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Science & Engineering Associate - Experiment Control Systems

Job ID

6024

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Regular

SLAC Job Postings

Position Overview:

Do you enjoy collaborating with a diverse group of people to solve complex challenges? Does contributing to breakthrough discoveries in science and working with unique experimental instrumentation in a world-leading scientific research environment excite you? The Experiment Control Systems (ECS) Delivery department at the LCLS is seeking an Entry-Level Engineer to join our team and provide support to the controls and data systems infrastructure for X-ray instrumentation at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), a science Directorate at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory.

LCLS is the world’s first hard X-ray free electron laser (FEL). LCLS is operated as an international user facility, attracting hundreds of scientists from around the world to conduct first-of-a-kind experiments to study fundamental processes of chemistry, technology, and life itself. A suite of 7 x-ray instruments for exploiting the unique LCLS scientific capabilities has been produced. The various instruments adopt common control and data acquisition systems (DAQ). The ECS group is responsible for developing and operating the control and DAQ systems for the different LCLS experiments.

Controls include motors, cameras, vacuum, power supplies, and temperature control. DAQ includes x-ray cameras and waveform digitizers. We take care of the complete signal chain from controlling and reading out custom or commercial detectors to real-time online and offline computing. The software framework is EPICS (Experimental Physics and Industrial Controls System) for controls and a custom-built C/C++ platform for the DAQ. The Python scripting language is used extensively to build interfaces to these systems. As a member of the ECS group you will support the controls and data systems for one or more of the instruments. This position reports to the ECS Delivery department leader.

Your specific responsibilities include:

• Apply engineering and technical knowledge to develop novel hardware or software from concept and requirements, through the design, fabrication, assembly, test, validate, installation, and/or commissioning phases.

• Utilize engineering, scientific, technical knowledge and practices to progress and complete milestones of projects or programs priorities or specific programmatic objectives.

• Employ analytical and problem-solving skills combined with creative and innovative thinking to complete engineering tasks and projects.

• Work independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Become familiar with the details of the x-ray instrument(s) in respect to controls and DAQ, to implement hardware and software changes to adapt the instrument(s) to the changing needs of the different experiments.

• Diagnose and resolve any problems that may arise with the instruments’ controls and DAQ systems or troubleshoot issues at first level and identify tasks requiring expert knowledge of personnel in the controls and data acquisition groups.

• Install, troubleshoot, and ensure operation of new hardware-components, instrumentation, and software.

• Maintain and update existing engineering software and hardware.

• Model, test and validate simulations of electrical or electric systems.

• Serve as a technical resource to deploy solutions, products, and services.

• Order, schedule, coordinate, and supervise the work of technicians and support staff.

• Perform other related activities as directed by the ECS Instrument Engineer.

• May contribute to research publications, develop engineering specifications or requirements and documentation.

• Support scientific and research programs related to area of specialization; monitor and oversee experimental process, and design and develop prototypes, specialized equipment, and/or systems.

• Document engineering methods and software for end users and developers.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Associate degree or certificate of completion in physics or related science, computer science, electrical engineering or related technical specialty or three years of equivalent work experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

• Ability to interpret and apply fundamental concepts and practices within a field of specialty to define the paths for completion of assignments having well defined scope.

• Ability to interpret and determine validity of data and to check own work.

• Ability to communicate effectively and timely both orally and in writing, necessary to collaborate in a team environment and particularly with specialists in other fields.

• Ability to give presentations at discipline-specific or project meetings.

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

• Ability to communicate, liaise, and collaborate with staff, students, faculty, and outside vendors.

• Experience with software applications, systems, or programs relevant to the job.

• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative and creative design concepts using strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Experience with software applications, systems, or programs relevant for the job.

• Demonstrated programming skills with Python and C or C++, experience with Linux/Unix and shell scripting strongly.

• Working knowledge of computer networks and experience configuring and troubleshooting network devices strongly.

• Familiarity with the EPICS framework.

• Experience with real-time software.

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.

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. May work extended hours during peak business cycles.

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. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1—General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf

• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu

• Classification Title : Science & Engineering Associate 1

• Grade: I / Job code : 4991

• Employment Duration : Regular Continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $90,000 $113,000 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) 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.

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer and supports diversity in the workplace. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. All staff at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory must be able to demonstrate the legal right to work in the United States. SLAC is an E-Verify employer.