Staff Engineer 3 - Mechanical Design, SSRL

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory; California (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory’s SSRL Beam Line Development group seeks a mechanical engineer to advance advanced optical components for beamlines. You will lead design activities, perform analyses, and collaborate with physicists to define system requirements across the lifecycle from concept through installation.

The role emphasizes innovative design, precision engineering, and effective communication within a multidisciplinary team at a premier national user facility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering with 4+ years in mechanical design.
• Strong knowledge of fabrication methods, precision engineering, ANSI drafting standards.
• Proficiency with parametric CAD software and Windows environments.
• Experience developing innovative design concepts with analytical problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Lead component design and development from concept to documentation.
• Oversee full lifecycle of optical components, including testing and installation.
• Coordinate with scientists to define requirements and with technicians for assembly.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

GD&T/tolerancing

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Thermal and structural analysis

Project management

Communication and collaboration

Design innovation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Solid Edge

Other CAD software

FEM/FEA tools

Job description

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. 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.

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:

• Demonstrate design innovation and extensive technical knowledge in developing advanced solutions that address the evolving needs of the beamline user community.
• Lead component design and development activities, including concept generation, engineering analysis, 3D CAD modeling, material selection, application of engineering standards, GD&T/tolerancing, detailed drawings, vendor coordination, procurement support, and preparation of technical documentation in accordance with SSRL standards.
• Oversee the full engineering lifecycle of advanced optical components from initial concept through design, fabrication, testing, and field installation. Collaborate closely with physicists and scientists to define system requirements and work with mechanical technicians to ensure accurate assembly and successful installation.
• Provide project management leadership, conduct formal design reviews, and support system commissioning and validation following installation.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Design, with at least 4 years of professional experience in mechanical design using CAD platforms.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical fabrication methods, precision engineering practices, kinematic design principles, and ANSI drafting standards.
• Proficiency with parametric CAD software and experience working within a Windows-based computing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative design concepts, supported by strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Solid understanding of heat transfer fundamentals, thermal stress analysis, and structural analysis principles.
• Experience setting up and utilizing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools to perform thermal and structural simulations as required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with physicists, scientists, engineers, and technical staff.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Master’s or PhD degree, or equivalent experience, in Mechanical Engineering, with a minimum of two years of experience using Solid Edge or comparable CAD software.
• Strong understanding of precision mechanism design and vacuum-compatible engineering practices.
• Familiarity with optical systems and beamline components such as monochromators, mirrors, slits, collimators, and related instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of ultra-high vacuum (UHV) system design principles and applications.
• Experience using precision metrology 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:

• Interpersona