Technician - High Power Radiofrequency

UT-Battelle; Farragut (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits program

On-site fitness

Banking facilities

Cafeteria

Job summary

UT-Battelle's Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a technician to upgrade, maintain, and operate over 100 high power RF transmitter systems used to accelerate a charged particle beam. You'll lead day-to-day operations in the RF group, ensuring reliability, safety, and 99 percent availability.

You will collaborate with engineers and scientists to design upgrades, test equipment, and mentor craft workers. This on-site role requires an AS in electrical engineering or related field, plus 5 years of

Qualifications

• AS in electrical engineering, EE tech or related field with at least 5 years of related experience.
• Experience using RF transmitting equipment in science, broadcast, military, RADAR, or medical applications.
• Experience troubleshooting complex technical systems.
• Experience using test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operation and maintenance of the Spallation Neutron Source HPRF Systems.
• Work with engineering to design, develop, and install upgrades to existing systems.
• Test and fix a variety of equipment in support of high availability operations.
• Provide occasional call-in support.

Skills

RF knowledge

Team leadership

Safety awareness

Analytical thinking

Education

AS in electrical engineering or related

Tools

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Network analyzers

Job description

Overview

The Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a technician who will focus on the upgrade, maintenance, and operation of high-power radiofrequency systems. As part of our team, you will be responsible for leading the day-to-day operation of over 100 high power radiofrequency (HPRF) transmitter systems used to accelerate a charged particle beam. The HPRF systems include vacuum tube-based amplifiers, solid state amplifiers, AC and DC power supplies, PLC and printed circuit board-based control systems, waveguide, transmission lines, resonant cavities, couplers, and other components necessary for the production and transmission of RF power. Your tasks will include solving complex technical problems, developing system upgrades, and supervising craft working on the systems under your care. Our team includes engineers, scientists, and other technicians. In this role, the primary goal is to provide the most reliable RF systems possible, safely, with 99 percent availability. Off-hours work may be necessary to maintain these high availability goals. This position resides in the Radio Frequency Group in the Accelerator Systems Section, Research Accelerator Division.

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Lead the daily operation and maintenance of the Spallation Neutron Source HPRF Systems.
• Work with engineering to design, develop, and install upgrades to existing systems.
• Test and fix a variety of equipment in support of high availability operations.
• Provide occasional call-in support.
• 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

• An AS in electrical engineering, electrical engineering technology or related field with at least 5 years of related experience. If the candidate has no formal degree, an equivalent number of years of experience and training will also be considered.
• Experience using RF transmitting equipment in science, broadcast, military, RADAR, or medical applications.
• Experience troubleshooting complex technical systems.
• Experience using test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and network analyzers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• 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 on time and adapt to evolving needs

Special Requirements

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

About 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.

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.