Beamline Engineer - SSRL Materials Science Division

Stanfordlivetickets; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (Stanford) seeks a Beam Line Engineer for SSRL in Menlo Park, CA. You will align optics, commission beam lines, and maintain experimental conditions while developing new capabilities and supporting users across disciplines.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's in a related field and 2+ years in science/engineering. Strong communication and teamwork are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 2 years in a scientific/engineering/technical role.
• Ability to conceptualize designs with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal and organizational abilities.
• Ability to interact with diverse scientists, staff and user groups in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and with others, and write clear technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Align X-ray optics and configure data acquisition and experimental systems.
• Prepare, commission and optimize beam lines and stations for SSRL users.
• Maintain high quality experimental conditions on the beam line.
• Design, develop and maintain beam line hardware and provide technical support.
• Develop in-situ/operando hardware and capabilities.
• Identify projects to expand capabilities or improve reliability.
• Contribute to beam time scheduling; may serve as beam line program manager.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Written and verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Technical writing

Electro-mechanical understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, physics, engineering or related field

Tools

Beam line hardware

Job description

Job Overview

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.

SSRL is seeking an outstanding Beam Line Engineer to join a dynamic scientific research environment in the hard x-ray group of the Materials Science Division. The primary responsibility of this position is to provide engineering support to the hard x-ray group, including optimization, maintenance and upgrade of existing hard x-ray beam lines, assisting scientists with instrument development on the end stations, and oversee the safe operation of the hard x-ray beam line and end stations.

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.
• 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-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

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• Grade: K, Job Code: 0132
• Duration: regular continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $134,906 - $164,965 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. 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. At SLAC/Stanford, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.

Responsibilities

Minimum Qualifications

• Fixed Term N
• SLAC Business Area Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource Directorate (SSRL)
• Locations Menlo Park, CA, United States
• Job Schedule Full time
• Regular or Temporary Regular
• Job Category Research - Engineering
• Posting Date 04/11/2026, 12:00 AM
• Grade K
• Job Identification 6714

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Benefits that support you, and your future

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance

403k plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Free and discounted commuter transportation

Applies to regular full-time positions.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

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 their job.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

For foreign national candidates

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

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