Controls and Data Systems Integration Engineer

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks a Controls and Data Systems Integration Engineer within the ECS division of LCLS to design, implement, and sustain advanced hardware and software for scientific instrumentation.

You will lead system installations, manage lifecycle of controls and data systems, develop EPICS-based software, and collaborate with scientists and operations teams to optimize data workflows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus 3+ years in scientific instrumentation or controls.
• Ability to learn a broad range of hardware and software systems.
• Strong C/C++ and Python skills in Linux/Unix environments.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and teamwork.
• Proven project management, planning, and organizational abilities.
• Understanding of the scientific function of complex X-ray instrumentation systems.

Responsibilities

• Plan, install, validate experimental systems with requirements and acceptance testing.
• Manage lifecycle of controls and data systems including upgrades and sustainment.
• Design/maintain control architectures: PLCs, I/O, embedded controllers, timing, Linux IOCs.
• Develop EPICS-based control/DAQ software and operator interfaces; document.
• Integrate controls/hardware: detectors, motion, vacuum, lasers, facility infra.
• Collaborate to optimize data acquisition, metadata handling, and data flow.
• Lead reconfiguration/upgrades with version control and change management.
• Support operations/commissioning, troubleshooting during maintenance and user ops.
• Participate in subsystem upgrades and evaluate/select solutions.
• Diagnose cross-domain issues with structured troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
• Translate needs into controls/DAQ specs, test plans, and procedures.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Linux/Unix

Communication

Project management

Instrumentation knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in physics, computer science, engineering, or related field

Tools

EPICS

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Experiment Control Systems (ECS) division within the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Directorate at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking a Controls and Data Systems Integration Engineer to design, implement, and sustain advanced hardware and software solutions for both commercial and highly customized scientific instrumentation in one of several experimental halls.

Your Specific Responsibilities Include The Following

• Plan, execute, and validate experimental system installations, including requirements development, ICDs, commissioning plans, and acceptance testing.
• Manage the full lifecycle of controls and data systems, including design, commissioning, operation, maintenance, upgrades, and sustainment.
• Design and maintain controls architectures spanning PLCs, fieldbus I/O, embedded controllers, timing systems, and Linux-based IOCs, ensuring deterministic and fail‑safe operation.
• Develop EPICS‑based control and data acquisition software, including device support, alarm/archiver integration, and operator interfaces; maintain documentation.
• Integrate and support controls and data systems hardware/software, including detectors, motion systems, vacuum, lasers, and facility infrastructure.
• Collaborate with scientists and data systems engineers to optimize data acquisition, metadata handling, and data flow workflows.
• Lead system reconfiguration and upgrades, including configuration management, version control, and change control.
• Support operations and commissioning, including troubleshooting during maintenance and user operations.
• Participate in subsystem upgrades (e.g., laser and timing systems), including evaluation, selection, and integration of solutions.
• Diagnose and resolve complex cross‑domain issues across controls, software, instrumentation, networking, and timing systems using structured troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis.
• Translate experimental needs into controls and DAQ specifications, test plans, and operational procedures in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary interface between instrument scientists, engineers, and operations teams for controls and data systems.

Work with unique instrumentation and electronics systems, such as the following:

• Sample delivery systems
• Femtosecond timing systems
• X‑ray detectors (e.g., CCDs and related instrumentation)
• Machine protection and personnel safety systems

To Be Successful In This Position, You Will Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in physics, computer science, engineering, or a related field, and at least three years of relevant experience in scientific instrumentation, control systems, software development, or systems engineering. An advanced degree may be considered in lieu of some experience.
• Ability to quickly learn and apply a broad range of hardware and software systems.
• Strong programming skills in C/C++ and scripting languages (preferably Python) in Linux/Unix environments.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a research and development environment.
• Proven skills in project management, planning, prioritization, and organization.
• Ability to understand the scientific function of complex X‑ray instrumentation systems.

Preferred Qualifications Include

• Experience with EPICS‑based control systems, including IOC development, device integration, and operator interfaces.
• Experience with scientific instrumentation, laser systems, or laser diagnostics.
• Background in X‑ray science, physics, or materials science.

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 his or her job.
• Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.
• Work schedule: This role may require periodic/occasional work outside normal business hours (evenings/weekends) based on operational needs (e.g., commissioning, maintenance windows, or experimental schedules). This is not a 24/7 on‑call position.

Work Standard

• 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
• 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 an organization that receives federal funding, SLAC and Stanford University have a COVID‑19 vaccination requirement that will apply to all university employees, including those working remotely in the United States and applicable subcontractors. To learn more about COVID policies and guidelines for Stanford University Staff, please visit: https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/working-stanford/covid-19/interim-policies/covid-19-surveillance-testing-policy

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

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. Profic