Lead, Instrumentation & Controls Engineer (Hybrid Eligible)

Date: Jan 23, 2026

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 15822 

 

Overview:  

We are seeking an experienced instrumentation & controls engineer who will focus on leading the design, development and procurement of ITER I&C control systems including instruments, pilot valve enclosures, control panels, junction boxes, and control system software.  In this role you will interface with mechanical engineering, system engineering, multi-disciplinary analysis teams, vendors, and personnel at the ITER headquarters in France to realize optimal design solutions in compliance with ITER requirements. Working closely with quality assurance and procurement officers, you will serve the role of Technical Project Officer (TPO) for I&C contracts. This position resides in the Instrumentation & Controls team in the Engineering Systems, US ITER project, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).  

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Assumes responsibility as a task lead directing aspects of work interdisciplinary team of I&C engineers, mechanical engineers, designers and analysts on development of detailed design for systems such as high-power RF, microwave, and diagnostic residual gas analyzers.
  • Responsible for I&C design which include documents such as piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), cable block diagrams (CBD), specification of programmable logic controller (PLC) systems, control panel layouts with enclosure heat load calculations, wiring and interconnect diagrams, power distribution single line diagrams, control system input/output lists, and development of control strategies and state transition diagrams.
  • Evaluates needs and develops solutions to technical issues within scope
  • Write procedures and participate in qualification of instrumentation for high magnetic field, EMI/EMC, gamma and neutron radiation, etc.
  • Oversee the management of development and fabrication contracts with industry.
    • Evaluate vendor proposals for I&C equipment.
    • Manage configuration control activities during design and fabrication phases
    • Specify US ITER intervention points (hold points, witness points, customer inspections) during fabrication and participate/oversee these activities
    • Evaluate fabrication deviation requests and non-conformances from industrial suppliers
  • 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 electrical, nuclear or mechanical engineering, or related technical field
  • A minimum of 8 years of experience in I&C engineering design with hands-on experience, including the following:
    • P&ID preparation
    • PLC system design
    • Enclosure design
    • Cable design
    • Control software design
  • Demonstrated ability to independently evaluate problems, investigate and propose solutions, perform calculations, apply industry codes and standards, and document design and fabrication activities.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory
  • Willingness and ability to travel to domestically and to ITER site in southern France.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • MS degree in engineering
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant technical and project management experience demonstrating comprehensive understanding of design and manufacturing of high-power RF, microwave, cooling water, magnets, and/or vacuum system components for large-scale science or nuclear facilities
  • Familiarity with DOE procurement guidelines
  • Familiarity with European and French codes, standards, and regulatory requirements, especially those for pressure equipment, rotating, and electrical equipment
  • Familiarity with U.S. codes and standards for design and construction
  • Experience in the commercial nuclear industry and/or with fusion research and development.
  • Experience working in an international environment
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

 

Special Requirements:

This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.

 

Hybrid Eligibility:

This position is located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee and requires onsite presence. We offer a flexible work environment that supports both the organization and the employee. A hybrid/onsite working arrangement may be available with this position, which provides flexibility to work periodically from your home, while reporting onsite to the Oak Ridge, Tennessee location on a weekly and regular basis.

 

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.

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.


Nearest Major Market: Knoxville