Project Engineer - Electro-mechanical

Position Overview

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking a passionate and talented electro-mechanical (or mechatronics) engineer to support the development of next-generation automation and robotics systems. The role involves integrating electrical engineering, mechanical design, and control systems to develop advanced scientific instruments and laboratory automation tools.

Specific Responsibilities

• Participate in the design, development and testing, and installation for new experiments.
• Integrate novel assemblies with current beamline hutches, expanding experimental capabilities.
• Develop motion control systems and specialized experimental instrumentation, collaborating with a group of scientists and technical staff.
• Lead projects from initial concept through design review sessions, culminating with directing electronics and mechanical technicians in the fabrication and installation of novel devices.
• Advising electronics and mechanical technicians in the fabrication and installation of novel devices and working with other engineering staff, such as electrical engineering and controls programmers on the integration of complicated robotic systems.
• Troubleshoot motion control equipment, data acquisition electronics, specialized synchrotron radiation instrumentation, and other devices.
• Research equipment and suppliers and oversee the acquisition of new hardware for motion controls and data acquisition systems.
• Design new equipment through the production of solid models and detailed schematics, assembly diagrams and parts lists using SolidEdge.
• Specify and procure components such as positioning stages, encoders, pneumatics, actuators, optics and materials selection for manufactured parts.
• Install, test and troubleshoot commercial experimental equipment for MC and for cryoEM grid/sample preparation.
• Test new devices and methods with biological samples and help with structural biology research goals as required.
• Maintain parts lists and oversee the receipt and QC of ordered and in-house fabricated electronics and mechanical parts to implement equipment completion and installation adhering to tight project schedules.
• Document and organize project documentation including wiring diagrams, drawings, parts lists, and assembly instructions, write QA/QC testing procedures, and produce web-based manufacturing directions.
• Produce 3D rendering and graphics for instructions, presentations and grant applications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

To Be Successful In This Position

• B.S. degree in electrical engineering or equivalent with electro-mechanical or biomedical design experience and 2 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of analog/digital circuit design and troubleshooting.
• Use of Protel schematic capture and PCB payout software for SMT and through-hole components.
• Demonstrated ability to design motion control systems, particularly experience in the use of Galil digital motion controllers for classical stepper motors, IMS stepper motors, and brushless servo-motors.
• Experience in the design of electrical conditioning circuits, such as for optical switches, transducers including LVDT's, incremental and absolute encoders, x-ray ionization chambers, and PIN diode detectors.
• Knowledge of embedded systems development and FPGA programming of Xilinx Spartan chips with VHDL and/or modelsim.
• Experience in solid modeling and preparing detailed mechanical schematics.
• Experience using AutoCAD, SolidWorks or SolidEdge, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.
• Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and collaborative work environment.
• Good communication skills, including interfacing with administrative, scientific, mechanical and electronics staff.
• Strong conceptual and problem-solving skills as well as the ability to identify and recommend solutions.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to synthesize complex technical and scientific information.
• Experience in quality control and generating design reports and documentation.
• Experience in the application of X-ray diffraction techniques.
• Knowledge of precision mechanism design, mechanical fabrication practices, and kinematic design principles.
• Work experience in a hands-on R&D environment with from design, procurement, parts QC, assembly to testing.
• Experience designing, drilling and tapping layouts for electronics chassis.
• Skill in application programming in C++ and Tcl/Tk and Labview.
• Experience with CAD or Solid Edge mechanical design software, mechanical fabrication practices, reliability testing, and quality control processes.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing machines (including 3D printers, lathes, mills, laser cutters, etc.).
• Experience designing complex instrumentation for protein crystallography experimentation in a synchrotron beam line facility environment.
• Experience in sample preparation for macromolecular crystallography and/or cryoEM research.

Preferred Requirements

• Knowledge of precision mechanism design, mechanical fabrication practices, and kinematic design principles.
• Experience with MATLAB and Labview software.
• Work experience in a hands-on R&D environment with from design, procurement, parts QC, assembly to testing.
• Experience designing, drilling and tapping layouts for electronics chassis.
• Skill in application programming in C++ and Tcl/Tk and Labview.
• Experience with CAD or Solid Edge mechanical design software, mechanical fabrication practices, reliability testing, and quality control processes.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing machines (including 3D printers, lathes, mills, laser cutters, etc.).
• Experience designing complex instrumentation for protein crystallography experimentation in a synchrotron beam line facility environment.
• Experience in sample preparation for macromolecular crystallography and/or cryoEM research.