Software Engineer - TERM

Location: Lemont, IL USA

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

The Accelerator Controls Group has an immediate opening for a Software Engineer - Term role to help design, develop, document, deploy, and support the software infrastructure that powers the control systems for the entire APS accelerator complex, including extensions to support beamline controls. 

The successful candidate will:

• Enhance and maintain the embedded open-source Real-Time Operating System (RTOS), specifically RTEMS (Real-Time Executive for Multiprocessor Systems), to meet APS operational requirements. 

• Contribute to the development of RTEMS including but not limit to the RTEMS Board Support Package (BSP) used at APS, and the improvement of RTEMS functionality and configuration to meet cybersecurity requirements. 

• Integrate and maintain compatibility between EPICS 7 and latest RTEMS releases. 

• Contribute to enhancing EPICS device drivers, ensuring robust integration with RTEMS-based IOCs. 

• Assist with VME-based EPICS IOCs for RTEMS compatibility, including bench testing and production deployment. 

• Contribute to controls system infrastructure related efforts, including introducing AI/ML-enabled capabilities to improve performance, diagnostics, and maintenance efficiency. 

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and the broader controls community to address the evolving needs of APS controls.

• May be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• An advanced degree (or equivalent experience) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. 

• Accelerator controls software frameworks and toolkits, especially EPICS. 

• Real-time operating systems and environments, particularly RTEMS. 

• Developing and supporting EPICS-based control systems (IOCs, drivers, deployment workflows). 

• Programming in modern languages such as C, C++, and Python (or similar). 

• Linux environments (e.g., Red Hat Enterprise Linux or equivalent). 

• Software configuration management using Git. 

• Familiarity with CI/CD practices and tools. 

• Strong understanding of software engineering practices, development lifecycles, and long-term software sustainability. 

• Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.

• Interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to interact with people at all levels both within and outside the laboratory.

This position can be hired at one of two levels; the selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (RD2 or RD3) dependent upon the depth and breadth of relevant knowledge and skills. The minimum requirements of the two levels are as follows:

• RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years’ experience, Masters and 3+ years’ experience, PhD and 0+ years’ experience, or equivalent

• RD3: Bachelors and 8+ years’ experience, Masters and 5+ years’ experience, PhD and 4+ years’ experience, or equivalent

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Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.