Lead, Instrumentation & Controls Engineer
Date: Jul 23, 2026
Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830
Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Requisition Id 16828
Overview:
We are seeking an experienced instrumentation & controls (I&C) 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, systems 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:
- Work with 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.
- 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:
- BS in electrical, nuclear or mechanical engineering, or related technical field
- A minimum of 5 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 seven 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
- 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.
- Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibilty Requiirements:
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.
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.
Nearest Major Market: Knoxville