System Development Jobs in Knoxville, TN (NOW HIRING)

The Controls Integration Group at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is seeking an entry level Control System Software Engineer who will focus on control system applications, system development and operations support. This position is part of the Controls Integration Group within the Control Systems Section, Research Accelerator Division of the Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). 

The group is responsible for maintaining and improving fully integrated control systems for the SNS Accelerator to ensure safe, high-reliability beam delivery to the target. These systems typically utilize PLC, VME, or MicroTCA hardware, integrated using the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) framework. 

This position reports to the Controls Integration Group Leader. The group is currently focused on modernizing the control system environment. Ongoing upgrade projects include replacing legacy equipment with modern solutions, expanding those associated applications, and enhancing the control room operator experience using the latest software tools. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support modernization efforts by developing EPICS applications to support embedded and FPGA based systems. 

• Help upgrade existing EPICS applications and user interfaces. 

• Complete verification, deployment, and system integration of EPICS applications for production use. 

• Support the scientific mission of SNS by developing reliable, maintainable software for accelerator and target control systems as part of a multidisciplinary team. 

• Collaborate with group members, scientific staff and operations personnel to design, develop, maintain, and improve EPICS-based control systems. 

• Maintain and support existing production software, including performing troubleshooting and resolving bugs. 

• Create and maintain software documentation and accompanying training materials.  

• Adhere to Software Quality Assurance procedures, including managing source code in a central repository with version control systems and developing comprehensive software testing procedures. 

• Provide operational support, troubleshooting, and system improvements for accelerator and target control systems. While typical work hours are office-based, occasional off-hours or weekend support may be required to meet user facility needs. 

• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality procedures and programs.   

• As a member of the ORNL scientific community, commit to ORNL’s Research Code of Conduct. The full code of conduct and a statement from the Lab Director’s office can be found here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/research-integrity 

• 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 

• A BS degree in engineering, computer science or related field 

• Demonstrated programming experience in modern object-oriented programming languages, preferably C++ 

• Proficiency with collaborative software development tools and practices, such as software debugger, version control, issue tracking, documentation 
  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience developing applications or systems programming in a Linux environment 

• Demonstrated experience with embedded systems and/or systems programming 

• Experience with EPICS or a similar toolkit for developing distributed control systems 

• Exposure to additional programming languages, such as C, Python, Java or similar 

• Familiarity with real-time operating systems and software practices 

• Prior experience working in a scientific user facility 

• Experience with GitLab and CI/CD pipelines 

• Hands-on experience with in-field troubleshooting of software and hardware interfaces 

Special Requirements: 

• Physical Requirements: Work involves some physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer. 

• Visa sponsorship is not available.  
  

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

• 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. 

Benefits at ORNL: