Mechanical Design Engineer

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 134,906 - 164,965; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks a Staff Engineer 2 in the SSRL Beam Line Development group to lead mechanical design and engineering analyses for advanced synchrotron beam line components. You will drive 3D CAD modeling, GD&T, and FEA in support of ultra-high vacuum systems, while coordinating with physicists and technicians across disciplines.

The role emphasizes robust design, project documentation, and cross-team collaboration to deliver reliable beam line capabilities for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with 2+ years of experience in mechanical design using CAD systems.
• Strong knowledge of fabrication methods, precision design, kinematic design, and ANSI drafting standards.
• Proficient in parametric CAD software and Windows environments.
• Ability to develop innovative design concepts with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Solid understanding of heat transfer, thermal stress, and structural analysis with familiarity of FEA.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead component conceptualization, engineering analysis, and 3D CAD development with material selection and vendor coordination.
• Manage full engineering lifecycle from concept to installation, coordinating with physicists, scientists, and technicians.
• Prepare and maintain design reports, reviews, cost estimates, schedules, and test documentation.

Skills

Mechanical design

CAD modeling

GD&T

Heat transfer

FEA

Vacuum systems knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Solid Edge

FEA tools

CMM / FARO arms

Job description

Position Overview

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) directorate of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is a national user facility providing synchrotron radiation for research in biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, material science, medicine, and physics. SSRL operates and maintains the 3GeV electron storage ring SPEAR3, the associated injector facility, and synchrotron radiation beam lines on SPEAR3. The SSRL Beam Line Systems (BLS) division designs, constructs, and commissions new synchrotron radiation beam lines and retrofits existing beam lines for new capabilities or improved performance.

Job Description

The SSRL Beam Line Development (BLD) group works with scientists and other engineers in the design of synchrotron radiation instrumentation and optics. Components of x-ray beam lines range in complexity from simple mechanical supports to intricate optical assemblies providing precise manipulation of optical elements subject to high thermal loads in ultra-high vacuum.

Your Specific Responsibilities Include

• Lead component conceptualization, engineering analysis, and 3D CAD model development, including material selection, application of relevant engineering standards, GD&T/tolerancing, detailing, vendor coordination, procurement support, and preparation of technical documentation in compliance with SSRL standards.
• Manage the full engineering lifecycle from initial concept through detailed design, fabrication, construction, and field installation, collaborating closely with physicists, scientists, and mechanical technicians to define requirements and ensure accurate assembly and integration.
• Prepare and maintain project deliverables including design reports, design reviews, cost estimates, schedules, system documentation, and test reports for assigned engineering projects.

To Be Successful In This Position You Will Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, or a related field, with 2+ years of experience in mechanical design utilizing CAD systems.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical fabrication methods, precision mechanical design, kinematic design principles, and ANSI drafting standards.
• Proficient in parametric CAD software and experienced working within Windows-based computing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative design concepts supported by strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Solid understanding of heat transfer, thermal stress, and structural analysis fundamentals, with familiarity of Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with experience collaborating across multidisciplinary teams including physicists, scientists, engineers, and technicians.

In Addition, Preferred Requirements Include

• Master’s or PhD degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, with 2+ years of experience using Solid Edge or comparable CAD software.
• Experience setting up and utilizing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools to perform thermal and structural analyses, including heat transfer and stress evaluation.
• Strong working knowledge of precision mechanism design and vacuum-compatible engineering practices.
• Familiarity with optical systems and components, including monochromators, mirrors, slits, collimators, and related instrumentation.
• Understanding of design principles and engineering considerations for ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems.
• Experience using precision measurement and inspection equipment, including coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), FARO arms, calipers, and dial indicators.

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

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• 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 the 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 1 General 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: Staff Engineer 2
• Grade: K Job Code: 0132
• Duration: Regular continuing

Pay

The expected pay range for this position is $134,906 - $164,965 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage 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.