Beamline Engineer - SSRL Materials Science Division

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, home of SSRL, seeks a beamline engineer to align X-ray optics, configure data acquisition, and prepare experimental stations for SSRL users. You will design, develop, and maintain beamline hardware and provide technical support to diverse scientific teams.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in chemistry, physics, engineering or related field and 2+ years in a scientific/technical setting, with strong analytical skills, clear documentation, and the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, physics, engineering or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize designs with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, strong interpersonal and organizational abilities.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse scientists, staff and users in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to write clear technical documentation and user manuals.
• Ability to evaluate and troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical and logic control systems.

Responsibilities

• Align X-ray optics and configure data acquisition and experimental systems.
• Prepare, commission, and optimize beam lines and experimental stations for SSRL users.
• Establish and maintain high quality experimental conditions on the x-ray beam line.
• Design, develop, and maintain beam line hardware, and provide technical support to the SSRL users.
• Develop in-situ/operando experimental hardware and capabilities.
• Identify and carry out projects that expand experimental capabilities and/or improve system reliability.
• Provide input to the beam time scheduling process.
• May serve as a beam line program manager (this role requires periodic on-call duties).
• Other duties may also be assigned.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational abilities

Independent and collaborative work

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry/physics/engineering/related field

Tools

Job description

Job Description

Position Overview:

Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a SLAC Directorate at Stanford University, is a national scientific user facility providing synchrotron radiation for research in biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, material science, medicine, and physics. SSRL operates and maintains the 3GeV electron storage ring SPEAR3, the associated injector facility, and synchrotron radiation beam lines on SPEAR3.

Your specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Align X-ray optics and configure data acquisition and experimental systems.
• Prepare, commission, and optimize beam lines and experimental stations for SSRL users.
• Establish and maintain high quality experimental conditions on the x-ray beam line.
• Design, develop, and maintain beam line hardware, and provide technical support to the SSRL users.
• Develop in-situ/operando experimental hardware and capabilities.
• Identify and carry out projects that expand experimental capabilities and/or improve system reliability.
• Provide input to the beam time scheduling process.
• May serve as a beam line program manager (this role requires periodic on-call duties).
• Other duties may also be assigned.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree (in chemistry, physics, engineering or related field) and at least 2 years of experience in a scientific, engineering or technical field, including:
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize designs, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills paired with creative and innovative thinking.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and effective organizational abilities.
• Ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of scientists, technical staff and user groups in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to write clear technical documentation and user manuals.
• Ability to evaluate and troubleshoot complex electro-mechanical and logic control systems.

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

• Strong hands-on skill in assembling complex mechanical systems and handling delicate instruments.

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

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

As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-