SSRL Beamline Operations Engineer (SE2)

SSRL is a national scientific user facility operated by the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource directorate at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. It provides approximately 30 x-ray and ultraviolet beamlines tailored to diverse experimental techniques in microelectronics, energy storage, metal additive manufacturing, biological and medical sciences, Earth science, sustainability, and materials science.

About the role

SSRL is seeking an outstanding Beamline Operations Engineer to provide technical support and operational oversight for the experimental facility, beamlines, and experimental equipment. You will design, prototype, and commission electro-optical-mechanical systems, identify process improvements, create technical documents and user manuals, and support visiting scientists and SSRL staff.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and prototype scientific or industrial equipment and systems.
• Serve as a key interface between user groups, experiment support groups, and operations groups.
• Act as the first point of contact to assist with user technical support and facility response to issues affecting beamline and user operations.
• Confirm required administrative procedures are complete before authorizing user groups to operate SSRL beamlines.
• Communicate and enforce compliance with safety policies and procedures.
• Present safety and orientation information to new users.
• Monitor configuration control of beamline protection and personnel protection systems.
• Troubleshoot and repair complex equipment and systems.
• Assist with installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of synchrotron radiation beamlines and associated subsystems (complex electro-optical-mechanical, cryogenic-vacuum, and control systems).
• Collaborate with engineers and scientists in the development, design, prototyping, procurement, and commissioning of novel and special-purpose scientific equipment.
• Operate and maintain specialized scientific/industrial equipment.
• Procure and maintain tools, equipment, and chemicals associated with experimental and engineering projects.
• Maintain and supply shared workspaces.
• Create and maintain technical documents and user manuals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, physics, chemistry, or a related field and two years of technical experience in a laboratory or industrial environment.
• Experience in the design, development, and prototyping of scientific or industrial equipment and systems.
• At least one of the following:
  • Operate and troubleshoot sophisticated electro-optical-mechanical and logic control systems.
  • Extensive use of hand tools, specialized tools, and techniques in the assembly and operation of precision complex electro-optical-mechanical systems; handling of delicate instruments and materials.
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as unsupervised within strict procedural guidelines.
• Collaborate with a diverse work group of visiting scientists, staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Professionalism and strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Scientific/industrial plumbing/tubing: specification, design, procurement, and installation.
• Machining and/or 3D printing experience.
• Python programming or automation skills.

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.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• May work extended hours during peak business cycles.
• Shift work is required (rotating day/night, with the current cadence of four 12-hour day shifts/four days off/four 12-hour night shifts/four days off for 9 months of the year, with a standard 5-day/week 8-hour/day schedule the remaining 3 months of the year).
• On-site work is required.

Pay

The expected pay range for this position is $134,906 - $164,965 per annum. Pay is determined based on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.