Group Lead, Neutron Systems Engineering

Requisition Id 15385 

­­Overview:  

We’re hiring a Group Leader in Neutron Systems Engineering to oversee critical computing infrastructure for data acquisition, analysis, management, and instrument control systems, while collaborating with ITSD staff, scientific users, and colleagues in the Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate (CCSD). This position reports directly to the Research Computing Support Division Director.

NScD operates the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), supporting 32 instruments and hundreds of servers for neutron scattering research. These facilities enable more than 1,000 experiments annually across diverse scientific disciplines for over 3,000 visiting researchers.

This position resides in the Neutron Systems Engineering group in the Research Computing Support division, in the Information Technology Services Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).   The group provides computing expertise and technical support to the Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) and the Neutron Upgrades Project Office (NUPO).

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the group to ensure the success of new and ongoing technical projects and position the group to support NScD’s mission effectively.
• Communicate updates, requirements, and changes clearly to stakeholders and within ITSD.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to the team leader, task leader, and group members.
• Lead efforts to modernize and enhance infrastructure and maintain resilient operations.
• Contribute to software development supporting reactor and accelerator operations and the ORNL neutron user program.
• Ensure adherence to operational standards, safety guidelines, and compliance requirements; support reviews and audits to maintain operational excellence.
• Recruit, develop, and retain staff committed to providing high-quality support for neutron research.
• Support the Division Director through communications, strategic planning, and division-wide initiatives as required.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and documentation to inform decision-making; manage budgets, expenses, and resource allocations.

• 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 computer science, computer engineering, information technology, information systems, science, engineering, business, or a related discipline and a minimum of ten (10) to twelve (12) years of aligned professional experience is required for consideration. An overall combination of equivalent education and experience may be considered.

• Masters and PhD degree holders in the same fields of study are also encouraged to apply:
• Masters’ holders should have a minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) years of relevant and aligned experience.
• PhD holders should have a minimum of six (6) to seven (7) years of relevant and aligned experience.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of management experience is required for consideration.
• Demonstrated management skills, including experience managing budgets and personnel.
• Proven ability to effectively communicate complex IT solutions, both in writing and through oral presentations, to diverse audiences including staff, senior executives, external regulators, DOE officials, and external customers.
• Demonstrated skill in building consensus across a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including internal and external organizations, regulatory agencies, peer groups, and the research community.
• Strong knowledge of a wide range of IT services relevant to research support, including network infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data management, software development, and IT support operations for Linux and Windows systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of cybersecurity principles necessary to protect the interests of ORNL and DOE.
• Experience in a scientific research computing environment or other large-scale user facility.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of IT support requirements across Department of Energy (DOE) environments.
• Experience managing network infrastructure, operating systems, and delivering effective user support.
• Experience training and mentoring groups and individuals in complex technical environments.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with demonstrated personal initiative and motivation.
• Knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, including design, integration, and optimization to improve processes and business performance.

Special Requirements:

•  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:
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.

For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.  Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.  

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family.

Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added 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, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

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

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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.

If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

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.