Control System Software Engineer

UT-Battelle; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site fitness facilities

Relocation assistance

Retirement plan

Job summary

UT-Battelle at Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks an entry-level Control System Software Engineer to develop EPICS applications for embedded and FPGA-based control systems. You will help modernize the SNS accelerator control environment and assist with verification, deployment, and ongoing maintenance.

The role requires a BS in engineering or related field and experience with object-oriented programming, preferably in C++, plus familiarity with collaborative development tools.

Qualifications

• BS degree in engineering, computer science or related field.
• Proficiency with modern object-oriented programming languages, preferably C++.
• Experience with collaborative software development tools and practices (debugger, version control, issue tracking, documentation).

Responsibilities

• Support modernization by developing EPICS applications for embedded and FPGA-based systems.
• Upgrade existing EPICS applications and user interfaces.
• Complete verification, deployment, and system integration of EPICS applications for production use.
• Provide operational support and troubleshoot accelerator and target control systems.

Skills

C++ programming

Team collaboration

Education

BS degree in engineering or related field

Tools

EPICS

GitLab CI/CD

Version control

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.


• 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.

• 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


• Employee Discounts


• Relocation Assistance


• Medical and Retirement Plans


• Flexible Work Hours


• On‑site Fitness


• Banking


• Cafeteria Facilities

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.