Group Lead, Neutron Systems Engineering

We’re hiring a Group Leader in Neutron Systems Engineering to oversee critical computing infrastructure for data acquisition, analysis, management, and instrument control systems, while collaborating with ITSD staff, scientific users, and colleagues in the Computing and Computational Sciences Directorate (CCSD). This position reports directly to the Research Computing Support Division Director.

NScD operates the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), supporting 32 instruments and hundreds of servers for neutron scattering research. These facilities enable more than 1,000 experiments annually across diverse scientific disciplines for over 3,000 visiting researchers.

This position resides in the Neutron Systems Engineering group in the Research Computing Support division, in the Information Technology Services Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The group provides computing expertise and technical support to the Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) and the Neutron Upgrades Project Office (NUPO).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a strategic vision for the group to ensure the success of new and ongoing technical projects and position the group to support NScD’s mission effectively.
• Communicate updates, requirements, and changes clearly to stakeholders and within ITSD.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and support to the team leader, task leader, and group members.
• Lead efforts to modernize and enhance infrastructure and maintain resilient operations.
• Contribute to software development supporting reactor and accelerator operations and the ORNL neutron user program.
• Ensure adherence to operational standards, safety guidelines, and compliance requirements; support reviews and audits to maintain operational excellence.
• Recruit, develop, and retain staff committed to providing high-quality support for neutron research.
• Support the Division Director through communications, strategic planning, and division-wide initiatives as required.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and documentation to inform decision-making; manage budgets, expenses, and resource allocations.
• 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, computer engineering, information technology, information systems, science, engineering, business , or a related discipline and a minimum of ten (10) to twelve (12) years of aligned professional experience is required for consideration. An overall combination of equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Masters and PhD degree holders in the same fields of study are also encouraged to apply:
• Masters’ holders should have a minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) years of relevant and aligned experience.
• PhD holders should have a minimum of six (6) to seven (7) years of relevant and aligned experience.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of management experience is required for consideration.
• Demonstrated management skills, including experience managing budgets and personnel.
• Proven ability to effectively communicate complex IT solutions, both in writing and through oral presentations, to diverse audiences including staff, senior executives, external regulators, DOE officials, and external customers.
• Demonstrated skill in building consensus across a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including internal and external organizations, regulatory agencies, peer groups, and the research community.
• Strong knowledge of a wide range of IT services relevant to research support, including network infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data management, software development, and IT support operations for Linux and Windows systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of cybersecurity principles necessary to protect the interests of ORNL and DOE.
• Experience in a scientific research computing environment or other large‑scale user facility.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of IT support…