Protection Systems Engineer

We are seeking aProtection Systems Engineerwho will focus onimplementing andmaintaininghigh-reliability electronic safety interlock systems. SNS Protection Systems are electronic safety interlock systems based on Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) technology. These systems protect personnel from unique hazards,mainly promptionizing radiation and oxygen deficiency hazards arising from SNS operations. The PSG manages all life-cycle phases of the safety interlock equipment used in Personnel Protection Systems (PPS) for the accelerator, target, instruments, and research test enclosures at SNS. Their duties includemaintainingdocumentation, ensuring operation, and performing maintenance after these systems are active. This involves generating system documentation, PLC programming, creating procedures, performing annual certification tests, and addressing any unexpected issues or failures.

As part of the PSG,youwill collaborate with scientists, engineers, technicians, management, and operations to ensure the functionality and integrity of the protection systems is alwaysmaintained, which may require responding off-hours to unexpected behaviors, malfunctions, or failures.In this role, you willaddress a wide range of problems by choosing the most effective solution from existing options or creating new ones when needed.This positionresidesin theProtection Systems Groupin theControl Systems Section,Research Accelerator Division,Neutron Sciences DirectorateatOak Ridge National Laboratory(ORNL).

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Act as a system engineer for safety interlock and control systems.

• Work as part of a team to develop andmaintainhigh reliability engineered controls used to protect personnel at SNS from potential facility hazards.

• Analyze,troubleshootand resolve unexpected behaviors, malfunctions, or failures (may require off-hours response).

• Translate customer needs into operational system requirements.

• Develop ormodifytest plans and procedures.

• Direct tests and procedures thatdemonstratesystems readiness.

• Implement SNS configuration management processes forconfiguration controlledequipment andassistother groups inmaintainingconfiguration of equipment affecting safety critical systems.

• Ensure andmonitorcompliance with environment, safety, health, (ESH) and quality assurance (QA) program requirements

• Promptlyidentifyand communicate ESH and QA issues to group and division management and ESH and QA contacts.

• Deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promoteequal opportunityby fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• ABSdegreeinelectricalengineering,computerscience, or a relatedfield.

• Basic knowledge of PLC systems, industrial automation, or control systems, along with familiarity using standard electronic tools, test equipment, and instrumentation (academic or internship experience acceptable).

• Strong problem-solving skillsdemonstratedthrough troubleshooting, coursework, or hands-on projects.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams in project or lab environments.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain technical concepts to varied audiences.

• Willingness to support occasional off-hours operational needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with implementation of Allen-Bradley ControlLogix andGuardLogix PLC industrial controls and software.

• Experience with PLC based systems, PLC programming and the application of Ethernet based industrial communication networks.

• Experience with system engineering principles and application with a wide range of knowledge in associated disciplines such as requirements development and testing methodologies.

• Experience developing policies, procedures, and guidelines for the implementation of high reliability systems.

• Experience developing systems within the framework of IEC 15288, IEC 61508, IEC 61511, or IEC 62061.

Special Requirements:

• Physical Requirements: Work involves some physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will berequiredafter offer.

• Physical environment varies between office, laboratory, and field locations. Job requires occasionally walking up to a mile over an eight-hour shift, ability to climb stairs and ladders, occasional crouching,kneelingor stooping to access equipment, and moving objects up to 25 lbs.