SNS Controls Integration Group Leader Position

["White, Karen S. via Tech-talk" <tech-talk at aps.anl.gov>]

The Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory seeks a group leader for the Controls Integration Group. Please see the position description and application link below and feel free to contact me (whiteks at ornl.gov) with any questions.

 

Best regards,

 

Karen

-- 

Karen S. White

Control Systems Section Head

Spallation Neutron Source

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

 

Apply at:

 

https://jobs.ornl.gov/job/Oak-Ridge-Group-Leader%2C-Controls-Integration-TN-37830/1297311500/

 

Group Leader, Controls Integration

Date: Jun 6, 2025

Location: Oak Ridge, TN, US, 37830

Company: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Requisition Id 14991 

 

Overview:

We are seeking a Group Leader for the Controls Integration Group in the Neutron Sciences Research Accelerator Division (NScD RAD) at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). Selection will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, skills, and education. The group leader will provide leadership to the Controls Integration Group in the Control Systems Section to strategically advance reliable design and integration of collaborative control system solutions for the SNS consistent with ORNL’s aspiration to be the world’s premier R&D institution and ORNL’s science culture.

 

The Controls Integration Group designs, develops, maintains, supports and upgrades integrated high reliability control system solutions, including computing and network infrastructure, hardware, firmware and software for the SNS Integrated Controls System (ICS) which controls the SNS particle accelerator and target facilities. The ICS is based on the Experimental and Industrial Control System (EPICS) framework shared by many scientific user facilities and integrates a variety of hardware platforms including VME, Allen Bradley PLCs, µTCA and ethernet to deliver a unified product for SNS machine operations. These control system solutions are used to effectively and efficiently operate the SNS complex and, where common challenges exist, are sharable within the international scientific user facility control systems community. The Controls Integration Group Leader leads a group of engineers and technicians to pursue excellence in their field, work collaboratively and develop individual capabilities and impact. The Controls Integration Group Leader reports to and works closely with the Control Systems Section Head to implement the group’s technical vision; develop group members to enable their career advancement; establish capabilities that enable the SNS user program to be successful and incorporate distributed control system best practices.

 

Major Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Establish a vision to successfully create and foster the high reliability SNS ICS to support facility goals of >90% reliability and 5000 hours of operation each year.
• Lead and manage a group of control system engineers and technicians to design, development, implement and operate control systems for the SNS machine and test facilities.
• Provide technical expertise on large, distributed control system hardware, software, and infrastructure; analyze performance issues; propose and implement solutions.
• Provide scientific leadership in control system research, shaping strategic direction and driving innovation in support of DOE mission objectives.
• Work with each group member to establish performance goals consistent with the overall control system and SNS objectives and plan professional development activities for staff.
• Lead and manage group projects to support machine improvements and control system sustainability; execute projects within planned schedule and budget.
• Collaborate with the broader accelerator control system community to develop and share solutions across to multiple facilities. Lead a team of engineers to conduct engineering research in control system challenges such as integration of infrastructure for AL/ML research, control system cyber security and EPICS modernization.
• Lead by example exercising the principles in “ORNL’s Research Code of Conduct” and Battelle’s “Safe Conduct of Research”
• Ensure all work is conducted following ORNL and SNS ESH&Q, work control, cyber security and design change guidelines.
• 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 computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field with at least 15 years of relevant experience; an MS degree with a minimum of 12 years of experience; or a PhD with at least 6 years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing technical teams and projects to deliver as planned.
• Demonstrated experience leading the design and development of reliable, integrated control system solutions for accelerator and/or large experimental physics user facilities.
• Expert knowledge of modern, large, distributed, integrated control systems solutions including commercial, collaborative and custom hardware, firmware and software as used in scientific user facilities.
• Ability to write technical documents, develop project cost and schedule estimates and communicate clearly to a variety of technical and leadership personnel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced engineering or scientific degree.
• Experience at a scientific user facility and knowledge of particle accelerators and common subsystems.
• Experience managing a large, EPICS based control system for a scientific user facility.
• Experience in managing collaborative control system development projects.
• Experience with one or more of the following hardware platforms: VME, PLC, µTCA, FPGA.
• Knowledge of current government cyber security orders and best practices for industrial control systems cyber security.

Special Requirements:

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

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. Relocation Assistance is available for certain positions.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting at ornl.gov.

 

#LI-LK1

 

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 at 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.