Control Systems Infrastructure Engineer III

Date: Nov 10, 2024

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 13715 

 

Overview:    

The Controls Integration Group at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) seeks a Control Systems Infrastructure Engineer III who will focus on maintaining, troubleshooting and improving the infrastructure supporting the SNS Integrated Controls System (ICS). The SNS ICS is distributed control system based on the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) and relies on reliable and extensible computing and networking infrastructure and reliable software management and deployment. This position resides in the Controls Integration Group in the Control Systems Section of the Research Accelerator Division in the Neutrons Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The group is responsible for developing fully integrated control system solutions to deliver safe, high reliability beam to the SNS instruments for science. Typical systems are based on PLC and FPGA hardware that is integrated into EPICS. 

 

As part of our team, you will work closely with control system engineers and accelerator operators to support, maintain and improve the ICS for the SNS accelerator and target complex. The position involves a high level of independent judgment, research, creativity, initiative and decision-making with focus on networking and EPICS infrastructure for the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS). 

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

  • Overall responsibility for the development and maintenance of the SNS ICS infrastructure to ensure SNS operations at >= 90% during scheduled run periods. 

  • Support the scientific mission of the SNS Accelerator by performing routine maintenance procedures and resolving operational issues quickly and safely, including rotating on-call activities. 

  • Maintain and update control system software and hardware with security updates, software patches and configurations adjustments to ensure compliance with most recent cyber security policies. 

  • Monitor control system network traffic for security and performance anomalies. 

  • Identify, document, and improve Control System infrastructure bottlenecks, for example addressing issues with network throughput due to EPICS broadcast traffic. 

  • Maintain firewall exceptions for Integrated Control System network. 

  • Maintain a database of active devices and allocate network resources for new devices.

  • Manage network remote access and EPICS access permissions. 

  • Maintain documentation and as-built drawings of infrastructure systems and links. 

  • Support upgrade projects by installing and configuring devices that enable Ethernet, Serial, EtherIP, etc. communication with Input/Output controllers. 

  • Perform quality assurance verification of purchased off-the-shelf and custom equipment. 

  • Work closely with group engineers, operators, and technicians. 

  • Perform work in accordance with SNS work control procedures and safety guidelines. 

  • This position operates during typical daytime office hours, but some off-hours and weekend support is required to support the 24/7 operational needs of the SNS. 

  • Ensure compliance with work control, Environment, Safety and Health (ES&H) and QA requirements. 

  • As a member of the ORNL scientific community, you will be expected to commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct. Our full code of conduct, and a statement by 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 diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility by encouraging a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.  

 

Basic Qualifications: 

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

  • At least 5 years of experience developing and supporting software, computing and network infrastructure for specialized systems. 

  • Experience with EPICS control system operations, requirements and development tools. 

  • Demonstrated experience with network designs and tools (NTP, DHCP, LDAP, MFA) in Integrated Controls System environments. 

  • Experience with Linux operating system configuration and administration for control systems. Integrated Controls System environment. 

  • Experience with software build, test and deployment tools and software management infrastructure. 

  • Ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse teams of engineers, scientists, and technicians. 

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Experience with Cisco networking equipment. 

  • Experience with at least one real-time operating systems such as VxWorks or RTEMS. 

  • Familiarity with standards and policies surrounding distributed systems like Machine Protection System and Timing Distribution. 

  • Experience with at least one real-time operating systems such as Xenomai Linux, VxWorks or RTEMS. 

  • Experience with embedded Linux. 

  • Demonstrated experience with EPICS control system. 

  • Experience with one or more of the following instrumentation and electronics systems: Versa Module Europa (VME) platform, MicroTCA platform, programmable logic controller (PLC). 

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

  • Familiarity with virtualization of resources using VmWare or other tools. 

  • Self-motivated and proactive individual who works well with others. 

 

Special Requirements:  

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

 

Benefits at 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. Relocation Assistance is available for certain positions. 

 

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov or call 1.866.963.9545. 

 

#LI-DC1 

 

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.

 

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.


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.


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