Senior Laser Safety Systems Architect

SLAC; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory's Laser Engineering Department seeks a Laser Safety Systems Engineer to own and maintain the Lab's Laser Safety Systems. You will design, implement, and upgrade PLC-based interlock systems and collaborate with physicists, operators, and engineers to ensure high availability and safety compliance.

The role requires a BS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Computer Engineering with 5+ years of experience, plus skills in Git, EPICS, Python, and Linux.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Computer Engineering with 5+ years of experience.
• PLC-based interlock system design, implementation, and support.
• Hardware experience with PLCs and HMI/GUI designs.
• Reading electrical schematics and troubleshooting.
• Documentation creation and maintenance for projects and user guides.
• Lead and direct multiple complex projects with integration across teams.
• Experience with version control systems, especially Git.
• Experience with end-to-end project management and stakeholder coordination.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Own and maintain PLC and wired interlock-based Safety Systems.
• Design, review, plan, and implement upgrades to maintain user availability.
• Collaborate with related SLAC safety systems groups.
• Ensure rigorous work planning and control: requirements, design reviews, testing, reports.
• Stewardship of Laser Safety Systems (LSS).
• Plan upgrades to minimize impact on 24/7 operations.
• Communicate with physicists, operators, electrical/mechanical engineers, and technicians.
• Hold and participate in safety systems reviews.
• Provide occasional 24/7 support for systems owned by the Laser Engineering Group.

Skills

Interlock systems design

Automation hardware design

Schematic reading

Documentation maintenance

Project leadership

Git collaboration

Cross-disciplinary teamwork

Effective communication

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Computer Engineering

M.S. in Computer Engineering/Science or Physical Science

Tools

Git

EPICS

Python

Linux

Structured Text

Job description

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory's Laser Engineering Department seeks a Laser Safety Systems Engineer to own and maintain the Lab's Laser Safety Systems. You will design, implement, and upgrade PLC-based interlock systems and collaborate with physicists, operators, and engineers to ensure high availability and safety compliance.

The role requires a BS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or Computer Engineering with 5+ years of experience, plus skills in Git, EPICS, Python, and Linux.