Job Information
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory Staff Engineer - Control System Integrator in Menlo Park, California
Staff Engineer - Control System Integrator
Job ID
5759
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) division within the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Directorate at SLAC is seeking a Control System Integrator to spearhead control system development in major DOE projects as well as operational improvement projects for the facility.
LCLS is the world’s first hard x-ray free electron laser (FEL) with unprecedented capabilities in photon energy range, peak power, and pulse lengths. There are 8 independent instruments currently in operation, which are specifically designed to utilize the exceptional beam characteristics of the LCLS to probe the structure and dynamics of matter at atomic size and timescales.
As a member of the ECS Project Execution Team, the Control System Integrator will join a multidisciplinary engineering group which develops and supports technology for controlling and operating scientific instrumentation at LCLS. They will work on developing and delivering highly functional control systems for LCLS projects at varying scales, from multi-month to larger multi-year efforts. Examples of current projects include:
LCLS-II: https://lcls.slac.stanford.edu/lcls-ii ,
LCLS-II Instruments (L2SI): https://lcls.slac.stanford.edu/instruments/l2si ,
LCLS-II High Energy (LCLS-II HE): https://lcls.slac.stanford.edu/lcls-ii-he , and
Matter in Extreme Conditions Upgrade (MEC-U): https://www.laserfocusworld.com/lasers-sources/article/14211811/slac-petawatt-laser-facility-gets-goahead-from-doe )
The LCLS control systems enable scripted, by-wire, and properly interlocked operation of mechatronics and instrumentation involved in the process of delivering beam (laser+xfel) and collecting data in the experiment areas. The delivery of these control systems requires a detailed understanding of high-level stakeholder needs and the state-of-the-art technical capabilities. Successful control system delivery depends on interfacing with nearly all groups in the project process, managing relationships and maintaining a sufficient understanding of the evolution of the overall system design.
A successful hire will engage with LCLS staff and project stakeholders to understand entire project visions as well as learn the essential features of the core control system architectures. With this knowledge the Control System Integrator will plan and execute control system projects in collaboration with other ECS staff acting as the focal point for communication and coordination.
See https://lcls.slac.stanford.edu/ for more on LCLS and the unique capabilities of our instrument facilities.
Your specific responsibilities include :
Represent the needs and interests of the ECS group in the planning, design, and installation phases of LCLS projects by working as the primary interface to stakeholders and other groups.
Specification and management of controls infrastructure requirements in the project design phase.
Plan,coordinate and assist in control system installation.
Drive test and checkout processes, ensure test procedures are prepared and ready, assist with quality assurance throughout the process.
Manage materials and supplies acquisition for controls, working with the LCLS procurement team to ensure hardware is available when needed.
Develop and improve internal processes for project execution.
Research and deploy new engineering tools to improve design efficiency.
Ownership of cable, rack and design component database systems.
Manage subcontractor work through contract development and oversight.
To be successful in this position you will bring:
A Bachelor’s degree in physical sciences, computing, an engineering field such as mechatronics, electronics, or related STEM field.
Ability to learn and understand the workings of a broad range of hardware and software.
Exceptional communications skills and ability to work well in a research and development team.
Demonstrated project leadership, planning, and excellent organizational skills.
Effective communication with external vendors of equipment and/or services, for purposes of purchasing, outsourcing, or support.
Strong problem-solving skills in highly technical applications, and a demonstrated ability of independent decision making.
In addition, preferred experience includes:
Project management or coordination.
Development of project schedules using Gantt charts.
Estimating and development of project budgets.
Management of project workflows, experience de-conflicting schedules and prioritizing efforts.
Delivery of control system integration or automation engineering projects.
System engineering requirements development, decomposition, and validation.
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.
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: Staff Engineer 1
Job code: 0131, Grade: I
Duration: Regular Continuing
The expected pay range for this position is $84,000 - $141,000 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.