Interlock & Controls Engineer for Scientific Instrumentation

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking a Control and Interlock Systems Engineer to lead machine protection interlock development for major upgrades and operations. You will join the ECS Design & Engineering Team to deploy highly functional control systems for beam delivery and instrumentation at LCLS.

The role requires expertise in Beckhoff TwinCAT PLCs, EPICS integration, distributed control architectures, and collaboration across operations, engineering, and scientists to ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related field with PLC/interlock experience.
• Extensive IEC 61131-3 programming experience, emphasis on Structured Text.
• Experience with industrial control architectures and network tech like EtherCAT/Modbus.
• Experience integrating PLC with higher-level control systems using EPICS/OPC UA.
• Knowledge of electrical schematics and control hardware principles.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain machine protection interlock systems for facility upgrades.
• Create specifications, design docs, test procedures, and commissioning plans.
• Design controls architectures using Beckhoff TwinCAT, EPICS, and industrial networks.
• Integrate PLC systems with supervisory systems and operator interfaces.
• Troubleshoot control systems and perform root-cause analysis.
• Produce engineering docs including diagrams and operating procedures.
• Participate in upgrades, modernization, and new facility projects.
• Research and evaluate new automation technologies.

Skills

IEC 61131-3 Structured Text

Industrial control systems

EtherCAT/Modbus/TCP networking

EPICS integration

OPC UA/ADS/modbus protocols

Git version control

Python/C++ programming

Linux scripting

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering

Advanced degree (engineering, CS)

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT PLCs

EPICS-based control systems

EPLAN/Visio

Job description

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is seeking a Control and Interlock Systems Engineer to lead machine protection interlock development for major upgrades and operations. You will join the ECS Design & Engineering Team to deploy highly functional control systems for beam delivery and instrumentation at LCLS.

The role requires expertise in Beckhoff TwinCAT PLCs, EPICS integration, distributed control architectures, and collaboration across operations, engineering, and scientists to ensure