Mechanical Engineer, SSRL Accelerator Division (Level 2)

Stanfordlivetickets; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO days

Health benefits

Flexible work options

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

SSRL, a part of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, seeks a Mechanical Engineer for the SSRL Accelerator Division to design, analyze, and maintain mechanical subsystems of accelerators, magnets, vacuum chambers, and cooling systems.

You will develop 3D models, perform analyses, review maintenance plans, and coordinate with Facilities, ESH, and Operations to keep the accelerator running safely and reliably.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience (or Master's with 1 year).
• Ability to conceptualize mechanical and system designs and strong analytical skills.
• Ability to develop and follow detailed engineering specs and safety procedures.
• Experience with a broad range of materials and manufacturing processes.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop component concepts and 3D models, perform analysis and materials selection, apply design standards, and document in SSRL style.
• Inspect accelerator mechanical systems, develop maintenance plans, and interface with technicians and operations staff.
• Prepare design reports, design reviews, cost estimates, schedules, system documentation, and test reports.
• Coordinate accelerator-related work with Facilities, ESH, Accelerator Operations, and other SLAC departments.

Skills

Mechanical design concepts

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field

Master's degree +1 year experience

Tools

CAD

FEA

Job description

Mechanical Engineer, SSRL Accelerator Division (Level 2)

Job Overview

Position Overview:

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a directorate of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, is a national Department of Energy Office of Science user facility providing synchrotron radiation for research in biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental science, material science, medicine, and physics. SSRL operates and maintains the 3 GeV electron storage ring SPEAR3, the associated injector facility, and synchrotron-radiation beamlines on SPEAR3. The SSRL Accelerator Division operates, maintains, and upgrades the SSRL accelerator complex and performs research and development toward a future major upgrade for the facility.

The Mechanical Engineering (ME) group of the SSRL Accelerator Division is responsible for the design, analysis, and upkeep of the mechanical subsystems of the SSRL accelerators, including magnets, vacuum chambers, and cooling water systems, as well as the mechanical aspects of all other subsystems, such as the RF, diagnostics and instrumentation, controls, and safety systems. The SSRL Accelerator Division seeks a skilled mechanical engineer to expand the group's capabilities and to fulfill the group's mission.

Your specific responsibilities will include:

• Develop component concepts and 3D models, perform analysis and materials selection, determine and apply appropriate design and manufacturing standards, and prepare thorough documentation in compliance with SSRL standards.
• Inspect and review the conditions of accelerator mechanical systems, develop and implement maintenance plans, and interface with technicians and operations staff to ensure proper system maintenance.
• Prepare design reports, design reviews, cost estimates, project schedules, system documentation, and test reports.
• Coordinate accelerator-related work with other SLAC departments such as Facilities, Environment Safety & Health, Accelerator Operations, and others as necessary.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, applied or engineering physics, or a scientific field related to synchrotron or XFEL radiation studies, and a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience. Alternatively, a Master's degree in these fields and a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience.
• Ability to conceptualize mechanical and system designs, and strong analytical and problem-solving skills combined with creative and innovative thinking.
• Ability to develop and follow detailed engineering specifications, system control documents, detailed project schedules, policy documents, and safety procedures.
• Exposure to a broad range of materials, manufacturing processes, and engineering design concepts.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, especially when interfacing with physicists, scientists, engineers, and technicians, and ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Ability to utilize CAD and finite-element analysis (FEA) tools to model and analyze mechanical designs and assist others in the utilization of these tools.
• Experience designing accelerator components such as magnets, vacuum chambers, water-cooling channels, high-radiation environments, or high-power radio-frequency components.
• 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, appropriately 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 his or her job.
• Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.

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 SLAC ESH Manual, Chapter 1 General Policy and Responsibilities: http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
• Work 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.

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• Grade: K Job code:0132
• Employment Duration: Regular Continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $134,967 - $164,720 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. 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.

Responsibilities

Minimum Qualifications

• Fixed Term N
• SLAC Business Area Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource Directorate (SSRL)
• Locations Menlo Park, CA, United States
• Job Schedule Full time
• Regular or Temporary Regular
• Job Category Research - Engineering
• Posting Date 01/30/2026, 12:00 AM
• Grade K
• Job Identification 6628

Benefits that support you, and your future

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance

403k plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Free and discounted commuter transportation

Applies to regular full-time positions.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
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 their job.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires 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.

For foreign national candidates

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Why work
at SLAC

Bold People
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Real Impact
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