Jacob Cornell is an Engineering Systems Technician in the Radioisotope Science and Technology Division within the Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He supports national radioisotope production through electromechanical system design, radiological and remote-handling system integration, robotics and automation support, and hands-on nuclear operations experience. His work supports production infrastructure and mission needs for many radioisotope programs including plutonium-238, californium-252, and iridium-192.
Jacob currently works with teams developing and improving systems for radiological hot cell, glovebox, and isotope-processing environments. His work includes design and deployment support for specialized equipment used in radiological operations, including analytical equipment, material handling and processing, robotics applications, and infrastructure planning for future isotope production capabilities. He also supports inter-laboratory collaboration with teams from Savannah River National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Jacob previously spent a year in the Isotope Processing and Manufacturing Division within the same Directorate. The division standardizes quality-control manufacturing processes for in-demand isotopes, reducing the United States’ dependence on foreign suppliers. He was a Nuclear Operations and Advanced Technology Technician within the Material Operations group, performing several chemical and physical processes to convert neptunium-237 from a liquid solution into a highly-quality-controlled target ready for irradiation in either of DOE’s two high flux reactors.
Before joining ORNL in 2023, Jacob served nine years in the U.S. Navy nuclear program, including submarine service aboard USS Greeneville and training roles at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU). At NPTU, he trained hundreds of naval officers and enlisted sailors on nuclear design and operations, and later led a major revision of nuclear training program requirements. His background combines nuclear operations, technical training, project execution, and practical system development in high-consequence environments.
In addition to his technical work, Jacob supports ORNL public outreach and community engagement. He serves as a Graphite Reactor tour guide, participates in STEM outreach and intern mentorship, contributes to public science media projects, and leads the Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate’s ORNL Gives committee supporting local nonprofits.
