Neutron Chopper Instrument Systems Technician
Date: Mar 11, 2026
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 16096
Overview:
We are seeking a Neutron Chopper Instrument Systems Technician who will focus on the installation, operation, and maintenance of neutron chopper systems at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). This position resides in the SNS Operations Support Group in the SNS Beamline Operations Section, Neutron Scattering Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
As part of this team, you will be responsible for establishing and maintaining robust and reliable operations of neutron chopper systems across a suite of 20 scattering instruments at a facility that operate 24/7 during periods of neutron production. Technicians must be cognizant of operational parameters and ancillary equipment and provide operational support to the scientific programs conducted on those instruments. The technician will coordinate with beamline and other facility staff to troubleshoot faults and schedule maintenance and support a safety-minded and operations-oriented culture among team members.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
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Participate in the assembly, maintenance, installation, testing and commissioning of neutron chopper
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systems.
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Responsible for all operating chopper system ancillary equipment.
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Technical support of installed beamline chopper systems operation.
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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:
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An AS degree in a technical field with at least 2 years of relevant experience.
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A high school diploma may be considered with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience.
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Experience in assembly, installation, operations, and repair of electro-mechanical components.
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Must be capable of responding to urgent requests and willing to work a flexible schedule when required to support a 24/7 user facility.
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience with vacuum, magnets, water, power distribution, and instrumentation/controls systems.
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Experience with rotating machinery/engines or machine/parts tolerancing.
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Ability to document technical processes clearly and work effectively within a collaborative laboratory setting.
Special Requirements:
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Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
- Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
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.
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