Protection Systems Engineer

We are seeking a Protection Systems Engineer who will focus on implementing and maintaining high-reliability electronic safety interlock systems. SNS Protection Systems are electronic safety interlock systems based on Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) technology. These systems protect personnel from unique hazards, mainly prompt ionizing radiation and oxygen deficiency hazards arising from SNS operations. The PSG manages all life-cycle phases of the safety interlock equipment used in Personnel Protection Systems (PPS) for the accelerator, target, instruments, and research test enclosures at SNS. Their duties include maintaining documentation, ensuring operation, and performing maintenance after these systems are active. This involves generating system documentation, PLC programming, creating procedures, performing annual certification tests, and addressing any unexpected issues or failures.  

As part of the PSG, you will collaborate with scientists, engineers, technicians, management, and operations to ensure the functionality and integrity of the protection systems is always maintained, which may require responding off-hours to unexpected behaviors, malfunctions, or failures. In this role, you will address a wide range of problems by choosing the most effective solution from existing options or creating new ones when needed. This position resides in the Protection Systems Group in the Control Systems Section, Research Accelerator Division, Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).    

Major Duties/Responsibilities:   

• Act as a system engineer for safety interlock and control systems. 

• Work as part of a team to develop and maintain high reliability engineered controls used to protect personnel at SNS from potential facility hazards. 

• Analyze, troubleshoot and resolve unexpected behaviors, malfunctions, or failures (may require off-hours response). 

• Translate customer needs into operational system requirements. 

• Develop or modify test plans and procedures. 

• Direct tests and procedures that demonstrate systems readiness. 

• Implement SNS configuration management processes for configuration controlled equipment and assist other groups in maintaining configuration of equipment affecting safety critical systems. 

• Ensure and monitor compliance with environment, safety, health, (ESH) and quality assurance (QA) program requirements   

• Promptly identify and communicate ESH and QA issues to group and division management and ESH and QA contacts. 

• 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 engineering, computer science, or a related field. 

• Basic knowledge of PLC systems, industrial automation, or control systems, along with familiarity using standard electronic tools, test equipment, and instrumentation (academic or internship experience acceptable). 

• Strong problem-solving skills demonstrated through troubleshooting, coursework, or hands-on projects. 

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams in project or lab environments. 

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain technical concepts to varied audiences. 

• Willingness to support occasional off-hours operational needs.  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with implementation of Allen-Bradley ControlLogix® and GuardLogix® PLC industrial controls and software. 

• Experience with PLC based systems, PLC programming and the application of Ethernet based industrial communication networks. 

• Experience with system engineering principles and application with a wide range of knowledge in associated disciplines such as requirements development and testing methodologies. 

• Experience developing policies, procedures, and guidelines for the implementation of high reliability systems. 

• Experience developing systems within the framework of IEC 15288, IEC 61508, IEC 61511, or IEC 62061. 

Special Requirements: 

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

• Physical environment varies between office, laboratory, and field locations. Job requires occasionally walking up to a mile over an eight-hour shift, ability to climb stairs and ladders, occasional crouching, kneeling or stooping to access equipment, and moving objects up to 25 lbs.