Accelerator Operations Engineer

About the role

The Accelerator Operations & Safety Division of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking an Accelerator Operations Engineer. The successful candidate will be responsible for executing the scheduled accelerator programs safely and efficiently for the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), the Facility of Advanced Accelerator Experimental Tests (FACET) and other programs utilizing SLAC accelerator systems.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the work of Accelerator Systems Operators and other staff in the operation of SLAC accelerators.
• Ensure that accelerator operations are carried out safely and in compliance with Department of Energy, Stanford University, and SLAC regulations and procedures.
• Direct the testing of engineered safety systems and make final decisions on the readiness of these systems as needed for beam operations.
• Maintain the status of accelerator systems, initiate adjustments and repairs as needed, and make time sensitive decisions when problems arise.
• Troubleshoot and solve complex system issues.
• Evaluate and develop procedures to improve productivity of the accelerator facilities.
• Create control software, applications and hardware design for accelerator systems.
• Train operators to improve the overall productivity of the accelerator complex and to monitor and ensure safety of operations.
• Prepare training materials and documentation.
• Communicate with maintenance support groups, experimenters, and accelerator physicists to ensure that beam parameters meet the scientific requirements and to direct maintenance and installation work.
• Lead or participate in meetings with users, scientists, engineers, and other staff to provide operational program status, updates and recommendations.
• Participate in on-going and evolving training activities and successfully complete specific training requirements.

Requirements

Additional Requirements: Ability to work a non-standard schedule and extended shifts. Accelerator Operations Engineers rotate through day, swing and owl shifts, including weekends as needed to support the accelerator programs.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Engineering, Physics, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience including engineering and physics coursework and experience with operation and maintenance of complex technical systems.
• Understanding of accelerator physics principles and engineering as applicable to the commissioning, debugging, and operation of accelerator systems.
• Detailed knowledge and experience with the control systems, policies, and procedures applicable to SLAC accelerators.
• Demonstrated experience in directing the work of others, monitoring and troubleshooting accelerator systems, initiating repairs, and working with support groups.
• Demonstrated ability to make time-sensitive decisions when problems arise.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills.