I&C System Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and retirement plans

Flexible work hours

Generous relocation package

On-site fitness and banking facilities

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is looking for an Instrumentation and Controls System Engineer to design, develop, and maintain various instrumentation and control systems vital for operational efficiency and safety. This position requires thorough knowledge of nuclear facility systems.

Responsibilities include troubleshooting, system analysis, and working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams. Candidates should have a BS degree in engineering and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience. The lab offers competitive pay, a supportive work environment, and a generous relocation package.

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in industrial/nuclear instrumentation and controls system engineering.
• Experience in leading maintenance tasks and procedure development.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment and adapt to changing needs.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, installs, upgrades, and maintains instrumentation and control systems.
• Troubleshoots system and component failures and develops corrective actions.
• Prepares engineering designs for replacement and upgrade of systems and components.

Skills

Ability to diagnose equipment problems

Experience programming PLC-based control systems

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Good interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently and in teams

Education

BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Mechanical, or related

Tools

SCADA/Historian data logging software

Job description

Overview

The System Engineering Group within the Nuclear Facility Management Section of the Nonreactor Nuclear Facilities Division (NNFD) is seeking to hire an Instrumentation and Controls System Engineer.

This group is responsible for the NNFD facility’s configuration management program, provides technical support to operations and maintenance, and performs system performance analysis.

The role designs, develops, installs, upgrades, and maintains instrumentation and control systems and components.

Much of the legacy instrumentation is analog pneumatic (3–15 psig), using instrument air to drive pneumatic actuators and pneumatic or electro‑pneumatic valve/damper positioners (e.g., 4‑20 mA to I/P transducer). The engineer also performs instrument loop uncertainty analyses and setpoint calculations to support operability, safety basis, and setpoint determinations. The primary objective is to ensure facility systems operate effectively, efficiently, and safely in compliance with applicable codes and nuclear quality requirements. Many of the nuclear‑safety‑credited I&C components control building ventilation systems.

This role requires a thorough understanding of the operational processes in a multidisciplinary role and working closely with a variety of colleagues in operations, procurement, design, and craft organizations. The person in this role may also be expected to support NEC compliance reviews and coordinate NRTL field evaluations/labeling as needed.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Configuration Management

• Prepares engineering designs for replacement and upgrade of structures, systems, and components
• Performs calculations and interpretations of industry codes and standards to support design development
• Reviews design specifications to determine performance criteria for material upgrades
• Writes material specifications and initiates procurement of nuclear safety-related components
• Prepares and implements rigorous testing and inspection methods for utilizing commercial grade components in nuclear safety systems
• Implements modifications in accordance with configuration control processes
• Designs and develops new control systems

Maintenance Support

• Troubleshoots and analyzes system and component failures and develops corrective actions
• Provides field work technical direction to craft supervisors and craft personnel
• Develops and implements preventive maintenance instructions
• Develops operating/test procedures
• Performs and maintains the aging status of I&C components (instrumentation, control panels, PLCs, field devices, actuators, etc.) on a continual basis
• Maintains the maintenance equipment databasefor new and existing I&C equipment

Operations Support

• Performs evaluations to determine equipment impact on facility operation
• Provides guidance on purchase, fabrication, and/or modification of electrical equipment to meet NRTL listing/labeling requirements and electrical AHJ approval prior to use
• Acquires and maintains the ‘Qualified Electrical Worker’ role (for access to areas where instrumentation may present the possibility for exposure to energized electrical components) as needed to support I&C installation/maintenance activities
• Assists with the development of research safety summaries, work plans, procedures, instructions, and other documents; approves these documents as requested by line management
• Reviews and approves work activities or safety procedures related to custom or special research equipment

System Analysis

• Analyzes and trends results of preventive and predictive maintenance data
• Analyzes equipment performance history
• Ensures compliance with environment, safety, health, and quality program requirements

Basic Qualifications

• BS degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Mechanical, Chemical, or related with I&C experience.
• 5-8 years of experience in industrial/nuclear instrumentation and controls system engineering
• Ability to diagnose equipment problems and develop formal instructions for performance and documentation of repairs.
• Experience in leading maintenance tasks, procedure development, procurement of materials, and equipment analysis is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year or more of nuclear experience is highly preferred. Familiarity with maintenance activities in a nuclear operating environment and regulatory programs, including DOE Orders pertaining to conduct of operation and maintenance
• Experience with design/procurement of components according to NQA-1 requirements
• Experience with preparation of loop accuracy/uncertainty (sensor+transmitter+signal conditioning+display), setpoint uncertainty for safety limits, and calibration tolerances/as-found/as-left impacts
• Experience programming, testing, and troubleshooting industrial PLC-based control systems (e.g., ladder logic/function block), including I/O checkout, field commissioning, and controlled changes to existing PLC logic in support of facility operations (ventilation/HVAC controls preferred)
• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an “L” clearance. This position also requires Rad Worker II training as well as respirator qualification. Therefore, candidate must be medically qualified for Rad Worker and respirator
• Experience with legacy pneumatic instrumentation and pneumatically actuated control valves/dampers
• Experience working with SCADA/Historian data logging software is a plus
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills, and ability to work well as a team member
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast‑paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements

• Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• L Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

Relocation

Moving can be overwhelming and expensive. UT-Battelle offers a generous relocation package to ease the transition process. Domestic and international relocation assistance is available for certain positions. If invited to interview, be sure to ask your Recruiter (Talent Acquisition Partner) for details.

About ORNL

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80‑year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well‑being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on‑site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added 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, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

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

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.