After working at the Savannah River Site for 27 years, Bruce Drew is ready to head back to work.

Prepared with an updated rsum and a black suit, Mr. Drew waited patiently for his number to be called. The interview might be his ticket out of retirement and back to a job as an engineer with the MOX project at SRS.

Mr. Drew and more than 350 potential employees interviewed for engineering, communications and design positions to work on the $5 billion project at the Marriott Hotel and Suites.

The Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility will dispose of 34 metric tons, or about 75,000 pounds, of surplus, weapons-grade plutonium for fuel use in commercial nuclear reactors.

Mr. Drew said he wasn't too nervous about the interview, which served as a preliminary screening process with technical questions for engineers and designers.

"You want to do your best, but it's a very good field of work and a wonderful opportunity," he said.

MOX project organizers also were hosts of a vendor fair to share opportunities for side contracts with the Shaw and Areva companies that will run the MOX facility. Contracts needed vary from construction with rebar to supplying office equipment.

"There are so many aspects of the project that include building and arranging the facility," said Donna Martin, MOX project communication manager.

More than 400 potential vendors for contracts arrived to learn details about the project.

"Companies have been tracking this project and are familiar with what's going on and are eager to get on board," said Gwen Jones, small-business manager.

Interested parties can still apply for jobs or vendor positions because hiring will happen as the project moves forward, Ms. Martin said.

Throughout construction and completion, the facility will employ up to 1,600 people. After completion, there will be about 800 permanent jobs. The facility will cost $180 million a year to operate.

"We have a lot of work to do to get ready," Ms. Martin said. "It is very advantageous for us to hire locally because we want to support this community as they have supported us."