Control System Software Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

On‑site amenities and fitness

Job summary

ORNL's Controls Integration Group within the Control Systems Section seeks an entry‑level Control System Software Engineer to develop EPICS applications for embedded and FPGA based systems, and to support modernization of the SNS accelerator control environment.

You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to design, develop, test, and deploy EPICS‑based control software, maintain production systems, and contribute to documentation and training materials.

Qualifications

• BS degree in engineering, computer science or related field.
• Demonstrated programming experience in modern object‑oriented programming languages, preferably C++.
• Proficiency with collaborative software development tools and practices, such as software debugger, version control, issue tracking, documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop EPICS applications to support embedded and FPGA based systems.
• Upgrade existing EPICS applications and user interfaces.
• Complete verification, deployment, and system integration of EPICS applications for production use.
• Develop reliable, maintainable software for accelerator and target control systems as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Collaborate with group members, scientific staff and operations to design, maintain, and improve EPICS‑based control systems.
• Maintain and support existing production software, including troubleshooting and bug resolution.
• Create and maintain software documentation and training materials.
• Adhere to Software QA procedures, manage source code with version control, and develop testing procedures.
• Provide operational support and occasional off‑hours/shifts as needed to meet facility needs.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality procedures.

Skills

C++

Object‑oriented programming

Version control

Education

BS in engineering or related field

Tools

EPICS

Linux

GitLab CI/CD

Job description

Overview

The Controls Integration Group at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is seeking an entry level 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.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Support modernization efforts by developing EPICS applications to support embedded and FPGA based systems.
• Help upgrade existing EPICS applications and user interfaces.
• Complete verification, deployment, and system integration of EPICS applications for production use.
• Support the scientific mission of SNS by developing reliable, maintainable software for accelerator and target control systems as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Collaborate with group members, scientific staff and operations personnel to design, develop, maintain, and improve EPICS-based control systems.
• Maintain and support existing production software, including performing troubleshooting and resolving bugs.
• Create and maintain software documentation and accompanying training materials.
• Adhere to Software Quality Assurance procedures, including managing source code in a central repository with version control systems and developing comprehensive software testing procedures.
• 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.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality procedures and programs.

Commitment to Research Integrity and ORNL Values

• 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
• 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, computer science or related field
• Demonstrated programming experience in modern object‑oriented programming languages, preferably C++
• Proficiency with collaborative software development tools and practices, such as software debugger, version control, issue tracking, documentation

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing applications or systems programming in a Linux environment
• Demonstrated experience with embedded systems and/or systems programming
• Experience with EPICS or a similar toolkit for developing distributed control systems
• Exposure to additional programming languages, such as C, Python, Java or similar
• Familiarity with real‑time operating systems and software practices
• Prior experience working in a scientific user facility
• Experience with GitLab and CI/CD pipelines
• Hands‑on experience with in‑field troubleshooting of software and hardware interfaces

Special Requirements

• 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.

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.

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: [e-mail]

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.