Control System Software Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory•Oak Ridge, TN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Controls Integration Group at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is seeking an entry-level Control System Software Engineer who will focus on control system applications, system development, and operations support. This position is part of the Controls Integration Group within the Control Systems Section, Research Accelerator Division of the Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The group is responsible for maintaining and improving fully integrated control systems for the SNS Accelerator to ensure safe, high-reliability beam delivery to the target. These systems typically utilize PLC, VME, or MicroTCA hardware, integrated using the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) framework. This position reports to the Controls Integration Group Leader. The group is currently focused on modernizing the control system environment. Ongoing upgrade projects include replacing legacy equipment with modern solutions, expanding those associated applications, and enhancing the control room operator experience using the latest software tools.

Requirements

A BS degree in engineering, computer science or related field
Demonstrated programming experience in modern object-oriented programming languages, preferably C++
Proficiency with collaborative software development tools and practices, such as software debugger, version control, issue tracking, documentation

Nice To Haves

Experience developing applications or systems programming in a Linux environment
Demonstrated experience with embedded systems and/or systems programming
Experience with EPICS or a similar toolkit for developing distributed control systems
Exposure to additional programming languages, such as C, Python, Java or similar
Familiarity with real-time operating systems and software practices
Prior experience working in a scientific user facility
Experience with GitLab and CI/CD pipelines
Hands-on experience with in-field troubleshooting of software and hardware interfaces

Responsibilities

Support modernization efforts by developing EPICS applications to support embedded and FPGA based systems.
Help upgrade existing EPICS applications and user interfaces.
Complete verification, deployment, and system integration of EPICS applications for production use.
Support the scientific mission of SNS by developing reliable, maintainable software for accelerator and target control systems as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Collaborate with group members, scientific staff and operations personnel to design, develop, maintain, and improve EPICS-based control systems.
Maintain and support existing production software, including performing troubleshooting and resolving bugs.
Create and maintain software documentation and accompanying training materials.
Adhere to Software Quality Assurance procedures, including managing source code in a central repository with version control systems and developing comprehensive software testing procedures.
Provide operational support, troubleshooting, and system improvements for accelerator and target control systems. While typical work hours are office-based, occasional off-hours or weekend support may be required to meet user facility needs.
Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality procedures and programs.
As a member of the ORNL scientific community, commit to ORNL’s Research Code of Conduct.
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.