Lead Machine Protection Systems Engineer (PLC Modernization)

Stanfordlivetickets; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 168,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory’s SSRL is seeking a Staff Engineer 3 to lead safety-critical Machine Protection Systems and guide modernization of accelerator protection infrastructure. You will own system functionality, supervise multi-year upgrades, and ensure rapid fault detection to protect equipment and user science.

The role requires independent technical judgment, cross-functional coordination, and experience with PLC-based interlocks, HMI, and legacy systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, computer, systems engineering or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum 5 years of engineering experience with PLC-based interlock, control, protection, or safety-critical systems.
• Experience designing, maintaining, or troubleshooting mixed-technology systems with modern PLCs and legacy equipment.
• Ability to analyze problems, develop solutions, and lead implementation in operational environments.
• Experience documenting engineering changes and applying configuration management.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical lead for Machine Protection System functions and define system requirements.
• Lead migration of legacy MPS hardware to modern PLC-based interlock systems.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and calibrate legacy protection equipment to minimize downtime.
• Architect and review safety-critical interlock logic using Studio 5000 (Ladder Logic, Structured Text).
• Develop HMI screens, alarms, data logging, and fault-detection tools for rapid recovery.
• Develop test plans and lead commissioning activities during maintenance shutdowns.
• Own system documentation and apply change-control practices per SLAC standards.
• Coordinate work across accelerator physics, operations, vacuum, controls, and electrical engineering teams.
• Provide 24/7 on-call support for mission-critical systems.

Skills

PLC-based interlock systems

Technical leadership

Cross-functional coordination

Troubleshooting legacy systems

Ladder Logic/Structured Text

HMI development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Computer/Systems Engineering

Master’s degree in Electrical/Computer/Systems Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

HMI (OPIs/Seat)

Studio 5000

Job description

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory’s SSRL is seeking a Staff Engineer 3 to lead safety-critical Machine Protection Systems and guide modernization of accelerator protection infrastructure. You will own system functionality, supervise multi-year upgrades, and ensure rapid fault detection to protect equipment and user science.

The role requires independent technical judgment, cross-functional coordination, and experience with PLC-based interlocks, HMI, and legacy systems.