Systems Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Benefits package

Job summary

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is seeking an IT Systems Engineer to join the CETD Systems Administration Group. You will deploy, automate, monitor, and support IT systems across research projects, working closely with ITSD to ensure reliable, scalable and secure infrastructure.

Ideal candidates bring a BS in IT, 8+ years of experience, DOE Q clearance, and strong scripting/automation skills using PowerShell or Python, with solid backup and security expertise.

Qualifications

• BS degree in IT or related field with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Active DOE Q security clearance.
• Strong automation mindset for system administration tasks.
• Experience with virtualized environments and tuning/maintenance.
• Scripting proficiency (PowerShell, Python, or equivalent).
• Experience with backup architectures and enterprise storage.
• Knowledge of IT security/compliance standards (NIST 800-53).

Responsibilities

• Deploy, automate, monitor, and support IT systems for reliability and performance.
• Collaborate with ITSD to optimize and secure IT infrastructure.
• Design, install, configure, and maintain servers, storage, backups, and VMWare clusters.
• Lead continuous improvement and document IT best practices.
• Provide technical consultation for hardware/software procurement.
• Deliver off-hours support as needed.

Skills

Automation mindset

Scripting (PowerShell, Python)

Virtualized environments

Security/compliance knowledge

Strong communication

Education

BS in IT or related field

Tools

VMware clusters

NetApp appliances

Nagios/Zabbix/SolarWinds/Ganglia

Job description

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The Centrifuge Enrichment Technology Division (CETD), within Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate, is seeking a Systems Engineer in the Systems Administration Group under the Systems & Process Assurance (SPA) Section. CETD is one of five Divisions of the Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate (ISED) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

CETD serves the nation in two critical areas: advancing enrichment technologies and exploring enriched stable isotope production and applications. The division leverages an elite staff of scientists and engineers with the world-leading capabilities of Oak Ridge National Laboratory to deliver groundbreaking advancements with a variety of applications, from national security to life-saving medical treatments.

CETD maintains a secure computer network of mid-range clusters, servers, workstations, and other services in support of the division’s projects and science missions. The IT Systems Engineer is responsible for supporting and optimizing IT infrastructure across various projects and facilities. The chosen candidate will work closely with ORNL’s Information Technology Systems Directorate (ITSD) to deploy, automate, monitor, and manage IT systems, ensuring reliable and efficient technology solutions for both research and enterprise needs.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Deploy, automate, monitor, and support IT systems to ensure reliability and performance.
• Foster a strong collaborative relationship between ESED and ITSD.
• Ensure system availability, performance, scalability, and security.
• Automate system administration tasks using PowerShell, Python, or similar tools.
• Design, install, configure, and maintain servers, storage, backups, and VMWare clusters.
• Evaluate IT architecture and recommend improvements.
• Provide technical consultation for hardware and software procurement.
• Implement process improvements and document IT best practices.
• Collaborate with ITSD staff and vendors to address technical issues and improve overall system usability.
• Ensure compliance with ORNL security policies and best practices.
• Install, configure and maintain commercial and open-source software.
• Develop and maintain disaster recovery plans, backup solutions, and failover strategies to ensure business continuity.
• Support and optimize network infrastructure, including switches, firewalls, and connectivity solutions.
• Identify and implement continuous process improvements for IT infrastructure and operations.
• Lead projects and mentor other IT staff.
• Provide off-hours support as required.
• 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:

• BS degree in IT or a related field with a minimum of 8 years relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and applicable experience.
• Active DOE Q security clearance
• Strong automation mindset for systems administration tasks.
• Experience managing virtualized environments including tuning and maintenance.
• Proficiency in scripting (PowerShell, Python, or equivalent).
• Experience with backup architectures and enterprise-class storage.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience supporting multiple organizations within a project or program.
• Experience with the marking, handling, and storage requirements of sensitive documents (e.g., CUI, ECI, UCNI, CRD, SRD).
• Knowledge of IT infrastructure security and compliance standards with a heavy focus on NIST 800-53 R5.
• Familiarity working with and administrating 802.1X.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs.
• Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Enterprise automated VM Cluster installation, configuration, and management experience.
• Experience Managing NetApp appliances
• Knowledge of multiple current operating systems.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity best practices and risk mitigation.
• Experience in an environment requiring change control processes.
• Experience with performance and diagnostic tools for benchmarking, analysis and tuning of systems, networking and storage.
• Experience with Nagios, Zabbix, SolarWinds, Ganglia, and other network and device monitoring systems.
• Experience in government, scientific, engineering or other highly technical environments.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• 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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.