Beam Delivery Systems Engineering Department Head

About the Role

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Engineering Division at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking a mechanical engineer to lead the Beam Delivery Systems Engineering Department. LCLS is an X-ray Free Electron Laser (FEL) facility providing world-leading scientific capabilities to a global user community. The department supports the design, operations, and maintenance of X-ray beam paths, including mechatronic and optomechanical systems, X-ray mirrors, and advanced metrology techniques.

As the department head, you will manage a team of engineers, provide supervision and training, foster staff development, and participate in hiring activities to support the LCLS mission.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering leadership for new initiatives advancing X-ray experimental capabilities through complex scientific instrumentation, opto-mechanical systems, diagnostics, and target delivery systems.
• Lead the integration and testing of systems and devices, collaborating with staff scientists, fabrication facilities, and technicians.
• Ensure execution and delivery of technical scope within budget and on schedule, maintaining high-quality assurance using standardized engineering processes.
• Function as a Cost Account Manager (CAM) in project management roles.
• Promote adherence to LCLS Conduct of Engineering, ensuring rigorous documentation and engineering review.
• Provide leadership in project engineering for system development, integration, commissioning, and transfer of new capabilities to operations.
• Prepare and conduct performance management activities for department personnel and contribute to engineering ranking and salary management processes.
• Influence strategic technical decisions made by LCLS senior management.
• Contribute to defining complex engineering solutions for X-ray-based experiments.
• Perform engineering duties requiring significant scheduling and budgeting responsibility.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• At least eight years of experience with the design and operation of beam delivery systems.
• Leadership, interpersonal, organizational, and supervisory skills to manage personnel, write performance appraisals, and participate in hiring activities.
• Experience with engineering tools such as Solid Edge, ANSYS, and/or MATLAB.
• Ability to promote and maintain productive relationships across LCLS and SLAC.
• Expert communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills to advise senior management and external sponsors.
• Experience working independently, adapting to changing priorities, and meeting deadlines.
• Coordination of manufacturing, assembly, and installation of complex systems.
• Sound engineering judgment and demonstrated ability to work in a diverse team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree and experience with scientific instrumentation, project management, and/or technical supervision.
• Experience in X-ray FEL, synchrotron, metrology, and/or laser system engineering.
• Experience with user facilities and/or national laboratories.
• Formal training or experience in systems engineering processes and methodologies.

About Us

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory explores how the universe works at the biggest, smallest, and fastest scales, inventing powerful tools used by researchers globally. As world leaders in ultrafast science, we forge new ground in understanding origins and building a healthier, more sustainable future. Our work helps develop new materials, chemical processes, and provides unprecedented views of the cosmos and life’s most delicate machinery.

SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States.