Group Leader, Data Acquisition Software

We are seeking a Group Lead for our Data Acquisition (DAQ) Software Group who will focus on managing and leading a team of control software engineers to develop, maintain and support software for neutron instrument data acquisition, sample environment equipment, and experiment planning. This position resides in the Neutron Instrument Technologies Section, Neutron Technologies Division,Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

The DAQ Software Group designs, develops, maintains, supports and upgrades instrument data acquisition and controls solutions, including the software and computing infrastructure for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) neutron instruments. The software is based on the EPICS framework and integrates various neutron detector systems, sample environment equipment, and experiment planning tools for reliable and continuous instrument operation.

As Group Leader, you will manage and direct a team of software engineers and Linux system administrators to pursue excellence in their field, develop novel solutions, and support the neutron user program. The position reports to and works closely with the Neutron Instruments Technologies Section Head to implement the group’s vision and working strategy; foster and support group members in their career development;

plan and execute projects; elevate the group to become the world leading group in the field.

• Develop and articulate a long-term vision and strategy for maintaining, modernizing, and enhancing data acquisition, software, and computing infrastructure that supports the neutron scattering instrument suites.
• Plan and lead major modernization efforts, including the transition of instrument control systems from LabVIEW to EPICS, ensuring robust architectures and sustainable solutions.
• Provide effective leadership for the team, including performance evaluations, setting annual objectives, supporting staff development, fostering a safe and inclusive work environment, and maintaining focus on priority tasks.
• Build and sustain world-class technical expertise within the group by recruiting top talent, fostering professional growth, and cultivating a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Ensure compliance with established procedures, standards, and policies, while also developing new policies and best practices that promote efficient, coherent, and maintainable software and computing workflows.
• Lead by example through hands‑on technical contributions, offering architectural guidance, reviewing designs, and mentoring staff on modern software, computing, and data‑acquisition practices.
• Support the Section Head in operational and administrative activities, including preparation of group budgets, contribution to monthly DOE reports, tracking progress of work, and evaluating completed tasks.
• Coach and mentor staff in Battelle’s "Safe Conduct of Research" principles, ensuring that safety, integrity, and responsible conduct guide all work practices.
• 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.

• A BS degree in computer science, computer engineering, physics science 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 technical expertise which includes one or more of the following: data acquisition systems for scientific research; high-level software for assisting scientific experiments; or software and hardware solutions for scientific user facilities.

• Advanced degree in computer science, engineering, physics, or a related scientific or technical discipline.
• Experience working in a scientific user facility, ideally within neutron scattering, synchrotron light sources, or…