Senior Machine Protection Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park seeks an experienced Staff Engineer 3 to lead safety-critical Machine Protection Systems within SSRL's Protection Systems Group. You will own system requirements, guide modernization of interlocks, and ensure rapid fault detection across accelerator infrastructure.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, development of PLC-based control, ladder logic, AOIs, HMI diagnostics, and collaboration with accelerator physics, operations, vacuum, and

Qualifications

• BS in electrical/computer/related field or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of engineering experience with PLC-based interlock, control, protection, or safety-critical systems.
• Experience designing or maintaining complex systems with mixed-technology components.
• Ability to lead engineering work and upgrades across multiple stakeholders.
• Experience documenting changes and applying configuration management.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical ownership for Machine Protection System functions and define requirements.
• Modernize legacy MPS hardware to PLC-based interlock systems across upgrade cycles.
• Troubleshoot and calibrate legacy protection equipment to minimize downtime.
• Architect and review safety-critical interlock logic using Studio 5000.
• Develop HMI screens, diagnostics, and data-logging to improve operability.
• Lead commissioning, testing, and readiness for operations.

Skills

PLC-based interlock systems

Engineering leadership

Systems integration

Protection systems

Python / Linux

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical/computer engineering or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Studio 5000

Allen-Bradley PLCs

EPICS

MATLAB

Job description

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park seeks an experienced Staff Engineer 3 to lead safety-critical Machine Protection Systems within SSRL's Protection Systems Group. You will own system requirements, guide modernization of interlocks, and ensure rapid fault detection across accelerator infrastructure.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, development of PLC-based control, ladder logic, AOIs, HMI diagnostics, and collaboration with accelerator physics, operations, vacuum, and