Control and Interlock Systems Engineer

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory explores how the universe works at the biggest, smallest, and fastest scales and invents powerful tools used by researchers around the globe. As world leaders in ultrafast science and bold explorers of the physics of the universe, we forge new ground in understanding our origins and building a healthier and more sustainable future.

About the role

The Experiment Control Systems (ECS) division within the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Directorate at SLAC is seeking a Control and Interlock Systems Engineer to spearhead interlock systems development for major facility upgrades as well as operational improvement projects for the facility. As a member of the ECS Design & Engineering Team, you will join a multidisciplinary engineering group in the design, deployment, and commissioning of technology for controlling and protecting scientific instrumentation at LCLS.

You will work on developing and delivering highly functional machine protection interlock systems for LCLS projects at varying scales. The LCLS control systems enable safe, reliable, and coordinated operation of beam delivery systems (laser and XFEL) and experimental instrumentation, supporting automated and interlocked control of complex mechatronic and instrumentation systems. A successful hire will become a subject matter expert in LCLS PLC-based and distributed control systems, with a focus on machine protection interlock systems, industrial networking, and associated controls infrastructure.

The position contributes to the design, implementation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of mission-critical controls systems supporting scientific operations. You will develop deep technical expertise in Beckhoff TwinCAT PLCs, EPICS integration, machine protection interlock systems, and distributed controls architectures while working closely with operations, engineering, and scientific staff to ensure safe, reliable, and maintainable system operation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain machine protection interlock systems and other mission-critical controls infrastructure.
• Develop system specifications, requirements, design documents, test procedures, and commissioning plans to meet stakeholder needs.
• Design and implement controls architectures utilizing Beckhoff TwinCAT PLCs, EPICS, industrial networking technologies, and related controls frameworks.
• Integrate controls systems with supervisory systems, operator interfaces, instrumentation, and facility infrastructure.
• Diagnose issues in operational control systems, perform root-cause analysis, and implement reliability and maintainability improvements.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including functional specifications, architecture diagrams, interface documentation, and operating procedures.
• Participate in controls upgrades, modernization efforts, and new facility or instrument development projects.
• Research, evaluate, and implement new automation, controls, and industrial networking technologies.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, technicians, operators, vendors, and project teams to deliver integrated controls solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise for PLC-based and distributed control systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related discipline, and a minimum of five years of experience designing, implementing, commissioning, or supporting PLC-based interlock systems in scientific, industrial, manufacturing, or similar environments.
• Extensive programming skills using IEC 61131-3 PLC languages with a focus on Structured Text programming.
• Experience with industrial control system architectures, distributed control systems, SCADA systems, and industrial networking technologies.
• Experience designing, commissioning, and troubleshooting industrial fieldbus networks such as EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, or similar technologies.
• Experience integrating PLC systems with higher-level control and supervisory systems using technologies such as EPICS, OPC UA, ADS, Modbus, or similar communication protocols.
• Understanding of industrial electrical engineering principles, instrumentation, signal circuits, and control system hardware.
• Ability to read, develop, and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Experience troubleshooting complex systems involving hardware, software, instrumentation, networking, and controls components.
• Experience using software configuration management and version control tools such as Git.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to learn and understand a broad range of hardware, software, instrumentation, and operational systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT PLCs.
• Experience with EPICS-based control systems and scientific instrumentation controls.
• Experience developing, commissioning, and supporting distributed control systems in scientific, industrial, manufacturing, or large-scale facility environments.
• Experience with industrial networking technologies and protocols, including TCP/IP, UDP, EtherCAT, OPC UA, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, or similar.
• Programming experience in Python, C++, or similar languages.
• Experience with Linux, bash, or other scripting environments.
• Experience with software development best practices, including version control, software testing, and configuration management using Git or similar tools.
• Experience with simulation, testing, validation, and reliability analysis of control systems.
• Familiarity with industrial safety and engineering standards such as IEC 61511/ISA-84, UL 508, ANSI, OSHA, or similar standards.
• Experience using engineering and documentation tools such as EPLAN, Visio, or similar applications.

Skills

• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.

As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory requires employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.