Lead Beamline Engineer – Hard X-ray Systems

SLAC; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 168,000 - 204,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO days

Health benefits

Flexible work

Tuition assistance

401k/Retirement plan

Commuter benefits

Job summary

SLAC's SSRL Materials Science Division is seeking a Beamline Engineering Group Leader to manage and mentor a team of engineers, oversee maintenance and upgrades of hard X-ray beamlines, and guide instrument development for advanced experiments. The role requires strong leadership, technical depth, and collaboration across divisions to enable high-impact science.

The successful candidate will develop strategic plans, supervise projects, and ensure safety, compliance, and excellent operational

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, chemistry, materials science or related field.
• At least 4 years of relevant experience in synchrotron radiation instrumentation or beamline engineering.
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams or managing projects of significant scope.
• Deep technical expertise in X-ray optics, precision motion systems, detectors or vacuum systems.
• Strong analytical, problem solving and design skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a team of beamline engineers across multiple hard X-ray beamlines.
• Set priorities, allocate resources, and ensure timely maintenance, upgrades, and user support.
• Develop long-term engineering plans for beamline upgrades and new instrumentation.
• Provide technical leadership on complex projects and oversee design reviews, procurement, fabrication, and commissioning.
• Partner with scientists to ensure beamlines meet evolving research needs and align with safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Strategic planning

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, chemistry, materials science

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

SLAC's SSRL Materials Science Division is seeking a Beamline Engineering Group Leader to manage and mentor a team of engineers, oversee maintenance and upgrades of hard X-ray beamlines, and guide instrument development for advanced experiments. The role requires strong leadership, technical depth, and collaboration across divisions to enable high-impact science.

The successful candidate will develop strategic plans, supervise projects, and ensure safety, compliance, and excellent operational