Group Leader, Data Acquisition Software

Requisition Id15693

Overview:

We are seeking a Group Lead for our Data Acquisition (DAQ) Software Group who will focus on managing and leading a team of control software engineers to develop, maintain and support software for neutron instrument data acquisition, sample environment equipment, and experiment planning. This position resides in the Neutron Instrument Technologies Section, Neutron Technologies Division,Neutron Sciences DirectorateatOak Ridge National Laboratory(ORNL).

The DAQ Software Group designs, develops, maintains, supports and upgrades instrument data acquisition and controls solutions, including the software and computing infrastructure for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) neutron instruments. The software is based on the EPICS framework and integrates various neutron detector systems, sample environment equipment, and experiment planning tools for reliable and continuous instrument operation. As Group Leader, you will manage and direct a team of software engineers and Linux system administrators to pursue excellence in their field, develop novel solutions, and support the neutron user program. The position reports to and works closely with the Neutron Instruments Technologies Section Head to implement the group's vision and working strategy; foster and support group members in their career development; plan and execute projects; elevate the group to become the world leading group in the field.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and articulate a long-term vision and strategyfor maintaining, modernizing, and enhancing data acquisition, software, and computing infrastructure that supports the neutron scattering instrument suites.
• Plan and lead major modernization efforts, including the transition of instrument control systems from LabVIEW to EPICS, ensuring robust architectures and sustainable solutions.
• Provide effective leadership for the team, including performance evaluations, setting annual objectives, supporting staff development, fostering a safe and inclusive work environment, and maintaining focus on priority tasks.
• Build and sustain world-class technical expertisewithin the group by recruiting top talent, fostering professional growth, and cultivating a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Ensure compliance with established procedures, standards, and policies, while also developing new policies and best practices that promote efficient, coherent, and maintainable software and computing workflows.
• Lead by example through hands-on technical contributions, offering architectural guidance, reviewing designs, and mentoring staff on modern software, computing, and data-acquisition practices.
• Support the Section Head in operational and administrative activities, including preparation of group budgets, contribution to monthly DOE reports, tracking progress of work, and evaluating completed tasks.
• Coach and mentor staff in Battelle's "Safe Conduct of Research" principles, ensuring that safety, integrity, and responsible conduct guide all work practices.
• Deliver ORNL's missionby 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, physics science or a related field with at least 15 years of relevant experience; an MS degree with a minimum of 12 years of experience; or a PhD with at least 6 years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing technical teams and projects to deliver as planned.
• Demonstrated technical expertise which includes one or more of the following: data acquisition systems for scientific research; high-level software for assisting scientific experiments; or software and hardware solutions for scientific user facilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in computer science, engineering, physics, or a related scientific or technical discipline.
• Experience working in a scientific user facility, ideally within neutron scattering, synchrotron light sources, or similar large-scale research environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing or architecting complex data acquisition or control systems, preferably those based on EPICS, and supporting multiple scientific instruments.
• Proven track record leading collaborative software or control-system development projects involving multidisciplinary teams.
• Hands-on experience with relevant hardware and software technologies, such as detector readout systems, high-throughput data acquisition pipelines, real-time computing, frame grabbers, FPGA-based systems, or instrument control hardware
• Expertise with modern software development practices including version control, CI/CD, testing frameworks, configuration management, and scalable computing architectures.
• Familiarity with high-performance computing (HPC), data management workflows, or large-scale data reduction/analysis systems used in scientific research.
• Knowledge of cyber security policies and best practices relevant to scientific computing and control system environments, including DOE or other government requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor technical staff, develop technical capability in a team, and promote a culture of safety and excellence.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.
• For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.
• Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
• To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For 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 instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.
• Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.

Benefits at ORNL:

We offer competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain hardworking people! The laboratory offers many employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to help you and your family live happy and healthy. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also provided for convenience.

Other benefits includethe following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan,Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, and Employee Discounts. Relocation Assistance is available for this position.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email:ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.