Lead, Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Oak Ridge National Laboratory · Oak Ridge, TN · 1 mo ago

EngineeringFull-time

We are seeking an experienced instrumentation & controls (I&C) engineer to lead the design, development, and procurement of ITER I&C control systems, including instruments, pilot valve enclosures, control panels, junction boxes, and control system software. In this role, you will interface with mechanical engineering, systems engineering, multi-disciplinary analysis teams, vendors, and personnel at the ITER headquarters in France to realize optimal design solutions in compliance with ITER requirements.

Responsibilities

Work with I&C engineers, mechanical engineers, designers, and analysts on the development of detailed design for systems such as high-power RF, microwave, and diagnostic residual gas analyzers.
Responsible for I&C design, including documents such as piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), cable block diagrams (CBD), specification of programmable logic controller (PLC) systems, control panel layouts with enclosure heat load calculations, wiring and interconnect diagrams, power distribution single line diagrams, control system input/output lists, and development of control strategies and state transition diagrams.
Write procedures and participate in the qualification of instrumentation for high magnetic field, EMI/EMC, gamma and neutron radiation, etc.
Serve as Technical Project Officer (TPO) for I&C contracts, working closely with quality assurance and procurement officers.
Oversee the management of development and fabrication contracts with industry.
Evaluate vendor proposals for I&C equipment.
Manage configuration control activities during design and fabrication phases.
Specify US ITER intervention points (hold points, witness points, customer inspections) during fabrication and participate/oversee these activities.
Evaluate fabrication deviation requests and non-conformances from industrial suppliers.
Align behaviors, priorities, and interactions with ORNL’s core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Requirements

BS in electrical, nuclear, or mechanical engineering, or a related technical field.
A minimum of 5 years of experience in I&C engineering design with hands-on experience, including:
- P&ID preparation
- PLC system design
- Enclosure design
- Cable design
- Control software design
Demonstrated ability to independently evaluate problems, investigate and propose solutions, perform calculations, apply industry codes and standards, and document design and fabrication activities.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and participate creatively in collaborative teams.
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and to the ITER site in southern France.

Preferred Qualifications

MS degree in engineering.
Minimum of seven years of relevant technical and project management experience demonstrating comprehensive understanding of design and manufacturing of high-power RF, microwave, cooling water, magnets, and/or vacuum system components for large-scale science or nuclear facilities.
Familiarity with DOE procurement guidelines.
Familiarity with European and French codes, standards, and regulatory requirements, especially those for pressure equipment, rotating, and electrical equipment.
Familiarity with U.S. codes and standards for design and construction.
Experience in the commercial nuclear industry and/or with fusion research and development.
Experience working in an international environment.
Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever-changing needs.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID-compliant form of identification will be required.
All employees must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card, requiring a favorable post-employment background investigation, including a declaration of illegal drug activities within the last year (marijuana and cannabis derivatives are considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws).
Foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination. Once the three-year residency requirement is met, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Benefits