Controls Software Engineer

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Controls Software Engineer to develop and maintain software systems for operations at the Advanced Light Source (ALS) in Berkeley, CA. In this role, you will collaborate with engineers and scientists to create control system applications and user interfaces essential for accelerator operations.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and has experience in software development, especially with programming languages like Python and C++. This full-time position offers a salary range of $105,000–$128,000.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in software development or related technical work.
• Foundational knowledge of software engineering principles.
• Ability to develop, test, debug, and maintain software applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, deploy, and maintain control system software using EPICS.
• Assist in the development and enhancement of graphical user interfaces.
• Participate in software integration, testing, troubleshooting, and validation activities.

Skills

Software development

Python programming

C++ programming

Git

Technical writing

Data structures

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Tools

MATLAB

EPICS

Job description

Controls Software Engineer

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Controls Software Engineer within the Engineering division. This position will support the development, deployment, maintenance, and enhancement of software systems that enable operations of the Advanced Light Source (ALS), a world-class synchrotron user facility. Working within a collaborative team of software engineers, scientists, and technical staff, the incumbent assists in the design and implementation of EPICS-based control system applications, Physics Higher Level Applications, graphical user interfaces, and data management tools that support accelerator and beamline operations. Under general supervision, the Associate Software Developer applies established software engineering principles and development methodologies to complete assigned tasks and contribute to project objectives.

The position participates in software development, testing, documentation, commissioning, and operational support activities while gaining experience with accelerator control systems and scientific computing environments. Occasional off‑hours support may be required to help maintain reliable operation of this 24/7 user facility.

You Will

• Develop, test, deploy, and maintain control system software using EPICS and associated tools.
• Assist in the development and enhancement of graphical user interfaces, operator displays, data logging applications, and other tools used for accelerator and beamline operations.
• Develop and support Physics Higher Level Applications for the ALS accelerator complex using Python, MATLAB, and related scientific computing tools under guidance of senior staff.
• Participate in software integration, testing, troubleshooting, and validation activities to support operational and project objectives.
• Assist with commissioning new controls and software applications in collaboration with engineers, scientists, and technical personnel.
• Diagnose and resolve routine software issues, escalating complex problems as appropriate.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, user guides, software specifications, and development records related to assigned work.
• Present work progress, technical findings, and project updates during team meetings and technical discussions.
• Follow established software development methodologies, coding standards, and quality assurance practices.
• Participate in team activities related to source control, code review, issue tracking, testing, and continuous improvement of development processes.
• Collaborate effectively with software developers, accelerator physicists, engineers, and operations staff to support ALS scientific and operational goals.

We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Computational Biology, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 2 years of experience in software development or related technical work including internships, academic projects, or research experience.
• Experience developing software applications using modern programming languages such as Python, C++, Java, or similar.
• Experience using software development tools and practices, including Git.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies and technical concepts in a collaborative environment.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Foundational knowledge of software engineering principles, programming concepts, and software development life‑cycle methodologies.
• Understanding of object‑oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, and software design practices.
• Development experience with MATLAB, Python, and C/C++ programming languages.
• Knowledge or implementation experience with ML/LLM models on software code.
• Basic understanding of Linux/UNIX environments and software development tools.
• Ability to develop, test, debug, and maintain software applications under guidance from senior developers.
• Ability to use version control systems and collaborative development tools.
• Technical writing skills sufficient to prepare clear documentation and reports.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills for identifying and resolving routine software issues.
• Ability to learn complex scientific and technical systems and apply new knowledge effectively.
• Ability to work both independently on assigned tasks and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

Desired Skills / Knowledge

• Experience with Linux or UNIX‑based operating systems.
• Familiarity with scientific computing, data analysis, or engineering software environments.
• Exposure to control systems, instrumentation, automation systems, or distributed software architectures.
• Experience with EPICS, MATLAB, or similar scientific and engineering software frameworks.
• Experience developing graphical user interfaces, web‑based applications, or data visualization tools.
• Knowledge of software testing and quality assurance methodologies.

Additional Information

• Appointment type: full‑time 2 year term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to a career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continued availability of funds, and ongoing operational needs.
• Salary range: The expected salary for this position is $105,000 – $128,000, which fits into the full salary of $92,964 – $156,876 depending on the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and experience.
• Background check: 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 consideration for employment.
• Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites.
• Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.