 MB. Resumes from third-party vendors are not accepted.

What if an applicant needs help or accommodation applying?

Applicants who experience technical difficulties or require accommodations due to disability should email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov for assistance.

AI Developer Job | Oak Ridge | Hybrid Role

Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
Location: Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 37830
Date Posted: September 14, 2025
Requisition ID: 15023
Employment Type: Full-time, Hybrid
Citizenship Requirement: US Citizenship required (due to security clearance)

About ORNL

As the nation’s largest multi-program science and energy laboratory, ORNL has more than a century of expertise in energy, national security, and scientific innovation. With a diverse workforce and a culture grounded in integrity, collaboration, and safety, ORNL is shaping the future of science and technology while serving the nation.

Role Overview

ORNL is seeking an experienced Artificial Intelligence Developer to design, develop, and operationalize AI/ML tools that enhance business processes and scientific decision-making. The role is housed within the AI Operations Program office under the Application Development Division, part of the Information Technology Services Directorate.

The position requires strong expertise in Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and cloud-based AI/ML deployment. Moreover, using Microsoft Azure, with exposure to high-performance computing and multi-cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCP), will be preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, deploy, and maintain AI/ML models, leveraging Microsoft Azure tools and Power Apps, including CoPilot Studio.
Partner with business and scientific stakeholders to gather actionable requirements and translate them into technical solutions
Research and analyze emerging AI/ML trends, including Generative AI, LLM pipelines, and monitoring strategies, to refine ORNL’s roadmap.
Ensure ethical and policy-compliant use of AI within ORNL guidelines.
Collaborate with DOE laboratories and private sector partners to strengthen ORNL’s position as a national leader in AI/ML best practices.
Apply ORNL’s software quality assurance standards, project management requirements, and ITIL practices.
Guide researchers and users on the responsible use of AI models.
Uphold ORNL’s values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service, fostering inclusivity and mutual respect.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, business analytics, applied statistics, or related fields.
8–12 years of relevant experience, with at least 2–3 years in AI/ML development and deployment.
Master’s degree holders: 7–10 years of aligned experience, with the last 2–3 years in AI/ML.
PhD holders: 4–6 years of aligned experience, with the last 2–3 years in AI/ML.
Proven track record in designing and deploying AI/ML solutions in both cloud and on-premise environments.
Hands-on experience with Azure AI Foundry, Microsoft CoPilot, Azure OpenAI Studio, Azure SQL, Hugging Face, LangChain, open-source LLMs (e.g., Meta’s LLaMA), GPT APIs, PyTorch, TensorFlow, and related AI tools.
Strong analytical mindset, problem-solving ability, and client-facing communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead projects in dynamic, collaborative environments.

Preferred Qualifications

Active DOE Q clearance.
Knowledge of vector databases, Graph DB, and multidimensional/tabular modeling.
Experience mentoring teams in AI/ML, data science, or low-code/no-code tools.
Familiarity with ORNL business applications and Microsoft SharePoint.

Special Requirements

US citizenship is required due to clearance eligibility.
Visa sponsorship is not available.
Designated WSAP position: pre-placement drug testing and ongoing random screening are required.
Clearance from the Department of Energy must be obtained and maintained

Benefits and Perks

ORNL provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support work-life balance and long-term security. Employees enjoy:

Competitive pay and hybrid flexibility.
Health coverage: medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plan.
Retirement plans: 401(k) with company match and a contributory pension plan.
Life and disability insurance.
Paid vacation, holidays, and parental leave.
Wellness initiatives, fitness facilities, and on-site amenities (banking, cafeteria).
Educational assistance, relocation support, and employee discounts.
Legal insurance, identity theft protection, FSAs, HSAs, and employee assistance programs.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

ORNL, operated by UT-Battelle, is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. The laboratory complies with all E-Verify requirements.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online. Accepted file formats: Word (.doc, .docx), PDF (unsecured), Rich Text Format (.rtf), or HTML (.htm, .html), up to 5MB in size. Resumes submitted by third-party vendors will not be considered.

Apply

For technical issues or accommodation requests, applicants can email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.This posting will remain open for a minimum of five days and will close once a qualified candidate is identified or hired. Visit the ORNL official careers portal for more jobs.