Industrial Control System (ICS) Operations Specialist

Requisition Id15909

Overview:

The Industrial Controls System (ICS) Operations Specialist will serve as the Utilities Division's lead for equipment-level control systems, automation, and operational data connectivity. This role ensures that all changes to control configurations, communications pathways, or system integrations are made in accordance with Industrial Control System / Operational Technology (ICS/OT) network requirements in order to maintain equipment performance, safety, and operational continuity.

The position is focused on industrial control systems (ICS), automation programming, and SCADA integration, ensuring reliable and resilient operation of mission-critical utility systems. The Industrial Controls Operations Specialist will enable the Utilities Division to independently manage, troubleshoot, and optimize equipment systems while maintaining close coordination with the organization's ICS/OT network owners to ensure secure and compliant system connectivity.

Importantly, this role will act as the primary coordination point between the Utilities Division and the sister organizations responsible for broader network and data infrastructure. The Industrial Control System Operations Specialist will ensure that any network or communications changes are fully evaluated and documented for their impact on equipment operations and system behavior before implementation.

By combining deep operational knowledge with strong collaboration skills, this position provides the direct, 24/7/365 support and technical insight necessary to maintain safety, reliability, performance, and integrity of mission-critical utility systems.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Operational Controls Oversight: Configure, program, and maintain industrial control systems (ICS) to ensure stable, safe, and predictable equipment operation.
• System Impact Awareness: Assess and document how control logic or communication pathway changes affect equipment performance, operator workflows, and overall system reliability.
• SCADA and Data Integration: Develop and maintain reliable wired and wireless connections between equipment and supervisory control systems to ensure continuous operational visibility.
• Coordination and Collaboration: Serve as the Utility Division liaison to work collaboratively with other groups to ensure network connection points are requested and established as needed and to ensure that equipment-level control systems are properly connected, configured, and supported through these established connection points.
• Operational Reliability and Support: Provide on-call (24/7/365) troubleshooting and response for control or communication system failures to minimize downtime and maintain safe operations.
• System Design and Improvement: Plan, review, and implement control system upgrades, retrofits, and improvements that enhance performance, safety, and align with long-term governance and maintainability standards set by the OT/ICS IOSD Team.
• Performance Monitoring and Analytics: Track and analyze control system data to forecast potential issues, identify inefficiencies, and prevent unplanned outages.
• Contract and Vendor Oversight: Perform TPO duties and coordinate external control system contractors, ensuring alignment with operational priorities, adherence to standards, and retention of institutional knowledge.
• Documentation and Version Control: Maintain detailed records of system configurations, control logic, and communication pathways to ensure traceability and operational continuity. Coordinate with the OT/ICS IOSD team for unified documentation practices and ongoing governance.
• Compliance Coordination: Support compliance activities by working closely with internal cybersecurity teams, ensuring that all control systems meet applicable security, reliability, and operational integrity standards under the governance and oversight of the IOSD OT/ICS Team.
• Training and Knowledge Sharing: Support the development of in-house expertise by training staff on control system functions, configuration awareness, and troubleshooting procedures.
• 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS in Industrial Controls, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, Automation Technology, Computer Networking, a related technical field.
• Minimum of8 years of hands-on experience with industrial control systems (ICS), automation programming, or SCADA-based environments supporting mission-critical operations. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in equipment-level control logic design, troubleshooting, and optimization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background supporting utility systems, process controls, or critical infrastructure preferred.
• Familiarity with federal or DOE cybersecurity frameworks, particularly as they apply to industrial control environments.
• Experience managing or working with contracted control systems vendors.
• Proven experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), including programming, configuration, and maintenance of industrial automation systems.
• Knowledge of field transmitters, instrumentation setup, calibration, and signal integration within control systems.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, Ethernet/IP, BACnet/MSTP, Profibus, OPC) and their implementation in control environments.
• Proven ability to coordinate with IT, Data & Communications, and Cybersecurity teams to align operational needs with technical infrastructure.
• Experience developing and maintaining documentation, version control, and configuration management for control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting skills with ability to reduce reliance on contractors.

Special Requirements:

• Physical Requirements: Work involves various physical requirements and working conditions. As such, a pre-hire physical will be required after offer.
• Q clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.
• Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the 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, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

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.