Control System Software Engineer

Overview

The Controls Integration Group at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) is seeking a Control System Software Engineer who will focus on control system applications, system development, and operations support. This position is part of the Controls Integration Group within the Control Systems Section, Research Accelerator Division of the Neutron Sciences Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

The group is responsible for maintaining and improving fully integrated control systems for the SNS accelerator to ensure safe, high‑reliability beam delivery to the target. These systems typically utilize PLC, VME, or Micro

TCA hardware, integrated using the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) framework.

This position reports to the Controls Integration Group Leader. The group is currently focused on modernizing the control system environment. Ongoing upgrade projects include replacing legacy equipment with modern solutions, expanding associated applications, and enhancing the control room operator experience using the latest software tools.

The selected candidate will support these modernization efforts by:

• Developing EPICS applications to support embedded and FPGA‑based systems
• Upgrading existing EPICS applications and user interfaces
• Completing verification, deployment, and system integration of EPICS applications for production use

• Support the scientific mission of SNS by developing reliable, maintainable software for accelerator and target control systems as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Collaborate with group members, scientific staff and operations personnel to design, develop, maintain, and improve EPICS‑based control systems.
• Maintain and support existing production software, including performing troubleshooting and resolving bugs.
• Create and maintain software documentation and accompanying training materials.
• Adhere to Software Quality Assurance procedures, including managing source code in a central repository with version control systems and developing comprehensive software testing procedures.
• Provide operational support, troubleshooting, and system improvements for accelerator and target control systems. While typical work hours are office‑based, occasional off‑hours or weekend support may be required to meet user facility needs.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health, and quality procedures and programs.
• As a member of the ORNL scientific community, commit to ORNL's Research Code of Conduct.
• 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.

• A BS degree in engineering, computer science or related field plus two or more years of relevant experience (an MS degree will be considered with at least one year of experience)
• Demonstrated experience with embedded systems and/or systems programming
• Experience developing applications or systems programming in a Linux environment
• Demonstrated programming experience in modern object‑oriented programming languages, preferably C++
• Proficiency with collaborative software development tools and practices, such as debugger, version control, issue tracking, and documentation

• Experience with EPICS or a similar toolkit for developing distributed control systems
• Exposure to additional programming languages, such as C, Python, Java or similar
• Familiarity with real‑time operating systems and software practices
• Previous experience working in a scientific user facility
• Experience with Git Lab and CI/CD pipelines
• Hands‑on experience with in‑field troubleshooting of software and hardware interfaces

• Physical requirements:
  
  Work involves some physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre‑hire physical will be required after offer.
• Visa sponsorship is not available.
• Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:
  For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real  form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of…