Control and Interlock Systems Engineer

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park invites applications for a Control and Interlock Systems Engineer. You will spearhead development of interlock systems for major upgrades and ongoing operations, working within the Experiment Control Systems division to protect scientific instruments and ensure safe, reliable beam delivery.

You will become a subject matter expert in PLC-based control, Beckhoff TwinCAT, and EPICS, collaborating with operations, engineering, and scientists.

Qualifications

• BS in engineering or computer science; 5+ years designing PLC-based interlock systems in science/industry.
• Strong programming skills with IEC 61131-3, especially Structured Text.
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT, EPICS, and industrial networks (EtherCAT, Modbus, TCP/IP).
• Ability to read electrical schematics and develop technical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain machine protection interlock systems and controls infrastructure.
• Create specifications, requirements, test procedures, and commissioning plans.
• Design architectures using Beckhoff TwinCAT PLCs, EPICS, and industrial networks.
• Integrate PLCs with higher-level control and supervisory systems.
• Lead troubleshooting and reliability improvements across control systems.

Skills

Beckhoff TwinCAT PLCs

EPICS integration

Machine protection interlock systems

Industrial networking

IEC 61131-3 Structured Text

Git

Python

C++

Distributed control systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related discipline

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) preferred

Tools

Git

Job description

Job Description

Working Title: Control and Interlock Systems Engineer

Classification Title: Staff Engineer 2

Job code: 0132 Grade: K

Duration: Regular Continuing

Reason for Opening: Addition

Hiring Manager: Farooq, Usman

Position Overview

Do you enjoy collaborating with a diverse group of people to solve complex challenges? Does contributing to breakthrough discoveries in science and working with unique experimental instrumentation in a world-leading scientific research environment excite you? The Experiment Control Systems (ECS) division within the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Directorate at SLAC is seeking a Control and Interlock Systems Engineer to spearhead interlock systems development for major facility upgrades as well as operational improvement projects for the facility.

As a member of the ECS Design & Engineering Team, you will join a multidisciplinary engineering group in the design, deployment, and commissioning of technology for controlling and protecting scientific instrumentation at LCLS. You will work on developing and delivering highly functional machine protection interlock systems for LCLS projects at varying scales.

The LCLS control systems are responsible for enabling safe, reliable, and coordinated operation of beam delivery systems (laser and XFEL) and experimental instrumentation.

They support automated and interlocked control of complex mechatronic and instrumentation systems.

The delivery of these control systems requires a deep understanding of high-level stakeholder needs and the state-of-the-art technical capabilities. Successful control system delivery depends on interfacing with nearly all groups in the project process, managing relationships and maintaining a sufficient understanding of the evolution of the overall system design.

A successful hire will become a subject matter expert in the LCLS PLC-based and distributed control systems, with a focus on machine protection interlock systems, industrial networking, and associated controls infrastructure. The position will contribute to the design, implementation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of mission-critical controls systems supporting scientific operations.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop deep technical expertise in Beckhoff TwinCAT PLCs, EPICS integration, machine protection interlock systems, and distributed controls architectures while working closely with operations, engineering, and scientific staff to ensure safe, reliable, and maintainable system operation.

Your Specific Responsibilities Include

• Develop and maintain machine protection interlock systems and other mission-critical controls infrastructure.
• Develop system specifications, requirements, design documents, test procedures, and commissioning plans to meet stakeholder needs.
• Design and implement controls architectures utilizing Beckhoff TwinCAT PLCs, EPICS, industrial networking technologies, and related controls frameworks.
• Integrate controls systems with supervisory systems, operator interfaces, instrumentation, and facility infrastructure.
• Diagnose issues in operational control systems, perform root-cause analysis, and implement reliability and maintainability improvements.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, including functional specifications, architecture diagrams, interface documentation, and operating procedures.
• Participate in controls upgrades, modernization efforts, and new facility or instrument development projects.
• Research, evaluate, and implement new automation, controls, and industrial networking technologies.
• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, technicians, operators, vendors, and project teams to deliver integrated controls solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise for PLC-based and distributed control systems.

To Be Successful In This Position You Will Bring

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or a related discipline, and a minimum of five years of experience designing, implementing, commissioning, or supporting PLC-based interlock systems in scientific, industrial, manufacturing, or similar environments.
• Extensive programming skills using IEC 61131-3 PLC languages with a focus on Structured Text programming
• Experience with industrial control system architectures, distributed control systems, SCADA systems, and industrial networking technologies.
• Experience designing, commissioning, and troubleshooting industrial fieldbus networks such as EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, or similar technologies.
• Experience integrating PLC systems with higher-level control and supervisory systems using technologies such as EPICS, OPC UA, ADS, Modbus, or similar communication protocols.
• Understanding of industrial electrical engineering principles, instrumentation, signal circuits, and control system hardware.
• Ability to read, develop, and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Experience troubleshooting complex systems involving hardware, software, instrumentation, networking, and controls components.
• Experience using software configuration management and version control tools such as Git.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to learn and understand a broad range of hardware, software, instrumentation, and operational systems.

In Addition, Preferred Experience Includes

• Advanced degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with Beckhoff TwinCAT PLCs
• Experience with EPICS-based control systems and scientific instrumentation controls.
• Experience developing, commissioning, and supporting distributed control systems in scientific, industrial, manufacturing, or large-scale facility environments.
• Experience with industrial networking technologies and protocols, including TCP/IP, UDP, EtherCAT, OPC UA, Modbus, Ethernet/IP, or similar.
• Programming experience in Python, C++, or similar languages.
• Experience with Linux, bash, or other scripting environments.
• Experience with software development best practices, including version control, software testing, and configuration management using Git or similar tools.
• Experience with simulation, testing, validation, and reliability analysis of control systems.
• Familiarity with industrial safety and engineering standards such as IEC 61511/ISA-84, UL 508, ANSI, OSHA, or similar standards.
• Experience using engineering and documentation tools such as EPLAN, Visio, or similar applications.

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.

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.

Summary

RESPONSIBILITIES

An entry-level position for a PhD graduate in a scientist position

or

A level for continuing career professional in an engineering position with fully functioning and independent skillset.

Scope Of Impact

Executes well-defined priorities or specific programmatic objectives.

Knowledge And Expertise

Demonstrated expertise in a specific scientific or technical area and ability to apply this expertise to complete program or project objectives.

Applies general principles, theories, and concepts, and contributes to the development of advancements.

Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to collaborate.

Program Development

Contributes to the completion of milestones associated with specific projects and technical products to accomplish the laboratory’s goals.

Minimum Education And Experience Required

BS in applicable engineering or scientific discipline and 2 years of relevant experience

About Us

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory explores how the universe works at the biggest, smallest and fastest scales and invents powerful tools used by researchers around the globe. As world leaders in ultrafast science and bold explorers of the physics of the universe, we forge new ground in understanding our origins and building a healthier and more sustainable future. Our discovery and innovation help develop new materials and chemical processes and open unprecedented views of the cosmos and life’s most delicate machinery. Building on more than 60 years of visionary research, we help shape the future by advancing areas such as quantum technology, scientific computing and the development of next-generation accelerators.

SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science . The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

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.

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.

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 Identify 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. 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.

For Foreign National Candidates

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the 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 PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.