RF Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation Assistance

Health Insurance

Wellness Programs

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks an RF engineer experienced with high power RF systems to support operation, maintenance, upgrades, and performance techniques for the MPEX facility.

The role involves evaluating RF delivery systems, developing arc-fault prevention methods, and ensuring reliability of RF equipment within DOE fusion energy research programs. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is essential.

Qualifications

• BS degree in electrical engineering, physics or related field with at least 5 years of applicable experience; master's degree with at least 4 years; or PhD with at least 3 years.
• Experience with PathWave, AWR, CST, HFSS or similar EDA environment.
• Experience with high power RF systems.
• Experience with RF circuit design.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and improve RF and microwave delivery systems for MPEX mission goals.
• Develop real-time methods to extinguish RF arc faults without disrupting operations.
• Develop maintenance plans to improve RF system reliability and availability.
• Provide direction to technicians and craft resources for maintenance activities.
• Perform failure analysis of RF systems and propose reliability upgrades.
• Create and maintain documentation including operating procedures for RF equipment.

Skills

RF engineering

High power RF systems

RF circuit design

Education

BS in electrical engineering, physics or related field

Tools

PathWave

AWR

CST

HFSS

Job description

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The Plasma Facing Components & Engineering (PFCE) Division at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks applications for a RF engineer experienced with high power RF systems (100 kW to 500 kW) to support operations, maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and develop performance techniques for the Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment (MPEX).

MPEX is a linear plasma device under construction at ORNL that enables expanded fusion reactor–relevant material science capabilities, particularly those related to plasma material interaction (PMI) research.

MPEX will deliver steady state plasmas to PMI targets with heat fluxes of 10MWm-2 and particle fluences of 1031m-2 for up to 2-weeks. The plasma source and heating (PS&H) systems use 13.56 MHz, 4-9 MHz, and 70 or 105 GHz sources to enable independent control of ion and electron temperatures, facilitating plasma conditions at the target that closely resemble those observed at the divertor region in tokamak-style fusion reactor.

The PFCE division carries out experiment-based research and development work in support of ongoing science and technology research for the U.S. DOE Fusion Energy Sciences Program.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and improve RF and microwave delivery systems in support of MPEX scientific mission goals.
• Develop real-time methods for extinguishing RF arc faults without disrupting steady state plasma operations.
• Develop maintenance plans to improve reliability and availability of RF systems.
• Provide direction to technicians and craft resources for maintenance activities.
• Perform failure analysis of RF system and propose reliability upgrades.
• Create and maintain documentation including operating procedures for RF equipment and ancillary systems.
• Serve as a RF subject matter expert and participate with MPEX operations.
• Work with a multidisciplinary team of research scientists and engineers in the areas of fusion energy research to maintain a high level of scientific productivity.
• Provide occasional shift support for MPEX operations including call-in and off-normal work hours.
• Ensure a safe and efficient work environment and compliance with ESH&Q procedures and programs.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

• BS degree in electrical engineering, physics or related field with at least 5 years of applicable experience; master’s degree with at least 4 years of applicable experience; or PhD with at least 3 years of applicable experience.
• Experience with PathWave, AWR, CST, HFSS or similar EDA environment.
• Experience with high power RF systems.
• Experience with RF circuit design.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in control system theory and techniques.
• Experience with klystrons or gyrotrons.
• Experience making measurements with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, RF network analyzers, RF power meters.
• Experience troubleshooting complex technical systems that include RF generating equipment, AC/DC power supplies, high voltage (>10kV) power supplies, and control systems.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge fusion energy research at ORNL, supporting critical experimental infrastructure in collaboration with leading scientists and engineers.

Special Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

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.

• 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
• Employee Discounts

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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.