Controls and Data Systems Integration Engineer

About the role

The Experiment Control Systems (ECS) division within the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Directorate at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking a Controls and Data Systems Integration Engineer to design, implement, and sustain advanced hardware and software solutions for both commercial and highly customized scientific instrumentation in one of several experimental halls.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and validate experimental system installations, including requirements development, ICDs, commissioning plans, and acceptance testing.
• Manage the full lifecycle of controls and data systems, including design, commissioning, operation, maintenance, upgrades, and sustainment.
• Design and maintain controls architectures spanning PLCs, fieldbus I/O, embedded controllers, timing systems, and Linux-based IOCs, ensuring deterministic and fail-safe operation.
• Develop EPICS-based control and data acquisition software, including device support, alarm/archiver integration, and operator interfaces; maintain documentation.
• Integrate and support controls and data systems hardware/software, including detectors, motion systems, vacuum, lasers, and facility infrastructure.
• Collaborate with scientists and data systems engineers to optimize data acquisition, metadata handling, and data flow workflows.
• Lead system reconfiguration and upgrades, including configuration management, version control, and change control.
• Support operations and commissioning, including troubleshooting during maintenance and user operations.
• Participate in subsystem upgrades (e.g., laser and timing systems), including evaluation, selection, and integration of solutions.
• Diagnose and resolve complex cross-domain issues across controls, software, instrumentation, networking, and timing systems using structured troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
• Translate experimental needs into controls and DAQ specifications, test plans, and operational procedures in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Work with unique instrumentation and electronics systems, such as the following: Sample delivery systems, Femtosecond timing systems, X-ray detectors (e.g., CCDs and related instrumentation), Machine protection and personnel safety systems.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in physics, computer science, engineering, or a related field, and at least three years of relevant experience in scientific instrumentation, control systems, software development, or systems engineering. An advanced degree may be considered in lieu of some experience.

Ability to quickly learn and apply a broad range of hardware and software systems.

Strong programming skills in C/C++ and scripting languages (preferably Python) in Linux/Unix environments.

Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a research and development environment.

Proven skills in project management, planning, prioritization, and organization.

Ability to understand the scientific function of complex X-ray instrumentation systems.

Qualifications

• Experience with EPICS-based control systems, including IOC development, device integration, and operator interfaces.
• Experience with scientific instrumentation, laser systems, or laser diagnostics.
• Background in X-ray science, physics, or materials science.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with scientific instrumentation, laser systems, or laser diagnostics.
• Background in X-ray science, physics, or materials science.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

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 his or her job.

Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

Work schedule: This role may require periodic/occasional work outside normal business hours (evenings/weekends) based on operational needs (e.g., commissioning, maintenance windows, or experimental schedules).

This is not a 24/7 on-call position.

Summary

RESPONSIBILITIES An entry-level position for a PhD graduate in a scientist position or A level for continuing career professional in an engineering position with fully functioning and independent skillset.

SCOPE OF IMPACT Executes well-defined priorities or specific programmatic objectives.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE Demonstrated expertise in a specific scientific or technical area and ability to apply this expertise to complete program or project objectives.

APPLIES GENERAL PRINCIPLES, THEORIES, AND CONCEPTS, AND CONTRIBUTES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF ADVANCEMENTS.

PROFICIENT VERBAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS NECESSARY TO COLLABORATE.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTES TO THE COMPLETION OF MILESTONES ASSOCIATED WITH SPECIFIC PROJECTS AND TECHNICAL PRODUCTS TO ACCOMPLISH THE LABORATORY’S GOALS.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED BS in applicable engineering or scientific discipline and 2 years of relevant experience.

AUTHERITIES 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 FOSTER NEW GROUND IN UNDERSTANDING OUR ORIGINS AND BUILDING A HEALTHIER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.

OUR DISCOVERY AND INNOVATION HELP DEVELOP NEW MATERIALS AND CHEMICAL PROCESSES AND OPEN UNPRECEDENTED VIEWS OF THE COSMOS AND LIFE’S MOST DELICATE MACHINERY.

BUILDING ON MORE THAN 60 YEARS OF VISIONARY RESEARCH, WE HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE BY ADVANCING AREAS SUCH AS QUANTUM TECHNOLOGY, SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEXT-GENERATION ACCELERATORS.

SLAC IS AN E-VERIFY EMPLOYER. AS A NATIONAL LABORATORY, SLAC NATIONAL ACCELERATOR LABORATORY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADHERING TO THE HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE 12 (HSPD-12) AND DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY (DOE) ORDER 473.1A, WHICH REQUIRE EMPLOYEES TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A HSPD-12 PERSONAL IDENTIFY VERIFICATION (PIV) CREDENTIAL.