Power Electronics Engineer

  • Full-time

Company Description

The Neutron Sciences Directorate (NScD) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) operates the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), the United States' highest flux reactor based neutron source, and the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), the world's most intense pulsed accelerator based neutron source. Together these facilities operate 24 instruments for neutron scattering research, each year carrying out in excess of 1,000 experiments in the physical, chemical, materials, biological and medical sciences for more than 3,000 visiting scientists. HFIR also provides unique facilities for isotope production and neutron irradiation. To learn more about Neutron Sciences at ORNL go to: http://neutrons.ornl.gov. 

Job Description

Job Reference #:  NB50396246

Location: Oak Ridge, TN

Info:  http://neutrons.ornl.gov.


PURPOSE:
The Power Electronics Engineer will support operation, maintenance, repairs, and upgrades of the DC and pulsed power supplies and modulators throughout the SNS accelerator complex. This equipment operates at power levels from 500 W to 2.5 MW with voltages up to 135 kV and currents up to 6 kA.


MAJOR DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Evaluate and improve the design of power electronics to support the Research Accelerator Division’s mission to provide high availability (>90%) neutrons for Neutron Science investigations.
• Provide integrated accelerator operations support whereby power electronics performance is evaluated within the context of the entire accelerator complex.
• Perform troubleshooting and repair of power electronics as necessary to support 24/7 operations. Occasional evening and weekend call-in work will be required in case of equipment failures.
• Perform failure analyses and study MTTR / MTBF data on power electronics to propose reliability upgrades.
• Design and analyze power electronics circuits and subsystems.
• Specify and procure power electronics components and subsystems.
• Perform maintenance planning and maintenance coordination for assigned power electronics systems.
• Develop upgrades and replacements to address obsolescence issues in power electronics systems.
• Develop documentation and procedures for power electronics equipment and ancillary systems.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, health and quality program requirements.
• Maintain a strong commitment to the implementation and perpetuation of values, ethics, and diversity.

Qualifications

Qualifications Required:
• MS in Electrical Engineering with >7 years relevant experience or BS in Electrical Engineering with >8 years relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success in working in a team environment in both leader and follower roles.
• Expertise in the specification, operation and maintenance of power electronics components and subsystems.
• Expertise in the design and analysis of power electronics components and subsystems.
• Expertise in the application of electrical safety principles in environments containing significant electrical hazards (high voltage, high current, capacitive energy storage, radio-frequency fields).
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.


Qualifications Desired:
• Education concentration in electromagnetics and power electronics theory and techniques.
• Knowledge of AC power distribution concepts for voltages up to 15 kV.
• Demonstrated success as a technical project manager.
• Expertise in the programming and utilization of programmable logic controllers and/or FPGA modules.
• Expertise in computer programming using languages such as C++ and Labview for data acquisition and/or test automation.
Work Direction and Interfaces:
• Reports to the High Voltage, Pulsed Power, and Magnet Systems Manager.
• Takes direction from the Lead Engineer for Power Supplies, Kickers, and Choppers.
• Interfaces with Electrical and RF Systems Group members, NScD staff, professional peers from non-ORNL institutions, ORNL business services, vendors and visitors.
• Represents group activities and interests within ORNL and at professional conferences, workshops, and collaboration meetings.


Additional Information

AUTHORITY/APPROVAL LEVELS:
Provides work direction to engineers, technicians, research mechanics, subcontractors, and vendors within guidelines established by the Electrical and RF Systems Group Leader. Initiates procurement of materials and services.


Measures of Effectiveness:
• Success in the fulfillment of all major duties and responsibilities.
• Success as measured by the ORNL Employee Performance Management process.
• Safe execution of all responsibilities in accordance with ORNL ES&H requirements.