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Control Research Scientist Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Senior Research Scientist

Oak Ridge, TN · On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

The Senior Research Scientist leads research and development activities related to semiconductor ... Crystal growth or impurity control. * Detector modeling. * Regulated product development ...

Senior Research Scientist

Oak Ridge, TN

$94K - $120K/yr

The Senior Research Scientist leads research and development activities related to semiconductor ... Crystal growth or impurity control. * Detector modeling. * Regulated product development ...

Information Technology (IT), Clinical Research, Rehabilitation Therapy and Nursing. Our client is a ... C of finished product and raw materials, and to support the Quality Manager in the running of the ...

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Control Research Scientist information

What is a control research scientist?

Control research scientists are experts who study, design, and develop control systems to manage the behavior of dynamic systems in fields like engineering, robotics, and automation. Their work involves creating mathematical models, algorithms, and technologies that help systems operate efficiently and respond to changing conditions. They often collaborate with engineers and other scientists to solve complex problems and improve performance in applications such as manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a control research scientist?

To thrive as a Control Research Scientist, you need a solid background in control theory, applied mathematics, and engineering, often supported by a Ph.D. in electrical, mechanical, or aerospace engineering. Familiarity with simulation software such as MATLAB/Simulink, programming languages like Python or C++, and experience with modeling and data analysis tools are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for designing advanced control systems, conducting impactful research, and effectively sharing findings with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What are some common collaboration dynamics for a control research scientist within multidisciplinary teams?

Control Research Scientists often work closely with professionals from various fields, such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and data science. Collaboration typically involves jointly developing algorithms, integrating control systems into prototypes, and troubleshooting experimental results. Strong communication skills are essential, as you’ll regularly present findings, discuss technical challenges, and coordinate with both research and implementation teams. This multidisciplinary environment fosters innovation but also requires adaptability to different working styles and technical languages.

What is the difference between Control Research Scientist vs Control Engineer?

AspectControl Research ScientistControl Engineer
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in Engineering, Control Systems, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, R&D departmentsIndustrial settings, manufacturing, automation projects
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, tech companiesManufacturers, aerospace, automotive, process industries

Control Research Scientists focus on developing new control algorithms and conducting advanced research, often in academic or R&D settings. Control Engineers apply existing control theories to design, implement, and optimize control systems in industrial environments. While both roles require strong knowledge of control systems, the Control Research Scientist emphasizes innovation and theoretical development, whereas the Control Engineer emphasizes practical application and system deployment.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Control Research Scientist jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Control Research Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Control Research Scientist job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Senior Research Scientist

Ametek

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

$94K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


AMETEK rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

92nd of 159 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

The Senior Research Scientist leads research and development activities related to semiconductor radiation detector technology used in ORTEC gamma-ray spectroscopy and radiation measurement products. This role is responsible for advancing detector performance, semiconductor fabrication processes, and future technology capabilities while working closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, customers, suppliers, universities, and national laboratories.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Research:
  • Lead experimental programs focused on detector materials evaluation, device optimization, fabrication process improvement, and advanced detector concepts.
  • Develop and improve semiconductor fabrication methods, including: ion implantation, diffusion, wet chemical processing, etching, surface preparation, metallization, contact formation, passivation
  • Evaluate emerging detector materials, architectures, external research opportunities, and strategic partnerships that support ORTEC product strategy.
  • Represent ORTEC in technical reviews, scientific conferences, customer discussions, internal leadership reviews, and technology roadmap planning.

Process Development & Manufacturing Support:
  • Partner with manufacturing teams to improve detector yield, repeatability, reliability, throughput, process control, and final performance testing.
  • Collaborate with electronics, mechanical, cryogenic, software, systems, manufacturing, and quality teams to optimize complete detector systems.
  • Balance scientific innovation with manufacturability, quality, reliability, schedule, cost, and customer application requirements.

Scientific Analysis & Continuous Improvement:
  • Apply strong experimental design, data analysis, root-cause investigation, and evidence-based decision-making practices.
  • Maintain disciplined documentation, intellectual property protection, safety, quality, and continuous improvement standards.
  • Manage multiple research, process development, and product-support priorities simultaneously.

AI and Technology Enablement:
  • Demonstrate the ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and cost efficiency.
  • Identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs.

Requirements
Education & Experience:
  • PhD required in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related scientific discipline.
  • Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in:
      • Semiconductor detector development
      • Semiconductor fabrication
      • Detector materials research
      • Radiation detection technology
      • Advanced semiconductor process development
  • Demonstrated experience with semiconductor fabrication and process techniques, including ion implantation, diffusion, wet chemical processing, etching, surface preparation, passivation, metallization, and contact formation.
  • Record of technical accomplishment through commercial product impact, patents, publications, conference presentations, funded research, or recognized scientific contributions preferred.

Technical Qualifications:
Detector Physics & Radiation Detection Expertise
  • Deep understanding of:
      • Semiconductor physics
      • HPGe and other semiconductor detector technologies
      • Gamma-ray interactions
      • Charge transport and trapping
      • Leakage mechanisms
      • Charge collection
      • Cryogenic operation
      • Detector performance characterization
  • Experience working with detector performance metrics, including: energy resolution, efficiency, capacitance, noise, long-term stability

Technical Leadership & Collaboration:
  • Strong communication and technical leadership skills with the ability to influence across R&D, manufacturing, quality, product management, sales, customer organizations, and external research partners.
  • Ability to mentor scientists, engineers, and technical staff in detector physics, semiconductor process development, experimental methods, and performance analysis.
  • Strong scientific judgment, technical curiosity, ownership mentality, and commitment to high-quality technical execution.

Preferred Experience:
  • Direct HPGe detector development.
  • Gamma-ray spectroscopy instrumentation.
  • Crystal growth or impurity control.
  • Detector modeling.
  • Regulated product development environments.
  • Collaboration with national laboratories, universities, or government agencies.

Working Environment
  • Work closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, product management, customers, suppliers, universities, and national laboratories.
  • Represent ORTEC externally through customer engagements, research collaborations, technical reviews, and scientific conferences.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required for customer, supplier, research, and conference activities.

About the Business Unit
Headquartered in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, ORTEC is part of Advanced Measurement Technology (AMT) within the Materials Analysis Division of AMETEK, Inc. ORTEC is a global leader in the design and manufacture of precision radiation detectors, nuclear instrumentation, analysis software, and integrated measurement systems. Founded in 1960 by scientists from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, ORTEC has built a long-standing reputation for technical excellence, reliability, and innovation in nuclear measurement solutions.
ORTEC's product portfolio includes high purity germanium (HPGe) radiation detectors, scintillation detectors, digital spectrometers, analysis software, and turnkey spectroscopy systems used across homeland security, nuclear safeguards, health physics, waste assay, radiopharmaceuticals, and scientific research applications. ORTEC solutions are trusted by government agencies, nuclear facilities, research laboratories, universities, and industrial customers worldwide.
Visit us online:
  • www.ametek.com
  • www.ortec-online.com
  • www.sunpowerinc.com
  • www.ameteksi.com
  • www.ortec-online.com/innoriid
  • www.amptek.com

Compensation
Employee Type: Salaried
Currency: USD
Salary Minimum: 145,000
Salary Maximum: 175,000
Incentive: No
Disclaimer: Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.
For more information on AMETEK's competitive benefits, please click here.
AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global provider of industrial technology solutions serving a diverse set of attractive niche markets with annual sales over $7.5 billion.
AMETEK is committed to making a safer, sustainable, and more productive world a reality. We use differentiated technology solutions to solve our customers' most complex challenges. We employ 22,000 colleagues, in 35 countries, that are grounded by our core values: Ethics and Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. AMETEK is a component of the S&P 500. Visit https://www.ametek.com/careers for more information.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 (866) 263-8359.

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