Control and Interlock Systems Engineer

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.

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.
• 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.

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.
• Demonstrated 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.