Staff Engineer 2 - Protection Systems
Position Overview
The Machine Protection System (MPS) Engineer is responsible for the safety and reliability of the equipment at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. This role involves maintaining existing protection systems and leading the upgrade of aging infrastructure to modern standards.
Specific Responsibilities
Drive the phased migration of legacy MPS hardware to modern PLC-based interlock systems.
Design "bridge" interfaces that allow new PLC racks to communicate with existing legacy chassis during multi-year upgrade cycles.
Act as the subject matter expert for the current protection interlocks, troubleshooting, repairing, and calibrating legacy vacuum gauge controllers and relay-based logic to minimize downtime.
Architect and program safety-critical interlock logic using Studio 5000 (Ladder, Structured Text), and develop Add-On Instructions (AOIs) for standardized control of vacuum valves, pumps, and gauges.
Develop HMI screens and data-logging routines to provide "First-Out" fault detection, allowing operators to identify the exact sensor that initiated a machine trip.
Develop test procedures and lead "Dry Run" testing of interlock chains during maintenance shutdowns to verify that logic correctly inhibits beam operation under fault conditions.
Own and maintain system documentation, including interlock logic descriptions, I/O lists, test procedures, configuration records, and operational notes, ensuring updates are captured as part of upgrade, commissioning, and troubleshooting activities.
Apply configuration management, version control, and formal change control practices to safety-critical protection systems in accordance with SLAC Conduct of Engineering.
Participate in a shared on-call responsibility to provide 24/7 support for critical Machine Protection Systems, primarily during beam operations.
To Be Successful In This Position
You will bring a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
You will have minimum 2 years of experience with PLC-based interlock systems.
You will demonstrate demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex systems, particularly in "mixed-technology" environments where modern PLCs must interface with legacy hardware.
You will have experience documenting engineering changes and writing standard operating procedures (SOPs).
You will have effective communication skills across multidisciplinary teams, including physics, engineering, and operations.
You will be willing to provide occasional 24/7 support for the assigned systems.
Preferred Requirements
You will have a Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field.
You will have 5+ years of experience with PLC-based interlock systems, preferably in the Allen-Bradley (Rockwell) suite.
You will have hardware experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and HMIs, or equivalent PLC architectures.
You will have experience working in an accelerator facility.
You will have experience with PLC interface and control software for: Power Supplies, RF, Beam Position Monitors and other beam diagnostics, digitizers, Motion Control, Thermocouples, Radiation Monitors, and vacuum instrumentation.
You will have experience designing, engineering, and implementing safety instrumented systems in alignment with functional safety standards.
You will have knowledge of Linux, Python, MATLAB, EPICS.
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.
Classification Title
Staff Engineer 2
Grade
K
Job Code
0132
Duration
Regular Continuing