Automation/Instrumentation Engineer

Job ID

5927

Location

SLAC - Menlo Park, CA

Full-Time

Regular

SLAC Job Postings

Position overview:

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a Directorate of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, is a national user facility with 27 beamlines, providing synchrotron radiation for research in chemistry, catalysis, biology, medical, environmental, and materials sciences.

SSRL is seeking a talented Mechanical Engineer to be part of a dynamic scientific research environment in the Chemistry and Catalysis Division. In this position you will work with a team of engineers and scientists, focusing on the design and development of various experimental setups such as X-ray emission spectrometers or X-ray grazing incidence end stations, for our X¿ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) beamlines.

The specific responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Design, develop and assemble the mechanical and electro-mechanical components for X-ray science experimental setups with special emphasis on stability, precision and versatility based on requirements provided by staff engineers and scientists.

• Collaborate with the team to integrate experimental setups at the beamline and ensure compatibility with its data acquisition system.

• Testing, troubleshooting, maintaining and optimizing the performance and reliability of each component.

• Develop mechanical designs, motion control systems and control loops to enable ultra precise positioning of samples, detectors, crystal analyzers, etc.

• Contribute to the documentation of designs, specifications, calibration and testing processes.

• Other duties may also be assigned.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or scientific discipline, or 2 years of equivalent work experience or combination of education and relevant experience.

• Proven experience with mechanical engineering concepts, structural analysis and development of prototypes and/or systems related to area of specialization.

• Experience in mechanical design and 3D CAD software such as or SolidEdge.

• Understanding of machining, 3D printing and other fabrication techniques as they relate to mechanical systems design.

• Ability to work in a team environment as well as unsupervised within adequate procedural guidelines.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to write clear documentation.

• Self-motivated, willing to learn and able to complete tasks with minimal supervision.

In addition, preferred requirements include experience in the following areas:

• Direct experience and knowledge of synchrotron radiation x-ray emission and/or x-ray absorption spectroscopy beam lines highly desirable.

• Strong hands-on skills in assembling complex electro-mechanical systems and handling delicate instruments is highly desirable.

• Solid understanding of stepper and piezo motors and motion controllers, high resolution absolute and incremental encoders as well as mechanical, electrical and optical sensors.

• Familiarity with multi-degree positioners, such as hexapods or industrial multi-axis robots.

• Computer programming skills.

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.

• Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

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 2

• Job code: 0132, Grade: K

• Employment Duration: Continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $108,000 to $163,000per 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.