Precision Timing Engineer

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, located in Menlo Park, CA, seeks an Associate Engineer to develop and maintain state-of-the-art timing and synchronization systems for the LCLS. The role emphasizes RF electronics, diagnostics, and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver precise timing for XFEL experiments.

Ideal candidates hold a BS in Electrical Engineering with 2+ years of related RF/system experience, and are proficient in Python or MATLAB for data analysis.

Qualifications

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related field and 2+ years of experience in RF systems development, verification and troubleshooting.
• Experience with PCB design, layout, manufacturing, and vendor coordination.
• Proficiency with data analysis using Python or MATLAB and prototyping of hardware/software.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain high-stability timing systems and RF electronics to support LCLS scientific program.
• Collaborate with operations, controls, laser, and experimental teams to meet timing requirements.
• Diagnose, modify, repair, and troubleshoot timing systems and diagnostics; investigate issues and implement corrective actions.
• Plan, install, test, and commission timing system hardware and infrastructure.

Skills

RF systems troubleshooting

Analytical thinking

Python/MATLAB data analysis

Independent work

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Oscilloscopes

Spectrum analyzers

Power supplies

Vector network analyzers

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Precision Timing Department in the LCLS Engineering Division is seeking an Associate Engineer to develop, characterize, integrate, and maintain state-of-the-art integrated timing and synchronization systems in support of complex science and research programs.

Position Overview

The Precision Timing Department in the LCLS Engineering Division is seeking an Associate Engineer to develop, characterize, integrate, and maintain state-of-the-art integrated timing and synchronization systems in support of complex science and research programs.

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is the world's first hard X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) and operates as a user facility for a global community of scientists, providing ultrashort, ultrabright pulses of X-rays to seven experimental instruments focused on specific areas of science. Femtosecond synchronization and stability of X-ray to laser coordination are integral parts of many of these experiments, and the Precision Timing Department is responsible for deploying and supporting cutting-edge timing systems for the groundbreaking scientific research at LCLS.

Major upgrades to LCLS are currently underway, representing well over a billion dollars of investment. Over the next years, LCLS will design and deliver an evolved suite of science instruments to transform this field, taking advantage of the orders-of-magnitude increase in X-ray beam power as the pulse repetition rate is increased from 120 pulses/second toward 1 million pulses/second. This drives the need for world leading performance of the timing systems that synchronize the optical laser pump sources to the X-ray beam.

This position will report to the Department Head for Precision Timing. Members of this group are responsible for the design, development, testing, facility integration, and operational support of timing systems integral to LCLS experiments.

SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA.

Your Specific Responsibilities Include

• Timing System Development & Support: Develop, implement, and maintain high-stability timing systems, associated RF electronics and diagnostics, to meet the demanding requirements of the LCLS scientific program.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work collaboratively with operations, controls, laser, and experimental systems staff to meet the precision timing requirements of the LCLS scientific program.
• Troubleshooting & Reliability Improvement: Diagnose, modify, repair, and troubleshoot timing systems and associated diagnostic equipment. Investigate operational issues, identify root causes, and contribute to corrective actions that improve system reliability and performance.
• Installation, Testing & Commissioning: Support the planning, installation, integration, and operational acceptance of precision timing system hardware, diagnostics, and related infrastructure.
• Engineering Documentation & Configuration Control: Prepare and review engineering drawings, bills of material, procedures, checkout documents, engineering change records, and technical documentation. Follow configuration management and change control best practices.
• Technical Projects & Continuous Improvement: Contribute to engineering projects and initiatives that improve the capability, maintainability, and operational readiness of LCLS precision timing and synchronization systems. Assist with resource planning, equipment selection, and implementation activities.
• Operational Support & Asset Management: Support world-class operations through on-call responsibilities, maintenance activities, inventory management, instrumentation support, and critical‑spares planning. Contribute to operational excellence by improving system reliability, developing maintenance and troubleshooting practices, and ensuring readiness of critical timing infrastructure.

To Be Successful In This Position You Will Bring

• BS in Electrical Engineering or related field and at least 2+ years of experience in the following areas:
• Test, verification, integration, and troubleshooting of RF systems
• Troubleshooting, root‑cause analysis, corrective‑action implementation, and maintenance of complex electronic or timing systems
• Printed circuit board (PCB) design, layout, manufacturing, and vendor coordination
• Extensive experience using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and power supply units (experience with vector network analyzers and phase noise analyzers is a plus).
• Experience with data analysis using Python/MATLAB, experimental process development, automation, and development or evaluation of prototypes.
• Experience leading technical initiatives, system deployments, upgrades, or facility infrastructure improvements from concept through operation.
• Extensive analytical skills to troubleshoot complex systems, identify root cause, evaluate technical tradeoffs, and drive issue resolution.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced and collaborative work environment while setting technical direction for assigned areas with minimal guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and provide technical direction to others in a diverse team environment.
• Experience applying complex scientific and engineering principles and practices to perform technical services and support for mission‑critical facility operations.
• Ability to write clear documentation, perform administrative duties, support configuration control, and maintain protocols related to scientific/engineering projects.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to communicate technical status, risks, recommendations, and project progress to internal and external audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to establish, communicate, and enforce compliance with health and safety policies and procedures.

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 his or her job.
• Given the nature of this position, SLAC will require onsite work.
• Work may include activities in laboratory, accelerator, experimental hall, and controlled‑access facility environments, subject to applicable training and work planning requirements.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Summary

An entry‑level position for a PhD graduate in a scientist position or a level for continuing career professional in an engineering position with fully functioning and independent skillset.

Scope Of Impact

Executes well‑defined priorities or specific programmatic objectives.

Knowledge And Expertise

Demonstrated expertise in a specific scientific or technical area and ability to apply this expertise to complete program or project objectives. Applies general principles, theories, and concepts, and contributes to the development and advancements. Proficient verbal and written communication skills necessary to collaborate.

Program Development

Contributes to the completion of milestones associated with specific projects and technical products to accomplish the laboratory’s goals.

Minimum Education And Experience Required

BS in applicable engineering or scientific discipline and 2 years of relevant experience

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