ALS-U Beamline Lead Electrical Engineer Advanced Light Source (ALS)

Lightsources.org; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 158,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution is seeking a Beamline Lead Electrical Engineer for the ALS-U Project. This role encompasses designing and implementing advanced electrical systems for upgraded beamlines, along with managing multidisciplinary teams to ensure high safety and performance standards. The successful candidate will have a blend of technical leadership capabilities, relevant experience, and a strong background in electrical engineering, paving the way for impactful contributions to the project.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in complex electrical system design and implementation.
• Proven leadership in multidisciplinary engineering projects.
• Expertise in electrical distribution and safety systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead all electrical engineering activities for beamlines.
• Manage power distribution and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Mentor junior engineers and oversee project execution.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Technical Communication

Electrical Distribution

Controls Systems

AC Power Distribution

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

CAD tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Berkeley Lab is hiring a Beamline Lead Electrical Engineer for the ALS-U Project. This role involves leading the design, integration, and implementation of advanced electrical systems for upgraded beamlines. The engineer will provide technical leadership and project management across all phases—from concept to commissioning—covering power distribution, grounding, controls, and radiation safety, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

What You Will Do:

• Lead all electrical engineering activities for ALS-U beamlines, including design, planning, execution, and documentation.
• Oversee electrical systems for ~50 beamlines, including relocations, rebuilds, and integration with scientific equipment, ensuring close integration with Equipment Protection and Personal Protection Systems.
• Manage power distribution, rack layouts, controls, grounding, cable routing, and compliance with NEC and safety standards.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, including ALS-U technical staff, operations, facilities, EH&S, and external partners.
• Supervise contractors and technical staff, ensuring quality, code compliance, and timely execution.
• Develop installation plans, LOTO procedures, energization plans, and oversee field execution.
• Apply advanced engineering principles to solve complex problems and support novel detector systems.
• Prepare technical documentation, specifications, schedules, and cost estimates; contribute to proposals and reporting.
• Represent electrical engineering in design reviews and provide technical leadership on cross-functional projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate across institutions to implement integrated solutions.
• Coordinate the large-scale cataloging of challenging as-built conditions in a facility with equipment installed over multiple decades, ensuring systems can be safely de-energized, reconfigured, and recommissioned.
  

What is Required:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in complex electrical system design and implementation in research, industrial, or high-tech settings.
• Proven leadership on multidisciplinary engineering projects.
• Expertise in electrical distribution (low/medium voltage), control systems, motor drives, and safety systems.
• Proficient with CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, OrCAD, Mentor Graphics, Creo Schematics).
• Strong knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E, IEEE, and UL standards.Excellent technical communication, project management, and documentation skills.
• Broad electrical engineering skills—from control systems to AC power distribution.
• Experience with accelerator-related systems (e.g., high-power PS, RF, signal processing, controls).Ability to interpret mechanical models and guide technical teams at both system and detail levels.
• Strong engineering judgment, independent decision-making, and ability to lead diverse teams.
• Skilled in project planning, cost/staffing estimation, and managing competing priorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and standard engineering tools.

Desired Qualifications:

• PhD or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or related field, with 15+ years of relevant experience.
• Deep expertise in electrical/mechanical integration, design, and fabrication.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong leadership experience overseeing engineering and technical teams.
• Familiarity with PLM systems, QA workflows, and mechanical CAD tools.
• Experience in R&D or national lab environments, especially synchrotron facilities.
• Hands-on experience with large-scale installations and knowledge of NEC, NFPA 70E, and LOTO safety standards.
• Programming/database skills.
  

Notes:

• This is a full-time 2-year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• The expected salary for this position is $158,000.00 – $193,000.00, which fits into the full salary of $140,676.00 – $237,408.00 annually depending upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.

Starting May 7, a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab’s mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.