Instrument Technician

Overview

We are seeking an Instrument Technician who will focus on perform a wide range of technical activities supporting the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and calibration of electronic components, equipment, and systems. You will apply principles and theories of electronics to ensure all work is performed in accordance with internal procedures, published specifications, and industry standards. This position plays a critical role in maintaining reliable, safe, and high-performing systems in support of ORNL's mission.

This position resides in the Measurement Services Groupin the Fabrication, Instrumentation, and Inspection Division of the Facilities and Operations Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

• Provide direct technical support to customers, identifying needs, diagnosing issues, and advising on proper equipment use.
• Assist with scheduling work activities and provide recommendations for equipment installation, upgrades, and enhancements.
• Participate in pre-job briefings and work control processes, providing input to procedures and job planning.
• Perform preventive maintenance and operational checks to ensure system reliability.
• Conduct calibrations to verify equipment meets required performance criteria.
• Install equipment including servers, chassis, patch panels, cable management systems, and network devices.
• Troubleshoot and repair equipment, cabling, and fiber-optic infrastructure.
• Design, fabricate, or build custom equipment and components (e.g., panels, brackets, test cabinets, cable assemblies) to meet special customer needs or modify existing systems.
• PLC programming as required.
• Adhere to the principles of Safe Conduct of Research by raising safety concerns, maintaining a questioning attitude, assessing hazards for every task, and committing to continuous learning.
• Other tasks as assigned by management.
• 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 two-year degree in Electronics or a related field, or equivalent military or technical school training.
• A minimum of four years of relevant hands-on maintenance experience in the repair of electronic systems and industrial instrumentation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must maintain electrical worker qualifications.

• Experience installing, maintaining, inspecting, diagnosing, and repairing electronic, pneumatic, and microprocessor-based equipment.
• Ability to interpret and work from electrical and electronic schematics.
• Ability to troubleshoot control systems and associated components.
• Experience using electrical testing and measurement equipment.
• Experience programming control devices, PID loops, and control systems.
• Experience in software development using LabVIEW, PLC languages, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of the NEC codebook or other applicable electrical and safety standards.
• General knowledge of lock-out/tag-out and other related safety procedures.
• Strong communication and reading skills, including comprehension of technical documentation.
• Solid mathematical, scientific, mechanical, and logical reasoning abilities.
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively in high-stress situations.
• Detail-oriented with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and contribute creatively within collaborative, cross-functional teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced research environment, prioritize effectively, manage…