Requisition Id 15629
Overview:The Control Systems Section at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is seeking an early career Control System Hardware Engineer to focus on control system infrastructure and digital hardware systems. This position is part of the Controls Integration Group in the Control Systems Section in the Research Accelerator Division of the Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
The group is responsible for maintaining and improving fully integrated control systems for the SNS accelerator to ensure safe, high-reliability beam delivery to the target. These systems typically incorporate PLC, VME, or MicroTCA hardware, all integrated using the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) framework. In this position, the focus is primarily on embedded hardware systems utilizing Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), System on Chip (SOCs), multi-core processors, and a range of custom hardware interfaces.
This position reports to the Controls Integration Group Leader. The group is currently working on modernizing the SNS control system hardware and software, preparing systems for 2.8MW operations and building more cyber resilient computing and network infrastructure. Ongoing upgrade projects include replacing legacy VME solutions with MicroTCA as well as developing next generation Accelerator Timing and Machine Protection Systems (MPS).
The selected candidate will support modernization efforts by:
- Developing FPGA designs based on the MicroTCA platform for applications ranging from distributed timing synchronization, low latency fault protection, fast-feedback control loops, and digital signal processing.
- Performing hardware system integration into a production accelerator facility.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:- Contribute to the scientific mission of SNS by developing reliable and maintainable hardware solutions for accelerator and target control systems in a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Maintain and enhance distributed control systems critical to SNS operations, with a primary focus on the Machine Protection System (MPS) and Timing System.
- Provide ongoing support for existing production systems, including troubleshooting, bug resolution, and documentation updates.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation and training materials for hardware systems.
- Collaborate with peers at SNS and other large-scale experimental physics facilities to share expertise and adopt community-developed solutions.
- Provide operational support, troubleshooting, and system improvements for accelerator and target control systems. While typical work hours are office-based, occasional off-hours or weekend support may be required to meet user facility needs.
- As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct, and a statement by the Lab Director's office can be found here: ;/li>
- 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.
Basic Qualifications:- A BS degree in engineering, science or physics.
- Knowledge of fundamental circuit design and analysis principles.
- Demonstrated technical knowledge which includes one or more of the following: digital hardware design, FPGA firmware development, highly distributed controls systems, embedded systems, real-time operating systems.
- Ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse teams of engineers, operators, technicians and scientists.
Preferred Qualifications:- Relevant internship or co-op experience.
- An MS degree in electrical engineering or related field.
- Proficiency with hardware development tools and practices, such as version control, issue tracking, and documentation.
- Experience with standard laboratory tools including oscilloscope, multimeter, signal generators, protocol analyzer, and power analyzers.
- Experience with MicroTCA or AdvancedTCA platforms.
- Background in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications.
- Familiarity with Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS).
- Experience with Vivado High-Level Synthesis (HLS) implementations.
- Demonstrated presentation skills.
- Work experience in experimental physics facility.
Special Requirements:- Physical Requirements: Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
- Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements: - This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
- For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
- Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
- To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
- If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.
- Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.
Benefits at ORNL:We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.
Other benefits include the following: 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, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available for this position.
If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email:
This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.
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