Staff Engineer 3 - Mechanical Design, SSRL

Stanfordlivetickets; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 168,000 - 204,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

18+ PTO days

Health benefits

Flexible work options

Tuition and training assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory seeks a Staff Engineer 3 in Mechanical Design to drive innovative beamline component solutions. You will lead design activities, perform analyses, and coordinate with physicists and technicians to ensure successful fabrication, testing, and installation at Menlo Park, CA.

Required: 4+ years in mechanical design, CAD proficiency, and knowledge of FEA, heat transfer, and vacuum systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Design with 4+ years of experience.
• Strong knowledge of fabrication methods, precision engineering, and ANSI drawing standards.
• Experience with parametric CAD software and Windows environments.
• Demonstrated ability to develop innovative design concepts with analytical problem-solving.
• Familiarity with heat transfer, thermal stress, and structural analysis.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate design innovation and technical knowledge for beamline instrument designs.
• Lead component design, including CAD modeling, tolerancing, vendor coordination, and documentation.
• Oversee full lifecycle from concept to fabrication, testing, and installation.
• Provide project management leadership and conduct design reviews.

Skills

Mechanical design

GD&T

Finite element analysis

Thermal/structural analysis

Vacuum systems

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Master's or PhD degree (preferred)

Tools

Solid Edge

FEA tools

3D CAD modeling

Job description

Staff Engineer 3 - Mechanical Design, SSRL

Job Overview

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. The 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.
• 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:

• 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:http://www-group.slac.stanford.edu/esh/eshmanual/pdfs/ESHch01.pdf
• 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: L Job Code: 0133
• Duration: Regular continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $167,740- $203,787 per annum. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory/Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. 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.

At SLAC/Stanford, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.

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 05/21/2026, 12:00 AM
• Grade L
• Job Identification 6782

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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.

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