Control System Software Engineer

Overview:    

The Controls Integration Group at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is seeking a Control System Software Engineer who will focus on control system applications, system development and operations support. This position is part of the Controls Integration Group within the Control Systems Section, 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 utilize PLC, VME, or MicroTCA hardware, integrated using the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) framework. 

This position reports to the Controls Integration Group Leader. The group is currently focused on modernizing the control system environment. Ongoing upgrade projects include replacing legacy equipment with modern solutions, expanding those associated applications, and enhancing the control room operator experience using the latest software tools. 

The selected candidate will support these modernization efforts by: 

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  Developing EPICS applications to support embedded and FPGA based systems 

  
  

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  Upgrading existing EPICS applications and user interfaces 

  
  

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  Complete verification, deployment, and system integration of EPICS applications for production use 

  
  

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

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  Support the scientific mission of SNS by developing reliable, maintainable software for accelerator and target control systems as part of a multidisciplinary team. 

  
  

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  Collaborate with group members, scientific staff and operations personnel to design, develop, maintain, and improve EPICS-based control systems. 

  
  

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  Maintain and support existing production software, including performing troubleshooting and resolving bugs. 

  
  

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  Create and maintain software documentation and accompanying training materials.  

  
  

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  Adhere to Software Quality Assurance procedures, including managing source code in a central repository with version control systems and developing comprehensive software testing procedures. 

  
  

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  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. 

  
  

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  Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality procedures and programs.   

  
  

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  As a member of the ORNL scientific community, commit to ORNL’s Research Code of Conduct. The full code of conduct and a statement from the Lab Director’s office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity 

  
  

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  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:

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  A BS degree in engineering, computer science or related field plus two or more years of relevant experience (a relevant MS degree will be considered with at least one year of experience) 

  
  

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  Demonstrated experience with embedded systems and/or systems programming 

  
  

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  Experience developing applications or systems programming in a Linux environment 

  
  

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  Demonstrated programming experience in modern object-oriented programming languages, preferably C++ 

  
  

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  Proficiency with collaborative software development tools and practices, such as software debugger, version control, issue tracking, documentation 
  
  

  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

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  Experience with EPICS or a similar toolkit for developing distributed control systems 

  
  

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  Exposure to additional programming languages, such as C, Python, Java or similar 

  
  

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  Familiarity with real-time operating systems and software practices 

  
  

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  Prior experience working in a scientific user facility 

  
  

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  Experience with GitLab and CI/CD pipelines 

  
  

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  Hands-on experience with in-field troubleshooting of software and hardware interfaces 

  
  

Special Requirements: 

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  Physical Requirements: Work involves some physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer. 

  
  

• Visa sponsorship is not available.  

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 certain positions. 

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: [email protected] 

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