Control System Infrastructure Engineer

Overview:    

The Controls Integration Group at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is seeking a Control Systems Infrastructure Engineer II to support, maintain, and enhance the infrastructure that underpins the SNS Integrated Control System (ICS).  The SNS ICS is a distributed control system based on the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS). It depends on reliable, scalable computing and networking infrastructure, along with robust software management and deployment practices.  This position resides in the Controls Integration Group within the Control Systems Section of the Research Accelerator Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at ORNL. The group develops fully integrated control system solutions to safely deliver highly reliable beam to SNS instruments in support of scientific research. Typical systems integrate PLC and FPGA hardware platforms within the EPICS framework. 

As a member of the team, you will work closely with control system engineers and accelerator operators to support and evolve the computing infrastructure and software environment for the SNS Control System. The role requires independent judgment, initiative, and technical creativity, with a strong focus on hardware and virtual machine-based infrastructure as well as software lifecycle management in a high availability environment. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support SNS accelerator operations by performing routine maintenance and resolving operational issues quickly and safely. 

• Maintain and upgrade control system hardware and software infrastructure including servers, virtual machines, EPICS Input/Output Controllers (IOCs), Operator Interfaces (OPIs) and networking. 

• Maintain EPICS services, including data archiving, alarming, and gateway services; monitor performance and plan upgrades as needed. 

• Monitor and analyze system health and resource utilization for critical infrastructure components, including IOCs, MicroTCA crates, OPIs, and EPICS services. 

• Administer configuration management tools to ensure consistent and repeatable deployments across IOCs, Servers and OPI systems. 

• Maintain accurate documentation, network diagrams, and as-built infrastructure records. 

• Ensure reliable backup and rapid restoration of operational data, IOC runtime configurations, logs, operator screens, and software repositories. 

• Perform quality assurance verification for commercial off-the-shelf and custom hardware. 

• Collaborate effectively with engineers, operators, and technicians across the organization. 

• Perform all work in accordance with SNS work control procedures, Environment, Safety and Health (ES&H), and Quality Assurance (QA) requirements. 

This position primarily operates during standard business hours; however, periodic off-hours and weekend support is required to meet the 24/7 operational needs of SNS. 

Basic Qualifications:

• A BS degree in a relevant discipline (such as information technology, computer science, engineering, or project management), plus two or more years of relevant experience. 

• Demonstrated experience administering and configuring various operating systems in a large-scale distributed control system or similar operational environment. 

• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, scientists, and technical staff. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with at least one real-time operating system (e.g., Linux RT, VxWorks, or RTEMS). 

• Experience with embedded Linux systems. 

• Experience supporting databases, virtualization clusters, or enterprise storage systems. 

• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks, particularly NIST SP 800-53 and NIST SP 800-82. 

• Experience with EPICS-based control systems. 

• Exposure to infrastructure supporting AI/ML applications. 

• Experience with instrumentation and electronics platforms such as VME, MicroTCA, or PLC-based systems. 

• Familiarity with software configuration management tools in large, distributed environments. 

• Experience with virtualization technologies such as VMware. 

• Self-motivated, proactive, and effective in team-oriented environments. 
  

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.  

Benefits at ORNL: