RF Engineer

Requisition  Overview:

The Plasma Facing Components & Engineering (PFCE) Division at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) seeks applications for a RF engineer experienced with high power RF systems (100 kW to 500 kW) to support operations, maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and develop performance techniques for the Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment (MPEX). MPEX is a linear plasma device under construction at ORNL that enables expanded fusion reactor–relevant material science capabilities, particularly those related to plasma material interaction (PMI) research.

MPEX will deliver steady state plasmas to PMI targets with heat fluxes of 10 MW
• m-2 and particle fluences of 1031 m-2 for up to 2-weeks. The plasma source and heating (PS&H) systems use 13.56 MHz, 4-9 MHz, and 70 or 105 GHz sources to enable independent control of ion and electron temperatures, facilitating plasma conditions at the target that closely resemble those observed at the divertor region in tokamak-style fusion reactor.

The PFCE division carries out experiment-based research and development work in support of ongoing science and technology research for the U.S. DOE Fusion Energy Sciences Program.

Key Responsibilities:

Evaluate and improve RF and microwave delivery systems in support of MPEX scientific mission goals. Develop real-time methods for extinguishing RF arc faults without disrupting steady state plasma operations.

Develop maintenance plans to improve reliability and availability of RF systems.

Provide direction to technicians and craft resources for maintenance activities. Perform failure analysis of RF system and propose reliability upgrades.

Create and maintain documentation including operating procedures for RF equipment and ancillary systems.
Serve as a RF subject matter expert and participate with MPEX operations.

Work with a multidisciplinary team of research scientists and engineers in the areas of fusion energy research to maintain a high level of scientific productivity.

Provide occasional shift support for MPEX operations including call-in and off-normal work hours. Ensure a safe and efficient work environment and compliance with ESH&Q procedures and programs.

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.

Required Qualifications:

BS degree in electrical engineering, physics or related field with at least 5 years of applicable experience; master’s degree with at least 4 years of applicable experience; or PhD with at least 3 years of applicable experience.

Experience with Path Wave, AWR, CST, HFSS or similar EDA environment.

Experience with high power RF systems.

Experience with RF circuit design.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in control system theory and techniques.

Experience with klystrons or gyrotrons.

Experience making measurements with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, RF network analyzers, RF power meters.

Experience troubleshooting complex technical systems that include RF generating equipment, AC/DC power supplies, high voltage (10kV) power supplies, and control systems.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge fusion energy research at ORNL, supporting critical experimental infrastructure in collaboration with leading scientists and engineers.

Special Requirements :
For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real  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…