Experimental Support Associate

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 123,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, CA seeks a dynamic Science and Engineering Associate2 to deploy and support cutting-edge scientific computing infrastructure. You will support experiments like the Vera C.

Rubin Observatory and work on the X-Ray Laser project, contributing to software and hardware systems across cores and facilities. The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 3+ years of experience, with strong automation, Linux, and networking skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related scientific discipline plus three years of equivalent work experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience with Linux operating systems, scripting, and automation for system administration and performance optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to lead tasks, mentor junior staff, and communicate with technical and non-technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Install, configure, upgrade, validate, and deploy servers and workstations.
• Develop automation scripts using Ansible, Bash, and Python to streamline tasks.
• Maintain and update DCIM databases, and manage inventory and asset tracking.
• Provide operational support for computing hardware, storage, and networking infrastructure.
• Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to meet project deliverables.

Skills

Ansible

Bash

Python

Linux

Network administration

Documentation

Education

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

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

SLAC is one of the world's premier research laboratories, renowned for its groundbreaking capabilities in photon science, accelerator physics, high-energy physics (HEP), and energy sciences. The Scientific Computing System (SCS) Division within the Technology Innovation Directorate (TID) provides and manages computing and data resources for a number of prestigious national and international projects, including the Rubin Observatory, the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) user facility, CryoEM user facilities, the LHC ATLAS detector at CERN, and accelerator controls for LCLS-II.

Position Overview

JOB DESCRIPTION

SLAC is one of the world's premier research laboratories, renowned for its groundbreaking capabilities in photon science, accelerator physics, high-energy physics (HEP), and energy sciences. The Scientific Computing System (SCS) Division within the Technology Innovation Directorate (TID) provides and manages computing and data resources for a number of prestigious national and international projects, including the Rubin Observatory, the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) user facility, CryoEM user facilities, the LHC ATLAS detector at CERN, and accelerator controls for LCLS-II. The core and experimental support team (CoreX) Department within SCS is looking for a dynamic and enthusiastic Science and Engineering Associate. In this role, you have the exciting opportunity to deploy and support the cutting-edge scientific computing infrastructure that drives the scientific and data-intensive computing needs of experiments such as the next-generation astronomical facility (the Vera C. Rubin Observatory) currently under construction in Chile. You will also contribute to the development and support of the powerful X-Ray Laser at SLAC, which promises to yield groundbreaking discoveries in technology, new energy solutions, and improvements in quality of life.

Your Specific Responsibilities Will Be To

• Install, configure, upgrade, validate, and deploy servers and workstations.
• Operating system installation and configuration.
• Modify, repair, and troubleshoot compute, storage, and network hardware.
• Troubleshoot hardware and software errors by running diagnostics and documenting the problem and resolution.
• Maintain working components through repair or replacement.
• Improve existing scripts by evaluating objectives and specifications, reviewing proposed changes, and making recommendations.
• Maintain and manage assigned tickets in accordance with the team's ticketing standards, ensuring accurate information, proper organization, and consistent follow-up until resolution.
• Maintain internal infrastructure requirements, including workstations, servers, switches, and security updates.
• Maintain documentation related to internal processes, procedures, and standards, and promptly record any issues encountered.
• Perform administrative duties related to equipment and systems associated with research or engineering projects, as assigned.
• Communicate and collaborate well with team members.
• Procure and track hardware components to support projects.
• Flexibility to work outside regular business hours to support the successful completion of running experiments.
• Perform routine scheduled audits of the systems.
• Track and manage inventory of computing equipment and supplies, ensuring accurate records and timely replenishment of stock.
• Ensure Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) databases are up-to-date.
• Develop and implement automation scripts using languages such as Ansible, Bash, and Python, to streamline system administration tasks.
• Deploy and maintain virtual machines.
• Other duties may also be assigned to meet the group deliverables.

To Be Successful In This Position You Will Bring

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related scientific discipline plus three years of equivalent work experience, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Proven experience in applying scientific and engineering principles to perform complex technical services and support to various hardware and software systems.
• Demonstrate ability to lead tasks, manage resources, and mentor junior staff in technical and administrative tasks.
• Proficiency in documenting technical procedures, managing administrative duties, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining a high level of attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with software applications, Linux operating systems, and programming in Ansible, Bash, and/or Python for task automation, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical staff.
• Experience in network administration, encompassing troubleshooting of end-point devices and the management of network infrastructure.

In Addition, Preferred Requirements Include

• Experience working in a laboratory or research environment.
• You must demonstrate a willingness to learn and collaborate effectively with others, as many skills and experiences can be developed on the job.
• Demonstrated the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.

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, and 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, and presented messages
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Y ou are expected to reside locally and work onsite 5 days a week
• Be able to lift heavy objects (> 40 lbs)
• 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.

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 1General 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.

Classification Title: Science & Engineering Associate 2

Duration: Regular Continuing

Job code: 4992

Job Grade: J

The expected pay range for this position is $122,929 to $145,389 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary 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.