Software Developer, Experiment Controls

Position Overview

Specific Responsibilities

Preferred Requirements

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

SLAC Employee Competencies

Classification Title

Job code

Grade

Duration

Expected Pay Range

The Experiment Control Systems (ECS) division within the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Directorate at SLAC is seeking a Software Developer to join the Engineering and Design controls team. The Software Developer will primarily develop and maintain Python and C/C++ based applications and automation scripts that serve as an important interface for controlling complex experiments to advance scientific research.

• Develop, maintain, and own high-level Python and C/C++ applications and libraries that are essential for experiment operations, instrument control, and data acquisition.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers to translate experimental requirements into well-designed, reliable, and maintainable software solutions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex issues in the software application stack, from the user graphical interfaces down to the communication with our control system infrastructure primarily consisting of EPICS (Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System).
• Contribute to collaboration with other team members and international groups on public and private software packages on GitHub, including the review of peer-submitted code.
• Develop and refine engineering processes and tools contributing to strategic improvements and long-term system reliability.

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

• A Bachelor's degree in Physical Sciences, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field, and five years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Strong proficiency in Python and Python GUI development (PyQt)
• Experience working with C/C++ code development and maintenance
• Experience with version control systems, particularly Git, and collaborative development workflows
• Experience performing end-to-end ownership of tasks, including project management, schedule, and stakeholder management.
• Experience working in cross-disciplinary teams or environments.
• Effective communication (written and verbal).

Preferred requirements include:

• Experience with EPICS (Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System) development
• Familiarity with EPICS Channel Access (CA) and/or PV Access (PVA) protocols
• Experience working in a scientific, research, or academic environment
• Extensive experience working in Linux environments, preferably RHEL or Rocky Linux
• Good understanding of network architecture and operational technology systems
• Familiarity with control systems concepts and infrastructure
• Experience leveraging AI models and tools to accelerate development and build AI applications that improve operational effectiveness
• An M.Sc. in Computer Engineering/Science, Physical Science, or a closely related field.

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 the job.
• Work Standards:
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

SLAC Employee Competencies:

• 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.

At SLAC/Stanford, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The university reserves the right to modify the terms and conditions of employment without notice.