Bio
Sam Giles joined ORNL in 2023 as the Enrichment Operations Manager for the Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED). In this role, Sam provides leadership and support throughout the Division to promote the culture and operational excellence necessary to ensure mission success.
Professional Experience
Prior to joining ORNL, Sam held leadership and management positions for over 30 years in the automotive, aerospace, nuclear, and food industries. During his career he has had responsibility for a wide range of business functions, including operations, manufacturing, engineering, quality assurance, lean manufacturing, procurement, strategic planning, facilities, and program management. In 2002, as the Manufacturing Operations manager at the Boeing Company in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, he was responsible for operational and program performance, including the development and execution of site-level improvement strategies and initiatives, as well as the implementation of business and quality management systems. In 2007, while serving as the Manufacturing manager at Babcock & Wilcox he was responsible for the fabrication and assembly of components for the gas centrifuge program. In this role he used his Lean expertise in developing the factory layouts, creating efficient product flows, and leading the site performance improvement initiatives. As Director of Operations and Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Giles also spent 13 years working with two start-up companies, enabling them to successfully launch their products (Automated Equipment) into the Food and Flexible Packaging Industries in the US and Asia. In this role, his primary responsibilities were product design, fabrication, assembly, testing, and installation.
Sam’s interests and expertise are in the application of Lean improvement techniques across processes and systems, as well as the integration and alignment of those improvement initiatives within the organization’s business and strategic plans.
Education
Sam holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, a master’s degree in industrial engineering, and a master’s degree in business administration, all from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.