Accelerator Technologist II

SLAC; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, CA seeks an Accelerator Technologist II - Cryogenics Plant Operator for a 1-year fixed term. The role oversees cryogenic plant operations, monitoring systems and supporting experiments with engineers and scientists.

You will follow safety protocols, perform routine maintenance, calibrate instruments, and coordinate with multiple teams to ensure reliable cryogenic performance on a 24/7 rotating shift, including weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• H.S./GED or vocational training; 2 years lab/industrial mech/electrical exp may substitute.
• Ability to read/interpret instrument, piping, electrical drawings.
• Experience with cryogenic systems and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Follow existing operation and safety procedures; complete required training.
• Monitor and adjust control functions for cryogenics system performance.
• Maintain operating records and log sheets.
• Operate and diagnose cryogenic system equipment.
• Monitor equipment health and process performance.
• Collaborate with experimenters, engineers, and physicists on installations and modifications.
• Maintain and calibrate industrial instruments and controllers.
• Use a range of tools and calibration equipment for maintenance.
• Perform preventative maintenance on process systems.
• Work rotating weekends/holidays; potential overtime.

Skills

Cryogenics systems

Instrumentation & controls

Electrical/electronics

Mechanical aptitude

Reading schematics

Math & computing

Valid driver’s license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Lab/industrial mechanical or electrical experience

College/Technical degree preferred

Tools

PLC knowledge

Computers & networks

Hand & power tools

Job description

This position is a 1-year fixed term. The Linac Coherent Light Source-II is a major expansion of the world's first x-ray free-electron laser at SLAC. The Project has two 18 kW @4.5K helium refrigerators, which supply 2K superfluid helium to cool the accelerator. The Project seeks an Accelerator Technologist II -Cryogenics Plant Operator to support the cryoplant operation. You will work under general or intermittent supervision or under advisement from higher level Accelerator Technologists and perform assignments of basic to intermediate complexity in process monitoring and operations, and one or more areas of mechanical technical work, instrumentation & controls, refrigeration/vacuum, electrical/electronics, etc. all of which are part of the cryogenics plant operator skillsets.

The Technologist will conduct a block of work as a complete project, or as a portion of a larger and more diverse project, with strict adherence to site-specific safety as well as work planning and control (WPC) protocols. The Technologist will be project coordinator for multi-person projects requiring coordination, scheduling, and planning with other individuals and their specific work. As operations coordinator, the Technologist will be in charge of ensuring efficient use of resources and monitoring of target dates.

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

Specific job duties include but not limited to:

• Perform work by following existing operational & Safety procedures and standards; successful completion of required training and applied adherence in the field.
• Monitor and perform adjustments to control functions for optimal cryogenics system specifications, availability and efficiency.
• Maintain equipment operating records and log sheets
• Operate and diagnose complex cryogenic system equipment
• Monitor equipment and process performance and health
• Work with experimenters, engineers, physicists, and other groups on, installation, modification, and performance of cryogenic systems.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and calibrate all types of industrial and commercial grade instruments including sensing elements, transmitters, pneumatic and electronic controllers, transducers, and control valves.
• Use a wide variety of tools and equipment, such as various hand tools, portable electronic test equipment, calibration and maintenance equipment
• Perform preventative maintenance of process systems.
• Work schedule will include weekends & holiday schedules. May include overtime hours.

Qualifications:

• H.S./GED or vocational school apprenticeship, plus two years of laboratory or industrial mechanical/electrical experience can be substituted. College, Technical degree, or military training is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose issues in the helium cryogenic process
• Ability to read and interpret instrument, piping, electrical and electronic drawings and sketches.
• Able to effectively communicate technical issues with senior engineers, operators, tech support personnel, vendors and others in a diverse multicultural environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in multiple cryogenics technical operator skillsets such as Instrumentation & Controls, Gas Process and electrical/electronics principles and hardware
• The ability to use a wide variety of hand & power tools.
• Demonstrated use of solid math skills & computer proficiency.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license to drive vehicles on site.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with troubleshooting and working on control system components including programmable logic controllers (PLC), computers, and communication networks.
• Demonstrated electrical-mechanical aptitude and ability to perform basic & intermediate controls/instrumentation job duties.
• Technical knowledge of industrial equipment operation & repair.
• Familiarity with site environmental and safety rules, regulations, and requirements.

SLAC 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/ 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.
• This role is an on-site rotating-shift position supporting 24/7 operations. Work schedule will include weekends & holiday schedules. May include overtime hours.