Staff Engineer 4 - Mechanical Design, SSRL

SLAC; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 197,000 - 234,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits start when you start

Flexible work options

Tuition and training assistance

Commuter transportation benefits

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory's SSRL division seeks a Staff Engineer 4 - Mechanical Design in Menlo Park, CA. You will lead advanced mechanical system design for beamline instrumentation, and oversee full lifecycle from concept to installation, guiding cross‑functional teams of engineers and technicians.

The role requires CAD‑based design, FE A for thermal/structural challenges, and strong communication with physicists and scientists. Advanced degrees are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and 8+ years hands‑on CAD‑based mechanical design.
• Led full lifecycle projects from design through installation and commissioning.
• Subject matter expert in precision engineering, kinematic principles, and ANSI documentation.
• Analytical problem‑solving with innovative design conceptualization.
• Proficient in deploying FE A software to solve thermal/structural challenges.
• Strong written and verbal communication with physicists, engineers, and technicians.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of advanced mechanical systems and experimental facilities for SSRL beamlines.
• Lead component design, GD&T, drawings, vendor coordination, and technical documentation.
• Manage engineering process from conception to field installation, interfacing with physicists and technicians.
• Act as project manager for complex component or facility construction.
• Participate in assembling a world‑class team of engineers for SSRL.

Skills

Full lifecycle design

CAD-based design

FEA software

Precision engineering

Communication skills

Kinematic design

Education

Bachelors in mechanical engineering

Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

3D CAD

Faro arms

CMMs

Job description

Staff Engineer 4 - 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:

• Lead the effort to design advanced mechanical systems and state of the art experimental facilities to serve the SSRL 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.
• Manage the engineering process from conception through design, construction, and field installation. This includes interfacing with both physicists and scientists to develop project requirements and mechanical technicians to ensure proper component assembly and installation.
• Act as project manager for advanced component or facility construction by leading teams of senior mechanical engineers, technicians, and other specialized technical professionals.
• Participate in the assembly of a world-class group of engineers to serve the SSRL user community.

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, coupled with 8+ years of hands‑on experience in CAD‑based mechanical design.
• Led full‑lifecycle projects from design and fabrication through installation and commissioning.
• Subject matter expert in precision engineering, kinematic principles, mechanical fabrication, and ANSI documentation.
• Combines analytical problem‑solving with innovative design conceptualization.
• Proficient in deploying FEA software to solve complex thermal, thermal stress, and structural problems, with a focus on identifying optimal design solutions.
• Skilled at conveying technical information to physicists, engineers, and technicians, both verbally and in writing.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Advanced degree (Master´s or PhD) in Mechanical Engineering and hands‑on experience in CAD‑based mechanical design.
• Designed complex, high‑precision mechanisms and maintained strict vacuum compatibility standards.
• Integrated optical components (monochromators, collimators, mirrors) into specialized systems.
• Engineered UHV‑compatible components applying advanced vacuum design principles.
• Verified assembly precision using Faro arms, CMMs, and various hand‑held metrology tools.
• 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: M Job Code: 0134
• Duration: Regular continuing

The expected pay range for this position is $196,652 - $234,288 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 M
• Job Identification 6781

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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 contain or 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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